| | ORGANIZATIONS' NEWSLETTER News and Opportunities for the Cultural Nonprofits and Creative Businesses of Fairfield County, CT
MAY 27, 2017 |
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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 500 individuals and organizations. Sign up here |
| | QUOTE OF THE WEEK"Risk exists on the edge of failure. Living on that edge and learning from that edge to me is a really exciting place."Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, choreographer and founding artistic director of Urban Bush Women
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| | | | CULTURAL ALLIANCE AWARDED NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARD
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| | | The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County (CAFC) was one of 72 local organizations that recently received funding from the New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF). Close to 150 nonprofit partners and Foundation volunteers gathered at NCCF offices May 23 for an awards ceremony at which the Foundation distrubuted $670,000. CAFC very gratefully accepted an award of $4,000 to support our peer networking programming for local arts organizations, which includes our Executive Directors Network, Marketing Roundtable, and the Fairfield County Preservation Network. A complete list of awards is available here. |
| | PROGRESSIVE GALLERY TOUR CONCLUDES WITH DEBUT OF ELISA CONTEMPORARY ART - LOOK FOR OUR NEW ARTISTS TALK SERIES
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| | Our Progressive Gallery Tour series ended with a bang at the debut of Elisa Contemporary Art Salon on May 17 (pictures above). More than 70 supporters, artists, collectors and friends joined the party as the works of 20 artists were displayed. CAFC artist member Allyson Monson gave the first in our new Artists Talk series, which will replace the current Progressive Gallery Tour season, starting July 2017. See our page (p. 28) in the Summer issue of VENU Magazine (p.30 in the online Issuu) featuring several galleries visited during our Progressive Gallery Tour.
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| | | SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: BUY ACE AWARDS TICKETS |
| | | FUNDING LANDSCAPE SUMMIT - SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 13
The Cultural Alliance is organizing a morning summit meeting and panel discussion on the changing funding landscape for arts and cultural organizations Tuesday, June 13, 9:30am-12:30pm. Taking national, state, county and town perspectives and including examination of government, corporate, foundation and individual funding of our operations and projects, the summit will present short statements from key funders and invite participants questions to engage in a conversation about new strategies for a shifting funding landscape. Confirmed speakers to date include Senator Bob Duff, Juanita James (FCCF), Helen Higgins (CT Humanities), Stuart Katz (Cohen & Wolf), Rina Bakalar (Town of Trumbull). Please save the date and stay tuned for details. |
| | | 68 spaces and counting - add yours to the list. Here are just 4: |
| | | Boathouse 305 Knowlton Street, Bridgeport. Large, open, 8000 sq ft former boathouse (ex university rowing team) with hardwood floors, big outside patio with boat ramp. You really need to see this space; rates to be determined, dependent on use. Uses include: Meeting, Reading, Video/Film Shoot, Photo Shoot, Audition, Rehearsal, Performance.
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| | | Garden of Ideas 653 N. Salem Rd., Ridgefield. We are an 8 acre botanical garden with wonderful outdoor and indoor space for artists to display work. The space also lends itself to performance art. Suitable for Exhibition, Meeting, Reading, Video/Film Shoot, Photo Shoot, Class, Special Event, Performance. |
| | Soma Samadhi Yoga and Dance 112 Main St., Norwalk. An upscale yoga and dance studio easily accessible from I-95 and Route 7 in Norwalk. Our facility offers 2 large activity rooms with beautiful hardwood maple flooring perfect for any performance, dance or fitness classes. The floors are "sprung" which ensures maximum comfort and safety.
