| ORGANIZATIONS' NEWSLETTER News and Opportunities for the Cultural Nonprofits and Creative Businesses of Fairfield County, CT
August 11, 2018 |
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| | The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a nonprofit service organization that supports its members through unified marketing, capacity building, professional development, and advocacy services. This newsletter is sent to all who request it - but we ask that, if you are not a member, you explore membership benefits and consider joining this community of more than 600 individuals and organizations. Sign up here |
| | | | NEW WEBSITE: PREPARE YOUR PROFILES |
| The new integrated Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County + FCBuzz.org website is nearing completion. FCBuzz will be an integral part of the CAFC website and be known as FCBuzz Events. FCBuzz.org will automatically redirect visitors to the new FCBuzz Events section of our new website. We will be loading the new site with members' profiles and events later in August, for a launch in September. This is a perfect opportunity to think about the way you present yourself to visitors to our site. In preparation for your re-do on FCBuzz Events, have a look at how your peers present themselves on our current site here. |
| | NEXT "SPOTLIGHT" ON MUSEUMS OF THE FUTURE |
| | | Monday August 13th's Spotlight on Arts & Culture program on WPKN 89.5FM will explore what the successful museums of the future are going to look look like by speaking with Kathy Maher, Executive Director of Bridgeport's Barnum Museum. Even before storms ravaged large sections of the Barnum, Kathy was envisioning how the museum would develop its appeal to a national audience, as well as continuing to evolve in its complex role in Bridgeport's cultural and economic landscape. The 2010 EF1 tornado, and hurricanes Irene and Sandy gave added impetus to reimagine the museum. Under Maher's leadership, the Museum is focusing on new and innovative methods, integrating history, arts, science and technology to create a dynamic 21st century Museum for the future. With new partners in the convention, entertainment and tourism business, the Barnum is joining museums across the board that are re-aligning themselves with the "edutainment" interests of all generations. Hear about the Barnum's progress and the national developments it is part of. |
| | SAVORCITY ON THE DECK OF DOLPHIN'S COVE
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| SavorCity continued its tour of the culinary hidden gems of the most diverse city in Connecticut by visiting Dolphin's Cove Restaurant and Marina in Bridgeport's East End on Aug. 7. Some 35 guests enjoyed the seafood and Portuguese favorites (as well as a shockingly good eggplant Parmigiana). A distant lightning storm over the Sound provided added and unexpected entertainment. Stay tuned for the date of our next visit: in September we will sample the delights of Ola Latin Kitchen in Bridgeport's West End. Follow SavorCity on Facebook here. |
| | | | IN FY2016 and 2017, the Cultural Alliance organized its "Progressive Gallery Tour" - monthly visits to commercial gallery members, beginning in Greenwich and moving in a north-easterly direction with each new month's visit. So Greenwich was followed by Stamford, New Canaan, Norwalk and so on. In response to many requests to re-insitute the Tour, we are announcing that we will be re-launching the tour this September with a visit to three, and possibly five, galleries on Sat. Sept 15, 2-5pm. The names of the galleries, the exhibitions they will be showing, and the program for each stop, will be announced when all is confirmed - but Save the Date! |
| | ORGANIZATION MEMBERS SOCIAL: OCT. 4 |
| | Another Save The Date for all Organizational Members of the Cultural Alliance: all EDs, board members, marketing officers, and all staff are encouraged to attend an Organization Members Social, hosted by Kevin Connors at the Music Theatre of Connecticut (509 Westport Ave., Norwalk) on Thursday, Oct. 4, 5:30-7:30pm. $20 tickets will cover all your refreshments and will be on sale soon. There will be some speed network-ing to get you acquainted with one another and more to be announced. So, hold that date! |
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❦ – Latest List by Town of Organization and Creative Business Members: here
❦ – Latest List by Town of Artist Members: here
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| | | | ROUND-UP OF MEMBERS' NEWS |
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The Barnum Museum has received a $6.9 million grant-in-aid from the CT State Bonding Commission, largely in response to a request from the Bridgeport legislative delegation. The funds will be used to assist with the design and construction of infrastructure repairs and improvements, ongoing building stabilization and site improvements. The Barnum suffered major damage from storms in recent years, especially to its unique dome, and repairs have been limited due to financial constraints. Barnum staff have raise $6 million for the restoration of damaged artifacts and for the development of plans for the future design of the museum, but reconstruction has been stalled for lack of funds. Said CT State Historian, Walter Woodward, "This investment solidly advances the bold and spectacular vision of a Barnum Museum that will be a must-see tourist attraction and economic engine for downtown Bridgeport. It is the needed catalyst for the kind of future Barnum himself would have created for the city and state he loved.” More... Photo: Senate Chair of the Finance Committee’s Bonding Subcommittee Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) with Kathy Maher, Executive Director of The Barnum Museum. |
