Theatre North Carolina

CREATIVITY SNAPSHOT: The Arts

CREATIVITY SNAPSHOT: The Arts

Thursday, November 12, 2009

5:30 - 7:00 PM at
DOS PERROS RESTAURANT
200 N. Mangum St., Durham, NC 27701

The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) and the Durham Arts Council invite you to this interesting conversation of how a community can support and welcome artists as part of its culture. This event is part of IEI's creativity program of work, and one lucky person will win a ticket to the Emerging Issues Forum on February 8 and 9, 2010.

Appetizers provided; Cash Bar
Admission is Free. Please reserve your space.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Panelists:
Todd Atlas - Owner, Sound Pure Studios Durham
Greg Kueber - Development Manager, Golden Belt, Durham
Sherry DeVries - Executive Director,Durham Arts Council
Nancy Tuttle May- Nationally recognized Visual Artist, Durham
Moderator: Anita Brown-Graham - Director, Institute for Emerging Issues


About the NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues

The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) is a public policy, think-and-do tank that convenes leaders from business, non profit organizations, government and higher education to tackle some of the biggest issues facing North Carolina’s future growth and prosperity. More about IEI here.

TCG Future Collaborations Grants

FUTURE COLLABORATIONS TRAVEL GRANTS
GUIDELINES AND APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE


Theatre Communications Group (TCG) announces the next round of New Generations: Future Collaborations travel grants.
Individual theatre practitioners and theatres may apply.

New Generations: Future Collaborations Grants
Winter/Spring deadline: Nov. 16, 2009
Summer/Fall deadline: Feb. 22, 2010

New Generations: Future Collaborations Grants
Amount: up to $6,000 per recipient

Geographically unrestricted travel grants of up to $6,000 will be paid to theatres and individual theatre professionals to facilitate international collaboration by way of hosting or traveling abroad.
Visit TCG's website for Guidelines and Application

NC Cultural Resources Announces $7.7 Million in Arts Funding

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Secretary Linda A. Carlisle announced today $7.7 million in funding for arts programs and projects across North Carolina for the 2009–10 fiscal year during a press conference today at the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Arts Council.

The organizational grants and federal stimulus grants for the arts are designed to support arts organizations who contribute to the economic, educational and cultural vitality of local communities throughout the state.

As a result of the support from the North Carolina General Assembly, along with funds from National Endowment for the Arts and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the funding will be distributed through 342 grants to organizations, 16 artist fellowships, three documentary grants and three internships.

In announcing the grants, Carlisle underscored the importance of the arts to North Carolina's economy and education. N.C. Arts Council grants provide artists in schools, afterschool arts programs for at-risk youth, innovative outreach to encourage participation, community revitalization, programs for populations in need, grassroots arts funding to ensure that every citizen has access to quality arts experiences, as well as ongoing support and organizational development.

"Education is vital to the mission of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources," Carlisle said. "More than 13.6 million people participated in Arts Council funded projects in North Carolina last year. Children make up about a quarter of that total. The majority of all Arts Council grants have an educational component, and this year 16 percent were direct Arts in Education projects."

Secretary Carlisle was joined by Majority Leader Sen. Tony Rand, N.C. Arts Council Board Chair Bobby Kadis, N.C. Arts Council Deputy Director Nancy Trovillion and Executive Director of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County Deborah Martin Mintz.

VIEW THE COMPLETE LIST OF GRANTS AWARDED HERE!

In addition to state funds, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a federal stimulus program designed to aid in the economic recovery of our state and nation, provided $718,850 to preserve a total of 104 jobs that might otherwise have been eliminated due to the economy.

The Creative Workforce Grants range from $10,000 for smaller organizations to $25,000 for larger organizations and will support the preservation of critical jobs and artists' contracts. Local arts councils, statewide service organizations and organizations that currently receive General Support and Outreach grants from the Arts Council were eligible to apply.