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| | Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Studio 25 Powers Court, Westport. The Sheffer Studio provides a unique space for workshops, meetings, educational programs, and receptions. Renovated in 2005, this space brilliantly adapts to your individual meeting needs. It opens onto the Playhouse’s beautiful garden patio adding charm and beauty to its already warm aesthetic. |
| | SUPPORT US AT AMAZONSMILEA great way to support us is to click on the button and always use this link when you shop at Amazon. At no cost to you: you shop and Amazon contributes to us. |
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| ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS FAIRFIELD COUNTY CHAPTER
President: Kristen Runk
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is the professional association of individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit or charitable organizations. The Association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. The Fairfield County Chapter of AFP represents more than two hundred fundraisers, primarily in southwestern Connecticut. AFP invites all arts and culture groups to attend its sessions and socials and for development officers to join the group. The Fairfield County chapter started in 1993 with breakfast meetings, held at the Landmark Club in Stamford. In 2002, it received the prestigious 10-star award from AFP International, which recognizes the chapter’s efforts to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the role of philanthropy in society. Since 2013, the monthly Luncheon Programs have been held at the Norwalk Inn. AFP Connecticut and AFP Fairfield County chapters have a long history of collaborating annually to recognize individuals, corporations and foundations, who have given exemplary service to their communities. The 2017 Best of the State Connecticut Philanthropy Awards Breakfast will be held this Nov 3 at the Trumbull Marriott Merritt Parkway. See AFPFCC website and Facebook page. |
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| CHERRY STREET ART
A Creative Business Member Director: Elizabeth Tardif
Cherry Street Art is a visual art resource consultancy, serving collectors as well as artists promoting local, national and international artists in many styles, sizes, mediums and price points. Cherry Street aims to encourage and inspire a greater appreciation and understanding for visual art through private collections as well as public displays. Navigating the world of galleries, shows and on line resources is a daunting task for collectors who are seeking to build a collection that will stand the test of time and be financially rewarding. Cherry Street provides consultations, guidance, research, purchasing and support services to assist every level of collector. As a resource for selected artists, Cherry Street provides marketing, promotion, and business planning services to assist in gaining exposure and building a loyal collector base.Cherry Street Art has an affiliation with theBruce S. Kershner Gallery, located inside the Fairfield Public Library. Cherry Street provides curatorial services, business management services and public art talks to the Kershner Gallery, helping to promote artists as well as encourage a deeper appreciation for the visual arts by the collector and the general public. Recent topics for Cherry Street organized monthly Art Talks include: "The Art of Buying Art," "Incorporating Art Into Your Home," "The History of Abstract Art in America," "The Value of Art in Our Society," and "Building Your Business as an Artist." See Cherry Street Art webpage
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SOMA SAMADHI YOGA & DANCE
A Creative Business Member
Owners: Alexa and Andrew Lane
Soma Samadhi Yoga & Dance, 112 Main St., Norwalk, is a new school and studio offering ballet, jazz, contemporary, and Hip Hop dance classes, as well as Yoga classes for adults and children. All classes are safe and effective, and taught by experienced instructors in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Alexa and Andrew Lane created Soma Samadhi to support the healing and well-being of the community. The studio is designed as a place where adults, children, and families can rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit as well as explore their creativity. Its wellness programs and classes offer movement that is safe and physically therapeutic in a fun and upbeat atmosphere. The studio rooms feature hardwood maple flooring, "sprung" for maximum comfort and safety, that is perfect for all performance, dance or fitness classes. There is unlimited parking, complimentary filtered water, showers, and lockers. A Sonos music system brings calm & relaxation to yoga classes and inspiration for the active fitness/dance classes. Alexa Lane has had a lifetime of experience in the Performing Arts, Fitness, and Wellness industries. A professional dancer, singer, and actress, she has also authored two well-received audio books on yoga, Illumine and Yoga Breakthrough, and has been featured online and on television. Alexa is currently working on Child Evolve, a documentary film about the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for children. Her husband, Andrew has enjoyed a 25-year career in the Yoga & Healing Industry. He has owned and operated three yoga studios and was one of the first Certified Reiki Masters in Connecticut. An active musician for 30 years, playing guitar, keyboards, drums as well as having a passion for singing and songwriting, Andrew has also received training in Pranic Healing, Hypnotherapy and Plant Based Nutrition. See Soma Samadhi website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.
