| News and Opportunities for the Cultural Nonprofits and
Creative Businesses of Fairfield County, CT
December 15, 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 |
| | | | MEMBERS: REGISTER NOW ON OUR NEW WEBSITE |
| | 262 of our 600 members have created profiles on our new integrated Cultural Alliance website - please join them! In order to post an event on FCBuzz Events, you need to register on the new website - here. Register as if you are a new member, using the same email address you used for the old FCBuzz.org as your contact email (call us if you are unsure what address that is) - or else you will be charged. Call 203-212-6894 or email with any questions. |
| | | HEAR PODCAST OF OUR LATEST WPKN SPOTLIGHT SHOW: ARTS COUNCILS & COMMISSIONS: What Good Do They Do? |
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If you missed our December WPKN SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE, or just want to hear it again, you can catch the podcast on Soundcloud. Click here to hear the discussion about Arts Councils and Arts Commissions with Nancy Diamond (Westport Arts Advisory Commission), John Varamo, (Stamford Arts Commission) and Susan Wallerstein (Norwalk Arts Commission). Hear how they got started, what they believe they're doing well and how much more they are planning to do to reach out to engage their communities even more effectively. |
| | | 85 (and counting) arts spaces to rent Check it out, rent a space, or add your own: it's free! |
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| | | UCONN STAMFORD ART GALLERY
Manager: Danielle Vinci
The UConn Stamford Art Gallery was founded to support the University’s educational mission by stimulating active learning and dialogue about the arts and the creative process. Faculty members on the Stamford campus often bring classes into the gallery to incorporate exhibits into their curriculum. The Gallery offers visitors a welcoming environment that attracts regional artists and community members to high caliber exhibitions and programs. It is located in a large, inviting space, some 25 feet wide by 70 feet long, just off the Main Concourse, which serves as the heart of the campus in downtown Stamford. The Gallery showcases both emerging and established artists, with a special emphasis on the works and themes of traditionally underrepresented groups, local/regional artists, interdisciplinary artworks, and diverse mediums and perspectives. The Gallery is governed by an Advisory Board, comprised of those from the UConn and arts communities. The Board selects artists, groups, and collections for exhibition on a rolling basis. The Gallery hosts around eight shows a year, including an annual juried photography show, one or more group shows by local guilds or artist collectives, themed exhibits, and solo shows. Artists are responsible for the installation & de-installation of their exhibitions. In addition to calls for particular shows and selected invitations, there is a general Open Call to Artists who wish to submit their works for consideration. Shows are typically booked one year or more in advance. See the Gallery's website. |
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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 |
| The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation reminds us of the success of Deputy Director Christopher Wigren's new book, Connecticut Architecture: Stories of 100 Places. Duo Dickinson, in the New Haven Register commented that "Chris Wigren fractures the complexities of how we perceive the places that have meaning, simplifies their means and methods and holds them up before us in history and in our own popular culture. But this book is neither arcane nor idiosyncratic. It is a holistic view of one small state’s rich weave of how its residents make and experience their culture.” Discover for yourself!
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| | The Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras (GBYO) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Music Director Christopher Hisey’s leadership of the organization. Mr. Hisey joined GBYO when he was 11-years-old, as a member of the Concert Orchestra and has since been away from GBYO only for a few years to achieve his music degrees. In addition to his teenage tenure as Principal Violist of the Principal Orchestra, he has been a String Coach and the Symphony Orchestra Conductor. Mr. Hisey became Music Director in 2008. More... |
| | | | The International Hildreth Meiere Foundation, created to promote and perpetuate the legacy of the artist Hildreth Meière through preservation and education, has a new and expanded website where viewers can see more than 100 commissions, watch videos, read news articles, listen to podcasts, and take a virtual tour! The Foundation has also announced a new upcoming exhibit at The Fairfield University Art Museum: Hildreth Meière: The Art of Commerce, April 17-September 21, 2019. |
| | The K.E.Y.S. (Kids Empowered by Your Support) Orchestra was the outright winner in News12 Connecticut's annual "Sounds of the Season" competition. Along with second and third-place winners they will be showcased on News 12 Connecticut and News12.com starting Dec 17th. Each competitor asked for votes from audiences and KEYS won 6,646 votes against the 6,048 votes for 2nd-place winner, Wilton High School Madrigals Choir. Congratulations! |
| | Ridgefield's Lounsbury House has announced the appointment of Suzanne Brennan as its new executive director. Suzanne has extensive experience in both the business and non-profit communities, including the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce and Ridgefield Playhouse. She is a current member of the Downtown Ridgefield Association Board of Directors, and a former board member and vice chair of Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Her responsibilities will include day-to-day management of the House, strategic and financial leadership and production of the House’s robust calendar of 20-30 annual community events, in addition to its private events. Welcome Suzanne!