| | The Discovery Museum also recently received a grant-in-aid from the CT State Bonding Commission. The Museum's grant was $1,854,000 which will be used to assist with renovations, including an upgraded state-of-the-art planetarium, and improvements to exhibit, classroom and theater spaces. |
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The Bridgeport Free Public Library (BPL) has announced the appointment of Elaine Braithwaite to serve as Interim City Librarian effective August 1, 2018. She will provide oversight and direction for overall operations of the library and its branches and will be closely involved with implementing the library’s strategic plan, day-to-day library operations and patron services. Ms. Braithwaite, who has worked in academic and public libraries for over 25 years, started as a page in the Music Division of the New York Public Library’s (NYPL) Performing Arts Research Library. In her career, she has worked at the NYPL’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Touro College in New York City, as an academic librarian and adjunct instructor of English, as Branch Manager at West Haven Public Library, and as Assistant Director at the Mount Vernon Public Library. She holds a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport. Her B.A. is in Music from Hunter College, CUNY.
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| | INTEMPO has received a two-year renewal of a PlayUSA grant from Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. INTEMPO is one of 15 organizations and the only one based in Connecticut to be selected by Carnegie Hall to receive this highly competitive grant. It provides $60,000 of financial support for 2019 and 2020, and enables INTEMPO to join a nationwide network of innovative organizations committed to providing transformative music education opportunities for young musicians. “Carnegie Hall is investing in Connecticut and affirming INTEMPO’s mission,” says Durrell. “We know that culturally relevant and inclusive music education is a necessity, and we feel grateful that Carnegie Hall is helping us make this possible for our community.” At right Valeria, age 10, is one of the students who will benefit from Weill Music Institute's investment towards intercultural music education. |
| | The Klein has appointed Jeffrey Earls as Director of Development, replacing the retiring Diane Generous. Earls spent over 30 years in the insurance brokerage field, but then, in 2008 he elected to move into non-profit work full-time. Starting a new practice called J. Wilder Associates he focused on development work assisting numerous non-profit organizations with event planning, grant writing, annual appeals and campaigns. In 2011 he joined Family ReEntry in Bridgeport, and then became the Director of Development of ReadWorks in Brooklyn, in 2017. He is President of his family foundation, which was started in 1987, and has been involved with numerous causes over the years and actively participates at the Board Level. Laurence Caso, The Klein's Executive Director, pointed out that "the fact that Jeffrey is our first ever full-time development director is a reflection of our recent growth, and his wealth of experience is an indicator of many more positive changes to come." |
| | New England Dance Theater (NEDT) in collaboration with Attitude Dance & Active Wear in Westport, have joined forces on an arts initiative in Norwalk. NEDT has been providing a free summer dance program and performance with costumes and free apparel, make up, grooming supplies and shoes to the campers of the Carver Center in Norwalk. The directors of New England Academy of Dance (NEAD), Ted Thomas and Frances Ortiz have donated their teaching along with Alumni of NEAD, Colleen Brereton and Taylor Davis, recent Darien High School graduates, have been teaching dance classes every Tuesday and Thursday that culminated with a performance for parents on Aug. 2. This is a pilot summer program that NEAD hopes to continue. NEAD is also offering a scholarship for continued dance classes during the school year to two students. Click image for complete photo. |
| | | | FIRST EVER GUBERNATORIAL FORUM ON ARTS, CULTURE & FUTURE OF CT ECONOMY
On July 31, more than 300 people attended the first ever Gubernatorial Forum on Arts, Culture and the Future of Connecticut's Economy, organized by Create the Vote CT, the nonpartisan public education initiative designed to raise awareness and support for arts and cultural issues among voters and candidates for governor. Among the attendees were representatives from the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and member organizations City Lights Gallery, Fairfield Theatre Company, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, The NEST Arts Factory and WPKN 89.5FM. Five of the eight candidates appeared: Democrats Joe Ganim and Ned Lamont, Republicans Tim Herbst, and David Stemerman, and Independent Oz Griebel. As several commentators pointed out, no-one proposed solutions to the funding decline for the arts and several candidates insisted the fiscal crisis and the underfunded pension liabilities of the state had to be solved first. As The Day's Lisa McKinley wrote, no candidate was ready to move on recognizing the arts as an investment not a giveaway: "Candidates are not showing much openness to increasing the state's $4.2 million annual investment in the money-makers that arts and cultural organizations have proven themselves to be — even though increased investment is having excellent returns in other states, including Massachusetts." If you missed the forum, or want to re-live it, you can listen to the conversation here and watch the livestream here. See the media reports here: Now of course, remember to vote in the August 14 primaries!