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THROWN STONE THEATRE COMPANY
Co-Artistic Directors: Jason Peck & Jonathan Winn
The Thrown Stone Theatre Company a new theatre company based in Ridgefield, is dedicated to new work and unconventional approaches to repertoire. Shortly after Co-Artistic Director Jason Peck moved to the area to lead the Theatre Department at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, he partnered with fellow USC School of Dramatic Arts alum, Jonathan Winn, who recently relocated to nearby Carmel, NY. As they got more familiar with the area, they began to understand the richness of the local arts scene and how they could contribute. “We were both interested in new plays with daring subject matter,” said Winn.“Jason likes plays with a political edge, and I’m really into history and technology. We saw this as a chance to build something in a community where people are open to new things and eager to take part.” Named after an allegory by the 17th-century philosopher, Benedict de Spinoza, Thrown Stone will present its first full-scale production in July with the U.S. premiere of Milk, by Ross Dunsmore. Produced in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD), Milk demonstrates Thrown Stone’s commitment to collaborate with other local organizations. Said RCD Executive Director, Amy Piantaggini, “Milk will showcase our studio as not just a space for classes and rehearsals — but also an ideal venue for intimate productions.” See Thrown Stone's website, Facebook page, YouTube channel and Twitter feed. |
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| ❖ See a List by Town of all Organization and Creative Business Members: here❖ See a List by Town of Artist Members: here
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| | | | ROUND-UP OF MEMBERS' NEWS |
| | The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is pleased to welcome Noah Steinman as its new Education Programs Assistant. Noah graduated from Oberlin College with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Art History and completed his MFA at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in May of 2016. He previously worked as the Education Manager at the Westport Arts Center. Noah is a practicing artist whose work focuses on taking early American texts, with prescribed social and gendered roles, and altering them by painting, drawing, and/or sculpting. |
| | | The Bruce Museum has announced that Deputy Director, Susan Ball is retiring. Suzanne Lio, currently Director of Government Affairs, is taking Susan’s place, as Managing Director of the Bruce, effectively immediately. Suzanne has been at the Bruce since 2013, when she was hired as Manager of Government, Foundation and Corporate Funding. To that title was added Associate Director of Development, one year later, and then in July 2016 she was made Director of Government Affairs. We wish her all the best and look forward to working closely with Suzanne in the future. |
| | In August, the Danbury Music Centre will launch the Charles Ives Concert Series. Launching with four free concerts during the week of August 6th, it will regularly feature dynamic and unique emerging artists performing Charles Ives, the music of 20th and 21st century American composers, and music that transcends the traditional boundaries of classical music to incorporate other styles of music. While the core of the series will always be the four-concert week in August, a part of the Danbury Music Centre’s Summer Festival, the series will expand to add more concerts year-round with each passing season.
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| | | Coinciding with its 25th anniversary, Fairfield County's Community Foundation (FCCF) is moving. Starting June 5, 2017, FCCF's staff can be found at 40 Richards Avenue, 4th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06854-2320 (between I-95 and Connecticut Avenue, and across from Costco; click map for larger image). |
| | | New Paradigm Theatre recently produced Mayday for May Day - a benefit concert honoring Sandy Duncan. The show featured Broadway, film, TV and Gospel stars paired with young performers. Sandy Duncan, chosen because of her well-known Broadway performances of Peter Pan, also performed. This summer, New Paradigm Theatre is producing Peter Pan, featuring and benefiting youth from KEYS. The funding raised from Mayday for May Day went towards providing scholarships to KEYS youth so that they could be a part of the August production of Peter Pan. |
| | The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk raised more than $720,000 at its April 20 Cirque de la Mer fundraiser to help present the Aquarium’s environmental-education programming to students in the tri-state area. Of that, $106,000 will go for schools to meet the costs of buses for Aquarium field trips. The Aquarium’s 18th annual Red Apple Awards went to Clay Fowler, President and CEO of Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, and global insurer XL Catlin, for donating generously toward the Aquarium’s unique new hybrid-electric research vessel, as well as to its solar-panel initiative and Corporate Volunteer program. Above, Dr. Brian Davis, president of The Maritime Aquarium, with Elena Levin of Westport, recipient of the Aquarium’s inaugural Red Apple Seedling Award, for working with friends to create an animated video for the Aquarium about water conservation.