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| | | | The Westport Astronomical Society (WAS) has received a $5,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation. Since 1975, WAS has provided free weekly viewings of the night sky, monthly lectures from leading university researchers, community science outreach, is a valuable resource for local schools and serves as a crucial bridge between amateur observation and professional research. Earlier in 2018, the entire Round Hill Observatory, Greenwich, was generously donated to WAS, representing a tremendous opportunity that will vastly enhance its scientific capabilities. While in generally excellent condition, some key repairs and replacements must occur before being put into service and the Newman’s Own Foundation grant has been critical for jump-starting WAS' fundraising campaign. |
| | The Westport Library has opened a pop-up store for the holiday season at 31 Church Lane, across from the Spotted Horse restaurant. It offers "curated gifts" for all ages, greeting cards and many handmade items. There will also be a selection of books for sale by the Library Book Sales: changing weekly, the books are gift quality and attractively priced. More... |
| | | | ARTS, CULTURE, TOURISM TRANSITION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS WED. DEC. 19
On Wednesday, December 19, 10-11am, the Governor-elect's Arts, Culture and Tourism Transition Policy Committee will present recommendations to the incoming administration at Goodspeed Opera House, 6 Main St, East Haddam. Lieutenant Governor-elect Susan Bysiewicz will represent the administration, and the public is invited to attend. Please extend this invitation to your staff, audiences, friends, volunteers, and Board of Directors. A strong turnout will demonstrate to the administration that the creative sector matters in Connecticut! The Committee is one of fifteen groups assembled by Governor-elect Lamont to make policy recommendations on issues ranging from education and healthcare to criminal justice and the economy. Co-chaired by CAA Board Member Wendy Bury, the Committee has reported great progress in compiling detailed and innovative recommendations about how our industries can strengthen Connecticut. ACT Transition Policy Committee Members: Wendy Bury (Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition) - Co-Chair; Stephen Tagliatela (Connecticut Tourism Coalition) - Co-Chair; Elsie Chapman (International Festival of Arts and Ideas); Scott Dolch (Connecticut Restaurant Association); David Fay (The Bushnell); Daniel Fitzmaurice (Arts Council of Greater New Haven); Jason Guyot (Mashantucket Pequot Tribe/ Foxwoods); Jeffrey Hamilton (Mohegan Tribe/Mohegan Sun); Min Jung Kim (New Britain Museum of American Art); Kathleen Maher (Barnum Museum); Jason Mancini (Connecticut Humanities); Maria Miranda (Miranda Creative, Connecticut Tourism Coalition); Vivian Nabeta (Harriet Beecher Stowe Center); Michael Price (Commission on Culture and Tourism); Lisa Scails (Cultural Alliance of Western CT); Tony Sheridan (Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT); Brett Thompson (Greater Hartford Arts Council); Tina Tison (The Maritime Aquarium); and Steve White (Mystic Seaport). |
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| | GET ON THE MAP! DIGITAL LEARNING DAY FEBRUARY 28
Digital Learning Day is not just for schools. Museums, arts education centers, even galleries and arts centers that have teaching programs can participate by sharing their arts education programs that have a digital component. The annual Digital Learning Day, started in 2012 by the Alliance for Excellent Education, gives educators an opportunity to collaborate with peers, share ideas, try out new digital tools, celebrate education innovation and play a role in the transformation of their own schools and communities. Digital learning is any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student’s learning experience. With so many new types of digital devices, educational software and mobile apps continuously developed, it’s hard to keep up with the latest and