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| KRISTINA NEWMAN-SCOTT LEAVES CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE ARTS
The Brooklyn nonprofit arts organization BRIC has appointed Kristina Newman-Scott as its new president (see New York Times article). BRIC is perhaps best known for its flagship summer concert series, the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival. Kristina served as Director of Culture for the State of Connecticut since May 2015. Her last day of state service was August 2. Prior to this role, Newman-Scott served as the Director of Marketing, Events, and Cultural Affairs for the City of Hartford; the Director of Programs at the Boston Center for the Arts; and Director of Visual Arts at Hartford's Real Art Ways. "Kristina has done a terrific job bringing innovation and inclusion to our cultural programs and she will be sorely missed at DECD and across the state," said Catherine Smith, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. "I have depended on her strong arts experience, creative approach to problems and ever-thoughtful decision making abilities. Though thrilled for her and the opportunity that BRIC presents to Kristina at this stage of her career, we will feel the gap in the loss of her leadership at DECD. We wish her the best in her future role." Kristina wrote in a final statement in her position: "I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the State of Connecticut as Director of Culture. It has been tremendous to work alongside a strong leader in Commissioner Catherine Smith, who empowered our team to be bold and innovative. I will miss my staff but know that they will continue to thrive. Connecticut has strong and vital arts and historic preservation communities, and I am encouraged by its willingness to double down on relevance, equity, access, diversity and inclusion (R.E.A.D.I) as a model to empower the citizens of our state.
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| | | REMEMBER TO VOTE ON PRIMARY DAY TUES AUG. 14 |
| | | | RACIAL EQUITY HERE
Public, private, and philanthropic organizations have announced the Racial Equity Here commitment, an effort to dismantle structural racism in the U.S. Recognizing the need to collectively tackle growing racial disparities, these institutions invite others to join them in taking clear steps to prioritize racial equity in their work. Racial Equity Here is a collaboration led by Living Cities and the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a project of Race Forward, and the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society. Go to the commit page where you can pledge to: LEARN - Develop shared understanding of key racial equity concepts; ACT - Make racial equity an explicit part of your work by using a simple racial equity tool in decision-making; and PARTNER - Work with organizations locally and nationally to advance racial equity. More than 190 groups have committed so far to create more equitable communities and workplaces. |
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| | NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR HUMANITIES ANNOUNCES AWARDS
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced $43.1 million in awards for 218 humanities projects across the country. This is the third and final round of funding for FY2018. The grants include the first awards made under NEH’s new Infrastructure and Capacity-Building Challenge Grant program, which will support infrastructure projects at 29 U.S. cultural institutions in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Of the four grants to Connecticut institutions, Fairfield County received one: an award of $574,833 to Fairfield University for the renovation of an existing space within the university’s DiMenna-Nyselius Library to create a facility dedicated to special collections; it would include a reading room, a collections storage room, and a preservation and digitization lab. Project Director is Brent Mai. |
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| | | | OFFICE OF THE ARTS GOOD TO GREAT OCTOBER 1
The Good to Great grant program provides between $50,000 and $125,000 in funding for Capital Projects that link art, history and tourism in ways that enhance the visitors’ experience of a cultural venue and/or historic site. The program is designed for small to medium-sized organizations with an average annual income of $500,000 or less, and which have received limited state funding in the recent past. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations that own, operate and/or sponsor a cultural venue or historic site in Connecticut. The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) seeks applications which look beyond basic facilities repair, rehabilitation or expansion towards new means of telling the stories of our state’s rich history and culture in engaging, meaningful, and relevant ways. Collaborative projects that demonstrate a clear vision of how individual sites and organizations can effectively tie together local, regional or statewide cultural assets, will be prioritized. The application deadline is Oct. 1, 2018. The historic site must be listed (or eligible to be listed) on the State and/or National Register of Historic Places. Municipalities and previous Good to Great grant recipients are ineligible. Good to Great is a reimbursement program. Grantees are responsible for all upfront expenses. All expenditures will be reviewed and approved prior to reimbursement. Good to Great grant awards require a cash match of no less than 25%. The cash match must be confirmed at time of application cannot come from other state funds, nor be in the form of in-kind goods/services. Guidelines posted August 20. |