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| | The Ridgefield Independent Film Festival (RIFF) concluded on May 22 with the presentation of the RIFF Awards at a ceremony at Keeler Tavern Museum. Festival Co-Directors Jill Mango and Sean M. Murphy handed out awards in eight categories, with the Grand Jury Prize going to the indie comedy, What Children Do, a hilarious new film by Minnesota-born, Brooklyn-based filmmaker Dean Peterson (at right). See all winners here. RIFF presented 55 films from 19 countries at five venues over the course of three days (May 19-21). More...
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| | Ridgefield Playhouse Executive Director, Allison Stockel has been declared 2017 Citizen of the Year by The Rotary Club of Ridgefield, recognizing her work as the 12-year full-time volunteer Executive Director of The Ridgefield Playhouse as well as "a member at the Leader Advisory Board of The Women’s Center of Danbury, a host parent for Ridgefield A Better Chance, delivering food to low income families for Hillside Food Outreach, a past boardmember of The Ridgefield Symphony, an Incorporator at Lounsbury House and a supporter of The Ridgefield Chorale, Ability Beyond, Keeler Tavern, SPHERE and more." The Rotary Club celebrates Allison on June 14 at Ridgefield's Spring Country Club. More...
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| | | With its ribbon cutting and Grand Opening Performance, May 15, Norwalk's Wall Street Theatre is now open for business with a full schedule of entertainment for all tastes. Reviews of opening night, with performances by 8 Broadway stars was met with wide prasie. Here is one local reviewer, Thom L.: "The restoration is really beautiful and will only improve with their planned work. Congratulations on a beautiful theater, wonderful lighting and superb sound system. Well done! And the 8 performance was something I'll remember for the rest of my life. What joy!" |
| | Westport Writers’ Workshop has announced the addition of two new faculty members who will start teaching this summer. Introduction to Creative Writing (Tues. 7 to 9pm) workshop leader James Chesbro teaches at Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University, where he earned an MFA. His work has been published on the Huffington Post, The Washington Post and aol.com, among others. Introductory and Intermediate Fiction (Thurs. 7 to 9pm) instructor Liz Matthews’s pieces have been published in Quality Women’s Fiction, Town & Country, Literary Mama, Brain Child, Mothers Always Write, and The Rumpus. Liz holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and an M.A. in English Education from Columbia.
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| | Now that you have read our NEWS...
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| Check FCBuzz.org for listings of all EVENTS by our members!
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ANIMATING DEMOCRACY: AESTHETIC PERSPECTIVES
Americans for the Arts’ Animating Democracy has just released Aesthetic Perspectives. Based on its long history of effective engagement with community through bringing perspectives and expertise from the arts, Animating Democracy has now published this framework that comprises eleven attributes of excellence in assessing any form of community-engaged arts and culture. The attributes have been defined by artists involved in community projects. The goal of this framework is to “to enhance understanding, description, and evaluation of creative work at the intersection of arts and community development, civic engagement, and justice.” In a nutshell the 11 attributes are as follows.
COMMITMENT: Creative processes and products embody conviction to
the cause espoused through the work.
COMMUNAL MEANING: The creative work facilitates collective meaning that transcends individual perspective and experience.
DISRUPTION: Art challenges what is, exposing what has been hidden, posing new ways of being, and modeling new forms of action.
CULTURAL INTEGRITY: The creative work demonstrates integrity and ethical use
of material with specific cultural origins and context.
EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE: Arts for Change facilitates a productive movement between “heart space”—the emotional experience that art evokes— and the “head space” of civic or social issues.
SENSORY EXPERIENCE: Vivid sensations deepen the experience of the creative work and heighten the power of its messages and the potential for change
RISK-TAKING: Creative work assumes risk by subverting dominant norms, values, narratives, standards, or aesthetics.
OPENNESS: The creative work deepens impact by remaining open, fluid, transparent, subject to influence, and able to hold contradiction.