greatest advancements in educational technology. In many in-school and out-of-school programs across the country, educators are doing amazing things with technology. Yet, these pockets of innovation are confined to a small number of schools and communities. Digital Learning Day was started as a way to actively spread innovative practices and ensure that all youth have access to high-quality digital learning opportunities no matter where they live. Started in 2012, Digital Learning Day has provided a powerful venue for education leaders to highlight great teaching practice and showcase innovative teachers, leaders, and instructional technology programs that are improving student outcomes. This grassroots effort blossomed into a massive nationwide celebration as teachers realized that Digital Learning Day is not about technology, it’s about learning. Have program you want to share? Make sure you add it to the Digital Learning Day map. See the map here and register! |
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| | | | SHPO HISTORIC RESTORATION FUND GRANT JANUARY 20
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has increased the cap of the Historic Restoration Fund Grant (HRF) from $50,000 to $100,000. The HRF offers matching, reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 to Connecticut municipalities and 501(c)3 and 501(c)13 nonprofits for capital projects or archaeological site preservation, protection, and stabilization at historic properties listed on the State or National Registers of Historic Places. HRF Grants are funded by the Community Investment Act (also known as Public Act 05-228), which was signed into law on July 11, 2005. The Act provides increased funding for historic preservation as well as open space, farmland preservation, and affordable housing. Key Grant Details: ● Grant awards range from $5,000-$100,000 ● Grant awards must be matched on a one-to-one basis ● Grant funds are paid on a single-payment reimbursement basis following project completion ● Hard costs are eligible; pre-development costs are not eligible ● Work must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties ● Grants cannot be awarded for work already completed or in progress ● Property must be owned or leased (20-year minimum) by the applicant ● A preservation easement must be placed on the property following project completion ● Facilities must be open to the public or work must be visible to the public. Application Guidelines are available here. |
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| OFFICE OF ARTS ARTS LEARNING: ACCESS GRANTS ROLLING DEADLINE
Arts for Learning Connecticut reminds us that CT Office of the Arts Arts Access grants are still available for the October 2018 through September 2019 fiscal period. The Access category is for learners of all ages. It provides funding for exposure to the arts through field trips (within CT); school or classroom visits, performance(s), “informance(s),” and/or lecture demonstrations by artists or artist groups or arts providers. Access grants will not support an organization’s general operational or programmatic costs such as performance or practice fees, staffing classes that require participation fees, etc. Access Grants are intended to eliminate or significantly reduce barriers to an arts experience for a particular group of citizens clearly identified in the application. Eligible applicants include: ● PK-12 Schools and affiliated Parent Organizations
● 501(c)(3) arts organizations seeking to provide arts access experience(s) in Connecticut
● An arts program of a 501(c)(3) non-arts organization seeking to provide arts access experience(s) in Connecticut.
Funding Amounts: Access grant request must range between $500 - $1,000. No match is required. Total project minimum has to be $500. See Arts Access Grant Guidelines here. Arts for Learning CT is one particularly rich resource for schools and nonprofits looking for artists for their programs. With a very diverse roster of artists, Arts for Learning Connecticut engages participants of all ages and abilities in learning creatively through the arts.