Nancy Trovillion, deputy director of the N.C. Arts Council, said that the selection of the Creative Workforce Grant recipients was a very difficult process given the challenges that all arts organizations face during this economic downturn. "We had 79 requests from many of the state's top arts organizations but only enough money to fund 18," she says. "We had to turn down many worthy requests. We chose those organizations that made an urgent case that core positions would be lost without our funding.

Funds will support workers in the arts, ranging from gallery managers to an arts education coordinator.

The following is a list of organizations receiving Creative Workforce Grants:

• Arts & Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg:
  $25,000 to support the position of program director.


• Caldwell Arts Council:
  $10,000 to support the positions of the executive director, administrative assistant and office assistant.


• Carolina Ballet in Raleigh:
  $25,000 to support 38 dancers' contracts.


• Chatham Arts Council:
  $10,000 to support the position of the executive director.


• DREAMS of Wilmington:
  $10,000 to the position of program planning and communications specialist.


• Durham Arts Council:
  $25,000 to support the position of creative arts in the public/private schools (CAPS) manager.


• Johnston County Arts Council:
  $10,000 to support the position of executive director.


• Kinston Arts Council, Inc. dba Community Council for the Arts:
  $10,000 to support of the position of program and exhibitions director.


• McColl Center for Visual Arts in Charlotte:
  $25,000 to support the position of director of education and research.


• Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee:
  $25,000 to support the position of the education director.


• Opera Carolina in Charlotte:
  $25,000 to support the positions of head of music preparation, music director and resident stage director.


• Pocosin Arts in Columbia:
  $10,000 to support the position of program coordinator.


• Salisbury-Rowan Symphony:
  $10,000 to support the positions of music director and executive director.


• St. Joseph's Historic Foundation in Durham:
  $20,000 to support the positions of facility manager, administrative assistant, gallery curator, site coordinator, outreach coordinator, marketing coordinator and volunteer coordinator.


• Stecoah Valley Arts, Crafts & Educational Center:
  $10,000 to support the positions of arts program director and arts gallery manager.


• Toe River Arts Council in Burnsville:
  $10,000 to support the position of gallery manager.


• Winston-Salem Symphony Association:
  $20,000 to support the position of assistant conductor/education director.


• YMI Cultural Center in Asheville:
  $10,000 to support the positions of arts education coordinator and administrative manager.

Two additional grants were funded by the Southern Arts Federation: the Asheville Symphony and Triad Stage for a combined amount of $54,750 to support a total of five full-time positions.

The grant money includes the seven North Carolina organizations that received support directly from the NEA totaling $325,000 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

About the North Carolina Arts Council

The North Carolina Arts Council works to make North Carolina The Creative State where a robust arts industry produces a creative economy, vibrant communities, children prepared for the 21st century and lives filled with discovery and learning. The Arts Council accomplishes this in partnership with artists and arts organizations, other organizations that use the arts to make their communities stronger and North Carolinians—young and old—who enjoy and participate in the arts.

TWO IMPORTANT FRIDAY DEADLINES!

OK, if you work in theatre in North Carolina and you aren't a dues paying member of NCTC then you are missing out. NCTC is your voice and the only way to make sure that NCTC's voice is loud and clear is for you to become a member, especially in this time of decreased funding and tight budgets.

Also, you've just got to come to the NCTC Producing Theatre Gathering. I can't tell you how much fun you will have! The networking opportunties are amazing! The sessions are going to be amazing! Secretary of Cultural Resources Linda Carlisle will be there and she will be amazing.

Check out the details below...

NCTC Producing Theatre Gathering - Registration Closes July 31

Registration for the 2009 NCTC Producing Theatre Gathering closes at 5pm on Friday.  We hope you will join the more than 50 theatre artists and administrators that have already registered!  Click here for registration and more information.