COHERENCE: Strong ideas expressed with clarity advance both artistic and social purposes
RESOURCEFULNESS: Imaginative use of available resources drives artistic innovation and demonstrates responsible social and environmental practice.
STICKINESS: The creative work achieves sustained resonance, impact, or value.
AD has produced a poster for each of the attributes that can be used for training, project planning and evaluation, or as reference points for panel consideration and discussion. See all other materials here. |
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TRUMP BUDGET
This week, on May 23, the White House released the official details of its proposed FY2018 budget. In this latest version, the president follows through on his recommendation to eliminate the nation’s key federal cultural agencies for the arts, humanities, museums, libraries, and public broadcasting by allocating the minimal amount “for expenses necessary to carry out their closure.” The budget proposal also eliminates important arts education and afterschool grant programs. While many believe this budget will have an embattled future, and while Fairfield County's Congressmen have expressed their support for arts and culture funding, we all should engageto prevent these extreme proposals from being enacted. Email Rep Himes, Tweet Rep. Himes, Email Sen. Blumenthal, Tweet Sen. Blumenthal, Email Sen. Murphy, Tweet Sen. Murphy to #SAVEtheNEA and other cultural agencies. Look up CT NEA grants and include your own stories of how NEA and NEH grants have affected the arts in Fairfield County and CT. Click on the image below for a full-size chart of the Trump budget proposals for the cultural sector. |
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TO ELEVATE THE ROLE OF ARTS EDUCATION, MEASURE IT
The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act provides states with newfound flexibility to incorporate arts and music education in their accountability systems. In many cases, the burden on states would be minimal. Making existing data publicly available and incorporating it as a measure of school quality is an easy first step. Adding basic measures to state accountability systems, such as the percentage of students enrolled in the arts, student/arts teacher ratios, and arts course availability, would facilitate an informed appraisal of the state of arts education and incentivize schools to promote arts education. In their Brookings Institution policy brief, To elevate the role of arts education, measure it, Brian Kisida, Bob Morrison, and Lynn Tuttle develop a helpful framework on how to best incorporate these measures. Highlights include: • The Every Student Succeeds Act requires that states provide students with a “well-rounded education,” opening the door for greater emphasis on arts and music in schools.
• Building arts education measures into accountability plans doesn’t have to be a bureaucratic technicality; several states are already incorporating arts education into their accountability systems effectively.
• State longitudinal data systems can be a rich source of data for policymakers hoping to incorporate rigorous arts education accountability measures into their state plans.
• Policymakers will need to weigh several important political considerations when deciding how best to incorporate arts measures into their accountability systems. See the brief here. |
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NEH CHAIR, BILL ADAMS, RETIRES
William D. Adams, the tenth chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, announced his resignation from the agency, effective May 23, 2017. Adams was nominated by President Obama in April 2014 and was confirmed by the United States Senate three months later. His service to NEH followed 14 years as president of Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Shortly after arriving at the agency, Adams launched a special initiative called “Common Good: The Humanities in the Public Square,” which seeks to demonstrate the relevance of the humanities to the challenges of contemporary life. “In these divided political times, we wanted to remind people of the idea of the common good and to make clear how the humanities might serve to bring citizens together in advancing the general welfare of the country.” Under the banner of Common Good, the agency launched a number of new grant lines, including the Public Scholar program, the NEH-Mellon Fellowships for Digital Publication, Common Heritage, Humanities in the Public Square, Next Generation Humanities PhD Grants, the Humanities Open Book Program, Creating Humanities Communities, Humanities Access Grants, and Community Conversations. Common Good also serves as the umbrella for Standing Together, NEH’s program supporting veterans and public understanding of military service and the legacies of war and conflict. More... |
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AARON COPLAND FUND FOR MUSIC PERFORMANCE PROGRAM JUNE 30
Announced to the public in 1992, the Aaron Copland Fund was created by the composer to encourage and improve public knowledge and appreciation of contemporary American music. The fund operates three programs to support performing and presenting organizations whose artistic excellence encourages and improves public knowledge and appreciation of serious contemporary American music. The Performance Program is open to applications, with a deadline of June 30. Funds are available for General Operating Support for professional performing ensembles and presenting organizations with a history of substantial commitment to contemporary American music and with plans to continue that commitment. The program also provides Project Support for exceptionally important activities relating to contemporary American music proposed by professional performing ensembles and presenting organizations that do not normally feature contemporary American music in their programming. See eligibility requirements and guidelines here. Create an account or log in here. |
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KIND.FUND A new opportunity is being enabled by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC). A new BRBC member, Kind.Fund, a fundraising (crowdfunding) company that, over the past 60 days, has helped several organizations raise $160,000 from over 4,000 donors, would like to talk about opportunities to help local nonprofit organizations with their fundraising. Kind.Fund was built to ensure that non profits and grass roots organizations could have easy and inexpensive access to a powerful fundraising platform. Whether feeding the homeless, raising money for a community organization, saving abandoned pets, paying for emergency medical care, or standing up to be heard in Washington, they can be a resource for you. Kind.Fund's platform is simple to use and the organization isvery "hands-on" to ensure success. Because their focus is the non profit sector, they have some important advantages: ● Lowest fees: Kind.Fund's platform fee is half that of gofundme and other "free" sites.