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| | | | NEW ENGLAND MUSEUM ASSOCIATION 2019 CONFERENCE SESSION PROPOSALS FEBRUARY 28
The New England Museums Association 2019 conference is being held in Burlington, VT, Nov. 6-8. The conference theme is What's In It for Me?, investigating how museums are responding to a society that is becoming increasingly individualistic and savvy in their cultural choices. Ideas for session proposals: ● How has the crowd-sourcing trend affected your museum? Has it had an impact on your collections management? Exhibition design? Your sense of curatorial authority? ● Have relationships with your audiences become more transactional over time? If so, what have you done to address this trend? Do you feel as though your museum is being commodified? ● Or are you finding a greater sense of community in your museum? If so, how is that happening? ● Are outcomes and metrics more important to your educational programs? What evaluation tools do you employ to justify school visits to your museum? Are field trips still field trips? In content and in format, all sessions should stimulate discussion, raise new ideas, debate solutions, and spark imagination. To submit a proposal click here. Proposals must be received by February 28, 2019. |
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| NATIONAL COUNCIL ON PUBLIC HISTORY HARTFORD CONFERENCE CALL FOR POPUP PROPOSALS JANUARY 20
The National Council on Public History (NCPH) inspires public engagement with the past and serves the needs of practitioners in putting history to work in the world by building community among historians, expanding professional skills and tools, fostering critical reflection on historical practice, and publicly advocating for history and historians. NCPH is holding its 2019 conference, Repair Work in Hartford, March 27-30. Although registration is now open, and the Preliminary Program is available, NCPH is issuing a call for proposals We are soliciting proposals for pop-up exhibits, activities, and skills labs to set up in the exhibit hall over the course of the conference. This pop-up process has succeeded in the past in engaging attendees in less formal programming while spending time in the exhibit hall and is a great opportunity for presenters to get on the program in Hartford and share their work or knowledge with fellow NCPH attendees in a casual, visual, and interactive way. View the CFP here and submit a proposal via the online form by January 20, 2019. |
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| | | THE ALLIANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP SERIES FEBRUARY 12-19
The Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance (The Alliance) is offering a three-part certificate series on Project Management for Nonprofits on February 12, 14, & 19, 9:00am - 4:30pm, at the APT Foundation, New Haven. The program is designed to review and emphasize the project processes and knowledge areas, terms, tools, and formulas as well as to extend the knowledge base into soft skills such as communication, conflict management, team development and leadership. The entire program is compliant with the “Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 6th edition, (PMBOK®)” from the Project Management Institute. The course will feature: ● Thorough review of the five project management process groups, the 10 knowledge areas and the 49 process steps, including the inputs, tools and techniques and outputs of each. ● Discussions and exercises supporting time management, project scheduling, earned value management, risk management, communications, and stakeholder management. ● Identify leadership traits, emotional intelligence (EQ), and explore soft skills such as motivation, team development, and empowerment. ● Identify and analyze management functions, core business practices. Fees: Early Bird: $439 ($389 Alliance members); After Jan. 15: $489 ($439, Members). Register here. |
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| WILD APRICOT APPS YOU NEED FOR WORK
In the latest Wild Apricot blog, Tatiana Morand reports on an extensive research project in which she thoroughly tested and interviewed users on the most useful apps for nonprofit work. She came up with a list of 22 (see the whole list here). Here are some samples:● To: schedule social media posts in advance. ● For: iOS & Android ● Cost: a free plan for 3 accounts or less. Then $15/month for up to 8 accounts. ● To: easily design infographics. ● For: iOS & Android ● Cost: free for nonprofits. ● To: Check grammar and spelling on the fly. ● For: iOS & Android
● Cost: Free ● To: help supporters stay oriented during charity walks or fun runs. ● For: iOS
● Cost: Free ● To: communicate with your team, this messaging app can create channels for different groups or topics, host 1:1 video calls, and message people individually.. ● For: iOS & Android
● Cost: Free To: Track your time so you know how much time you’re spending per task. ● For: iOS & Android
● Cost: Free |
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| | | Professional Development Events Coming Up… May 17-18: State Historic Preservation Conference |
| | | | ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS EVENT MANAGER