 

The Fine Print - all registration forms must be received by 5pm on Friday, July 31.  Payments may be made online, submitted by mail, or at the door.  You may also choose to take advantage of our Register Now, Pay Later offer.  To do so, simply email your registration form to angelahays@nctc.org and tell me when you might be able to submit payment.  Any member may take advantage of this offer, provided that your membership dues are current and your gathering payment is received no later than April 1, 2010

NCTC Membership - Discount Rates End July 31

NCTC is offering a 10% discount on membership dues, if you renew and pay by 5pm on Friday.  (Memberships run from July 1 – June 30).  Please take this opportunity to renew your membership and continue your commitment to NCTC. 

Click here to renew your NCTC membership. In 2009-2010, we continue the programming that you know and love – the High School and Middle School Play Festivals, the Producing Theatre Gathering, the Fall Theatre Gathering with the SETC Screening Auditions and Unified College Auditions and Fair, and so on.  We will also continue to work closely with Arts NC to speak as the united voice for theatre advocacy in this state. Your membership dollars make up 25% of our annual income; but, beyond the dollars, your membership ensures that we can continue to harness the power of numbers. We can advocate with more strength; we can educate more young artists; and we can consider new ways to grow. NCTC is dedicated to improving and enhancing the environment for quality theatre in NC through service, leadership and advocacy and we can only continue this mission with your help. The Fine Print - to receive the 10% discount, your membership form and payment must be received by 5pm on Friday, July 31.

Raising Funds in an Economic Meltdown

Katya Anderson, author of the book Robin Hood Marketing, has a fantastic blog called Getting to the Point. Katya has a great post called 5 Keys to Pulling out of the Economic Nosedive. The tips are fairly simple, but that's the point. It's always best to remember the fundamentals, but it's absolutely vital when things get nutty. Check out some of the tips below.

Here are five keys to pulling yourself and your message together to survive 2009.  They are all variations on an important theme: give donors what they want during tough times. 

1. Give donors what they want: to feel good.

That’s right.  Donors want to feel good, especially right now.  They want a helper’s high.  They want to have an impact, make a difference and attain an emotional ROI.  You don’t give that to them with a desperate, doom and gloom message about your dire need.  Even if you’re feeling negative, there is no need to share that emotion unless there is a happy windup to your appeal.  Who can the donor save?  What can they make possible?  How can they be a superhuman life-changer for a small sum?  Tell them that.  It’s good stuff.  It’s motivating stuff.  It works.  DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THIS.  Times are tough and if you can
make people feel good about themselves and what they’ve done, that’s worth a lot to them.

2. Give donors what they want: to hear from people they know.

Now’s a good time to change up the messenger.  People are going to be in a kind of mental fetal position this year, clinging to their nearest and dearest in this scary world.  So if you put your cause in the mouths of their friends and family, you’re going to get much further than you would messaging alone.  Ask your supporters to spreadthe word about you.  The messenger will be key this year, and it’s best if it’s not you.

Keep reading...

Donor-Centered Research

I received the message below from the Wilma Theatre in Philadelphia today. Apparently Cygnus Applied Research, Inc is researching the donor trends of not-for-profit organizations across the country. There aren't many more details, but it looks like the results will be presented on February 9th, 2009. Cygnus is run by Penelope Burk author of the book Donor-Centered Fundraising, which I hear is very good. I'll add it to the reading list.

Everyone has an opinion on the economy, but real insight is rare. Planning in this economic environment is challenging and the strategies not for profits use to apply scarce resources are more important than ever.

Our organization is one of 170 not-for-profit organizations participating in a national study on philanthropy and the economy. Collectively, we represent every kind of charity and all regions of the country. Cygnus Applied Research, Inc., specialists in research on fundraising and philanthropy, is leading this project and covering its full cost.

The study, which asks donors about the relationship between the economic situation and their charitable giving, is completely anonymous and confidential. You will not be asked about your giving to any specific organization, including ours. Completing the questionnaire should take no more than ten minutes.

This national survey offers timely access to information we need to navigate this challenging economy. It is also a powerful vehicle for making donors' voices heard, not just by us but by charitable organizations from coast to coast.