● Branding: Kind.Fund provides a personalized URL for your campaigns (e.g., partner.kind.fund).
● Control: Kind.Fund's administrative dashboard ensures you control all aspects of the campaign.
● Detailed Analytics: Complete donor data is provided for each campaign. If you would like to learn more about Kind.Fund and how your organization might work with them, please contact: Marty Isaac, CEO, at Marty@Kind.Fund or 203-249-1762. |
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PRO BONO PARTNERSHIP WEBINAR PARTNERSHIPS JUNE 6
As the final part in a four-part series on "Tough Times, Tough Decisions," the Pro Bono Parnternship is offering a one-hour webinar on Strategic Alliances, Mergers, and Dissolution, Tuesday, June 6 at 12 noon ($15). In light of recent state and proposed federal budget cuts, many nonprofits are facing incredibly difficult financial decisions. To help organizations navigate these complex issues, Pro Bono Partnership has created a special four-part webinar series. Topics Will Include:
● Aligning with other organizations to preserve programs
● Transferring your programs and assets to other nonprofits
● Determining whether your organization is a good candidate for a merger
● Closing your doors – how to minimize liability exposure
Speakers include: Priya Morganstern, Esq., Director of the Hartford Program, Pro Bono Partnership, Benjamin J. Cordiano, Esq. and Renée Dailey, Esq., Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Register here. |
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GRANTMAKERS IN THE ARTS WEBINAR: THE TRUMP BUDGET JUNE 7
Grantmakers in the Arts presents a webinar briefing, June 7, at 2pm, on President Trump's 2018 Proposed Federal Budget. The new administration has brought with it a change in budget priorities. The President’s proposed budget for 2018 defunds the National Endowments for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Significant cuts are also being proposed to education and other important programs. Grantmakers in the Arts wants to make sure arts funders understand the current state of play, how and when these decisions will be made, and how you can impact them. GIA’s federal policy consultants, Penn Hill Group, with Alex Nock, will provide a briefing on these matters and take your questions during a webinar on June 7. Penn Hill Group has helped GIA with its federal policy work for several years and are experts on the federal budget and appropriations spending process. Please join us for this special briefing. For more information and to register, click here. |
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CREATIVE ARTS WORKSHOP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Creative Arts Workshop (CAW), New Haven seeks an Executive Director/ Head of School, an experienced professional who will be the driving force in broadening the visibility, impact, effectiveness and financial stability of CAW. This individual will work with the Board, staff and faculty to define and implement strategies that will enhance programming, boost enrollment, increase fund raising and position CAW as a national model for effective community arts organizations. Develop comprehensive and effective program implementation, administration, and impact. Create annual budgets that are consistent with the long-term financial sustainability and goals of CAW. Ensure that the budget is adequately benchmarked against actual results. Establish and ensure effective fundraising programs and initiatives for corporate, foundation, government and individual donors, including the use of technology and social media. Oversee the development of strategic and long and short range financial plans to ensure the financial success and long-term sustainability of CAW. Supervise the development of competitive and innovative grant applications and continuation proposals. Build strong relationships with individuals and constituencies within CAW, public, media, collaborating agencies, advocates, community partners and other stakeholders. Skills Required: Significant organizational leadership experience; expertise with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office required. A strong ethic of responsibility and accountability for actions and results. Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; MFA or MBA preferred. Experience as an executive director or senior administrator with a proven record of success in leadership and fundraising efforts. Full job description here. Email cover letter describing your interest in the position and a resume to: EDsearch@cawmail.org. Application Deadline: June 15, 2017