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for Fairfield County has issued a Request for Proposals for an Event Manager/Administrator for AFP Fairfield County’s National Philanthropy Day Conference (November 2019). AFP seeks a qualified conference event manager to administrate the execution of a full-day educational conference and awards ceremony. The role of the contractor may include concept development, event planning, assistance with managing sponsorships, and overall event management logistics including registration, budget management, and day-of-event coordination. The Fairfield County Chapter of AFP represents more than 100 fundraisers, primarily in southwestern Connecticut. The organization is mostly volunteer-run, with one part time administrator. AFP Fairfield County holds educational luncheons, breakfasts, roundtables, webinars, and networking evenings throughout the year. National Philanthropy Day (NPD), typically held annually on or around November 15, is an AFP trademarked concept, celebrated across the globe with a variety of events designed to recognize philanthropy in all its forms and increase public awareness of the importance of philanthropy. AFP Fairfield County has partnered with AFP Connecticut to present a full-day educational conference. Over the past few years, AFP Fairfield County and AFP Connecticut have removed the educational element and have held an Awards Breakfast in honor of NPD. In 2019, AFP Fairfield County would like to return to the full-day conference concept for a Connecticut-wide NPD event. The constituency has shown a demand for this format and AFP leaders are confident that a robust program will improve membership retention, improve the AFP brand in the area, and generate positive income for the chapter. The event may include separately administered pre-conference workshops (two 2-day workshops and one or two 1-day workshops). The primary event will include an Awards Breakfast, a full day of educational programming, and a luncheon with a keynote speaker. Attendance is expected to include 300 – 400 participants across various segments of the event. To realize the above, AFP seeks an innovative and experienced fundraising or corporate event manager. Detailed requirements can be seen here. Candidates must email their proposal to: Scott Gentry at SGConsulting@charter.net no later than 5pm Sunday, December 23. |
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| ALDRICH MUSEUM DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum seeks a Director of Education to enrich the Museum’s exceptional programming. Founded in 1964, The Aldrich is dedicated to fostering the work of pioneering artists whose ideas and interpretations of the world around us serve as a platform to encourage creative thinking. It is the only museum in Connecticut devoted to the art of our time, and throughout its 54-year history, has been a leading figure in current cultural dialogue presenting pioneering exhibitions of contemporary art, engaging its community through thought provoking interdisciplinary programs, and presenting innovative educational initiatives.
Successful candidates will have a deep knowledge of contemporary artistic practice and a proven track record developing and implementing inventive and engaging programming for broad audiences. In addition to maintaining our active programs for youth and families, the Director of Education will be critical in conceptualizing and executing engaging programs for adults.
As a core member of the Museum's senior management team, the Director of Education will work closely with curatorial staff on The Aldrich’s annual program of activities. In addition, the Director of Education will oversee the Museum’s robust calendar of school programs, which include longstanding school partnerships and an active roster of visits. Working with the curatorial department, the Director of Education is also responsible for the Museum’s interpretive materials, ensuring that the content of The Aldrich’s programs is accessible and engaging.
Successful candidates will be flexible, collegial, and able to work collaboratively with the Museum’s team while also cultivating relationships with partners outside of The Aldrich. In addition, they will contribute to a positive organizational culture for Museum staff and volunteers.
Qualifications: • 5-10 years of programming experience in a contemporary art institution • Knowledge of current trends and standards in K-12 education • Experience with program assessment • Experience leading a team of full and part-time employees. Application Instructions/ Public Contact Information: Please send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@aldrichart.org, with the subject line “Director of Education.” Qualified candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please. |
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| | | | MEMBERS: Post your Job Opportunities in our Classifieds |
| | | | SPREAD THE WORD!
Please help us expand the reach of our weekly E-Buzz newsletter with its selection of events taking place that week in our region. See the most recent issue. Subscribe here. |
| | | | | DECEMBER
JANUARY 2019
Jan. 11: CT League of History Organizations: Awards of Merit Nomination Deadline Deadline
ROLLING
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| | 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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