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| USARTISTS INTERNATIONAL GRANT PROGRAM
SEPTEMBER 7
USArtists International supports performances by U.S. artists at important cultural festivals and arts marketplaces around the globe. Committed to the presence of U.S. based artists on world stages, USArtists International provides grants to ensembles and individual performers in dance, music and theatre invited to perform at significant international festivals and performing arts markets. USAI encourages and promotes the vibrant diversity of U.S. artists and creative expression in the performing arts by expanding opportunity and exposure to international audiences, encouraging international cultural exchange and enhancing the creative and professional development of U.S. based artists by providing connections with presenters, curators and artists around the world. USAI extends the reach and impact of professional touring artists and ensembles from the United States and is committed to expanded touring opportunities for continued sustainability of U.S. artists. USAI provides grants of up to $15,000 towards support of artist fees, travel, accommodations, per diem, shipping and visa preparat ion. For projects taking place between December 15, 2018 and December 14, 2019. Certification Sheets and letters of invitation due by September 14, 2018. Guidelines available here. |
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| | | | U.MASS AMHERST ARTS EXTENSION SERVICE LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE
Are you looking to propel your career forward? Do you want to build your leadership skills and add credentials to prepare you for a promotion or career move? You can, with the Leadership Certificate from the groundbreaking, accredited, and trusted educator in the field, the UMass Arts Extension Service! The Leadership Certificate provides advanced skills and knowledge necessary for mid-career and seasoned arts managers to advance their agendas. Your four classes will include Cultural Equity in the Arts and Cultural Policy and Advocacy, and your choice of two of the following courses, including: Strategic Planning, Board Development, Creative Economy and Placemaking, Greening your Nonprofit Arts Organization, or the new Leadership in Arts-Based Community Development course coming next year. Admission to the Leadership Certificate program is competitive. Classes are 100% online, affordable, open to international students, and give you the credentials you need to get ahead! Our instructors are experts in their field and come with decades of practical experience, so your lessons and feedback are relevant and experience-based. For more information or to apply, click here. |
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| CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 ALBUQUERQUE, NM NOVEMBER 1-3
Join fellow artists, activists, educators, policy-makers, students, dreamers, healers, truth-tellers, and allies for CULTURE/ SHIFT 2018 This intercultural, intergener-ational gathering will bring people from across the country for skill-building, relation-ship-building, and engaged learning, deepening a movement for cultural democracy. The gathering is hosted by in partnership with the City of Albuquerque Department of Cultural Services and New Mexico-based arts and social justice organizations. On the program: to create, explore, and amplify strategies for cultural healing, resilience, and resistance. What are the leverage points for shifting from a consumer culture rooted in isolation and inequality to a creator culture rooted in community and equity? How can Citizen Artists sustain presence, well-being, and hope in challenging times? Through participatory workshops, performances, talks, and interactive art-making, themes such as migration, indigenous cultural rights, climate justice, public memory, ethics of community-based arts, community develop-ment/displacement, and more will be explored. Proposals for workshop sessions, short performances and talks are being accepted through Aug. 20. Participatory sessions that give people new skills or tools, create collaborative oppor-tunities, and/or enable deep dialogue on important themes across art, culture, community development, and social justice are encouraged. Details + registrations here. |
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| | | Professional Development Events Coming Up... |
| | | | YALE PEABODY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Reporting to the Director of the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Director of Public Programs is responsible for creating a broad vision and framework for public programs that will enhance the understanding and appreciation of the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. The Director will build on and hone the current range of exhibition and educational programming offerings and forge the identity of the Museum’s public programs through active collaboration with Museum and University colleagues, as well as partners from the community. The Director will contribute significantly to the Museum’s role as a vital creative and intellectual force for its various constituencies, leading the strategic promotion of the Museum’s public programs. The Director will be expected to participate in the larger professional community of museum public programming, and serve as a leader in the field. Supervisory responsibilities include all exhibition and educational staff at the Peabody, as well as interns and students. Evening and weekend work will be required.