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THEISPOT SALES AND SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR/ TECHNICAL LIAISON
The I Spot, an established illustrators’ digital directory is moving from Manhattan to South Norwalk and looking for innovative, creative thinker to join our team. The ideal candidate for the sales and social media coordinator must be computer savvy with good communications skills and have proficiency in Photoshop and other imaging software, Excel and Word. Knowledge of Quickbooks a plus. Familiarity with the arts, ideally illustration, photography, or digital media is important. Responsibilities:
- Maintain back-end functionality of Theispot digital illustration directory
- Analyze artist portfolios to provide technical, keyword and aesthetic assistance to subscribing artists to ensure most productive use of imagery. Contact subscribers with improvement suggestions.
- Activate new accounts in Portfolio & Stock sections; track annual renewals on a monthly basis
- Post news items to the site about subscriber jobs and awards; post and circulate same effectively across social media accounts
- Analyze current effectiveness of social media posts and identify improvements
- Construct and deliver promotional emails
- Identify new subscriber possibilities for Portfolio and Stock sections
- Create new identity/awareness program with art schools
- Deliver image files to fulfill Stock licenses
- Maintain email contact list for promotion
- Create weekly invoices and process credit card transactions
Education: Bachelor's degree required. Recent college graduates accepted. Start date: Mid to late June. Full description and application details here. |
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WESTPORT ARTS CENTER
P/T EDUCATOR & ASSISTANT
The Westport Arts Center seeks part-time (20 hrs/week, extended hours in the summer) highly motivated arts enrichment educator and assistant, comfortable teaching students ages 3-17. Applicant must have fine arts degree and teaching experience, with the enthusiasm and flexibility to thrive in an evolving program. As part of a small team, applicant must be a team player, willing to help when needed and comfortable with being highly flexible. The Educator and Assistant will be tasked with assisting the Director of Education upon request, and reports directly to the Director of Education. Their role will encompass both education roles, and office management roles, as directed by their supervisor.
Responsibilities include: Develop lesson plans for specifically assigned classes, while following guidelines of course write-up; teach all arts education programs assigned, both in-house and off-site; lead occasional weekend events, birthday parties, and attend occasional evening events; lead outreach exhibit tours to visiting groups; maintain art studio space (includes cleaning the space, keeping the space and supplies organized, tracking the supply inventory, and refreshing the inventory when necessary by making supply runs); contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Please send resume and cover letter to Lillie Fortino, Director of Education: lillie@westportartscenter.org |
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NICE FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Norwalk International Cultural Exchange (NICE) is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote and increase awareness of the diversity of people from around the world through arts and culture. The mission of NICE is to encourage the various groups that make up our society to learn about each other's traditions and customs in order to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of what each group brings to our community. The NICE Festival Series celebrate the rich global heritage and culture so evident in the music, food, art and talent of which we in Norwalk are so proud. The NICE Festival Series host dancers, musicians, food and craft vendors from multiple traditions and customs; and encourage the community to spend the day together. NICE INC supports global and local charitable organizations in their fight against the problems facing the modern world, which as we know, include poverty, hunger, sparse economic and educational opportunities, and slavery. The NICE Festival will need numerous volunteers to make for a successful event for our City of Norwalk. We have put together a program that details our volunteer needs by activity and time slots and created an easy online sign up process for individuals who which to volunteer. Click here to get started
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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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