Please participate in this survey by clicking here.

I'll post more once the report (see below) is ready!

In partnership with many prominent charities and institutions, Cygnus is currently asking American donors to reflect on the impact of economic concerns on their philanthropy. The objective of this study is to help American not-for-profits position themselves for success in these turbulent times. The results will be especially important for fundraising planning, budgeting, soliciting and donor communication. Publication of the national findings is scheduled for February 9th.

CauseWired

CauseWired - Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World - the Rise of Online Social Activism

This book could be awesome. I just hear about it today, but I love what I've read so far.

A review here.


Another nice one here. . .

If you’re in the nonprofit world and haven’t yet taken advantage of the
online space, then this book is full of great ammunition for you to
take to your executives to persuade them that it’s the right thing to
do.

I'm going to read it ASAP and will let all you performing arts social media advocates know what the deal is. If you have read this book please let me know what you think. I have high hopes!

Jonathan Larson Grants

The American Theatre Wing will be the
new home for the Jonathan Larson Grants. They are currently accepting
applications for through November 1, 2008. If you would like further
information please visit our website at:

http://americantheatrewing.org/larsongrants/

If you'd like to
receive our monthly newsletter and updates on programs and
invitations to events consider signing up:

http://www.patronmail.com/pmailweb/PatronSetup?oid=1705

Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You. . .

Great article from Philanthropy Journal.  Do you read the Philanthropy Journal? You should add it to your RSS feed for sure! They always have great articles tips, webinars and more. I like this article about simple ways to get to know your audience? What do you think? Ever done a focus group?

Getting to know your audience

Stacy Jones | September 19, 2008

 

"Seniors don't look for services on the internet."  This statement made at a conference by a leader in the senior-services field is not unlike other comments made by nonprofit leaders about their intended audience.

 

In fact, a 1999 report by Media Matrix focused on the fact that older users had become the fastest growing demographic on the Internet and that baby boomers totaled 20 percent of all online users in the US.  Let's not forget that report is almost 10 years old and computers and internet access are more accessible than ever.

 

No matter who the intended audience may be, the reality is that nonprofits are often faced with more questions about their audience than they have answers.  In response to uncertainly, nonprofits make assumptions, guess about their audience's habits and find they struggle to get the word out about their organization. Conducting market research is the key to unlocking the answers and getting to know your audience better. Market research can be simple, informative and even affordable. 

 

When thinking about using market research strategies, think about what questions are important in getting to know how your audience receives information.

 

Questions could include how your current and intended audience would like to hear from you (website, e-mail marketing, direct mail, newspaper, radio) and how often. Ask how your audience generally finds information on services, volunteer opportunities and donating. Answers to these questions can go a long way in helping to shape future marketing efforts.

 

Track what's working. One of the easiest first steps is to track what marketing strategies are already working.  As new clients, donors or volunteers first come to the organization, always ask how they heard about you.  Track their responses and see what's working best and what's not.

 

Survey your own constituency. Using a practical survey tool like Zoomerang or Survey Monkey, nonprofits can easily and affordably send a survey to current and intended audiences and ask important questions to help make their marketing efforts more strategic. 

 

Focus Groups. Bring your intended audience together in small focus groups to really get to the heart of the matter.  Focus groups allow you to ask targeted questions and get feedback from your audience in a way that allows discussion about the topic. Focus groups tend to have 6-10 participants and can last from 1 to 2 hours.

 

Talking to others. Talk to other nonprofits or even local businesses that market themselves to your intended audience.  Find out what's working for them and what's not.  Share ideas, explore market research studies already completed about your audience and put practical changes in place.

 

Using some simple marketing research strategies can help a nonprofit go a long way in maximizing limited resources and reaching intended audiences more strategically.

Stacy Jones is a nonprofit marketing consultant based in Troy, N.Y. and a Shoestring Creative Group Network Affiliate.  Stacy can be reached at affiliates@shoestringgroup.com or 888.835.6236.