Required Education and Experience:
Master’s Degree and five years of museum programming experience or equivalent education and experience.
Qualifications: Flexible, energetic, creative, entrepreneurial leader, with strong consensus-building skills. Talented problem solver. Highly proficient at managing multiple priorities and a proven ability to build and maintain influence and trust with a wide array of constituencies, including staff, researchers, and colleagues, and to work collaboratively and independently. Ability to translate institutional identity, ideas, direction, and themes into exhibitions and programmatic experiences across a wide range of topics, toward the Museum’s long-range academic program and profile at the University. Strong interest in and familiarity with museums; commitment to object-based research and teaching. Strong written, editing, and oral communication skills; ability to think analytically and quantitatively to formulate budgets, and more. Preferred Education and Experience: Significant experience in programming, with at least three years of experience in a museum and /or university environment. Knowledge and interest in natural history. For more information and immediate consideration, please apply online at http://bit.ly/2L2Z3GI |
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| | DOWNTOWN CABARET SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING MANAGER
Bridgeport's Downtown Cabaret seeks a Social Media Marketing Manager who will play a key role in the management and maintenance of the theatre’s social media, traditional marketing, and digital marketing efforts. Additional duties will include box office will call and sales. Must be able to work on weekends. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following: - Design and implement all email and social marketing campaigns
- Coordinate, create, and produce content across social platforms
- Monitor and maintain website content
- Proofread print & digital marketing products
- Coordinates photography at shows and other key moments
- Develop a matrix for tracking and measuring the results of all digital marketing initiatives and generate weekly reports on results
- Assist with special projects as necessary
Skills/Qualifications: - B.A. in Communications, Marketing, English or related field
- 2+ years experience in Marketing, preferably for a non-profit or arts organization
- 2-3 years of professional experience handling Social Media Accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc)
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent written and oral communication
- Familiarity with Wordpress, Google Analytics, MailChimp or similar programs a plus
- Interest in theatre a plus!
Experience: Social Media Marketing: 2 years; Marketing: 2 years; Theatre: 1 year Education: Bachelor's |
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| | | | | SPACE FOR RENTStamford Art Association, 39 Franklin Street, Stamford. Second floor of the Townhouse Gallery is available for rent for solo or small group exhibit November 11-December 16, 2018. 25 wall works can be hung and pedestals are available. The fee is $500 for SAA member and $550 if not. Please contact SAA at stamfordartassn@optonline.net or 203 325 1139. |
| | MARKETING INTERNSJoin Milford Arts on an exciting journey in the realm of marketing, PR, and Communication. We would like to work beside and guide any student who is willing to help us find ways to engage the community through social media and beyond. Join the heart of the arts! |
| | MUSEUM DOCENTSThe Bruce Museum is seeking new docents to join its team of knowledgeable and friendly volunteers who conduct guided tours of the Museum’s diverse art and science exhibitions and educational programs. An orientation session for new docents is scheduled for Friday, September 7, 10am-12pm at the Bruce. This year, the Museum is seeking volunteers specifically interested in working with children and family audiences, who comprise an ever-growing percentage of museum visitors. To request a docent application, please contact Kathleen Holko at kholko@brucemuseum.org or 203-413-6741 by August 24. |
| | | MEMBERS: Please post your Job Opportunities in FCBuzz Classifieds: http://fcbuzz.org/classified/jobs/ |
| | | | | AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER Oct. c1: CT Office of Arts: Good to Great Capital Project Grant Application Deadline Oct. c5: CT Humanities Quick Grant Application Deadline |
| | The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are very grateful for the support of our individual and organization members, our individual donors and the following organizations. |
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