NEA announces direct grants to Indiana organizations; artists

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently announced its latest round of grants including those for Art Works I, Challenge America, and Creative Writing Fellowships in Poetry. Eight grants totaling $150,000 were announced for Indiana. Direct grants to Indiana organizations include: Indiana University (on behalf of Traditional Arts Indiana) Bloomington, Folk & Traditional Arts, $20,000 Lotus Education & Arts Foundation, Inc., Bloomington, Presenting & Multidisciplinary Works, $30,000 Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, Inc., Indianapolis, Media Arts, $20,000 Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Indianapolis, Challenge America, $10,000  Phoenix Theatre, Inc., Indianapolis, Theater & Musical Theater, $10,000 Carnegie  Center for Art & History, New Albany, Challenge America, $10,000 Two Indiana poets are among the Indiana recipients. Sara Gelston, Indianapolis, and Mark Neely, Muncie, will each receive a $25,000 grant in the field of Creative Writing Fellowships in Poetry. (source: NEA press release) Back to Top

South Bend Gallery to Receive Collaboration Grant

Crossroads Gallery, Center for Arts & Culture, University of Notre Dame, in collaboration with El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Mexico, is among nine Transnational Cultural Remittance Grants announced recently by the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC). The group announced awards totaling over $296,000 in support of Latino arts and culture through three different grant programs: NALAC Fund for the Arts, Transnational Cultural Remittance Program, and Diverse Art Spaces. The grant to Crossroads Gallery will support the efforts of Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture to work with Mexico and U.S. partners to launch a new border art & cultural initiative. The project with involve artists and print studios from Mexico and the U.S. exploring ways that art can communicate and change perceptions that continue to obscure communication and learning about the social realities of borders and migration experiences. After receiving over 300 applications, NALAC awarded forty-three grants in the U.S., Mexico, and Central America: 17 U.S. based Latino artists and ensembles and 12 Latino arts organizations in multiple disciplines, as well as nine cultural exchanges in 18 communities between the U.S., Guatemala, El Salvidor and Mexico. Five organizations receive Diverse Art Spaces awards to present or commission work by Latino artists. Crossroads Gallery, the only Indiana grant recipient, was among the nine Transnational Cultural Remittance grants awarded. Launched in 2008, the program supports exemplary cultural exchanges that promote grassroots artistic collaboration and strengthen networks between the U.S., Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $395,000 to 48 grantees, reaching over 80 communities. (source: NALAC press release) Back to Top

Conference will explore how Creative Placemaking impacts diversity and includsion

Maria Rosario Jackson, Kresge Foundation, and Jamie Bennett, ArtPlace America will be among the presenters at the Third Annual SphinxCon, Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. George Galster, professor of Urban Affairs at the Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Wayne State University, will be moderator for the conversation surrounding this important topic. Other presenters will include Jane Chu, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts; Abel Lopez, Associate Producing Director, GALA Hispanic Theatre; Tim Dang, Producing Artistic Director, East West Players; and Maysoon Zayid, comedian, writer, and actress. Visit www.SphinxCon.org for more information and how to register. Back to Top

Winners give back with public library grants

Three libraries across the state are each receiving a $2,500 grant, thanks to this year's Eugene & Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award winners. The public library grants are in addition to the cash prizes awarded to the winners. Since the Award's inception, more than $47,000 has been awarded to libraries from the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, in conjunction with The Glick Fund. This year's library grant recipients are the Monroe County Public Library, selected by National Author winner Michael Shelden; the Jasper Public Library, selected by Regional Author winner Norbert Krapf; and the Muncie Public Library, selected by Emerging Author winner Kelsey Timmerman. The grants help libraries invest in what they need most, such as programs and collections. The grants are also a meaningful way for the authors to recognize the libraries that matter to them. Past grants to public libraries have helped purchase signs or fund special reading programs for children, among other projects. A full list of all Indiana public libraries to receive grants from winning authors is available here. Back to Top

News Around the State

Evansville Tech Center Commissions $25,000 Sculpture
When Haier America opens its Evansville technology center next year, it will be the appliance-maker's first such facility anywhere in the U.S. In honor of this fact, Haier is commissioning an outdoor sculpture it can display at the facility. Haier is working with the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, which is helping it solicit artist proposals for the project. Read the full story here. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

Duo Paint Mural at Scene of North Vernon Fires
Following two fires in downtown North Vernon within a couple of weeks, North Vernon residents had to find a way to rise above the rubble. Both fires were in the same area, but the second one on Nov. 21 took 13 departments to extinguish, resulted in two buildings collapsing and was ruled arson. To bring some color back to downtown, North Veron's First Lady, Joanne Campbell asked artists Janet McIntosh and Briana Barger about painting a mural on the barricade to make the scene look better for the "Christmas in the City" celebration. Find the full story here. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

IMA to Charge Admission
The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) will begin charging $18 for general admission tickets beginning in April 2015. The museum says the change is part of a plan to enhance the campus and improve visitor experiences. The museum says it will provide new and diverse programming, like Family Days, and new classes and summer camps for kids. Read more here. (source: Inside Indiana Business)

IU Southeast Unveils Collection by Southern Indiana Artists
"Autumn Beeches" was a particularly sentimental painting for Don and Kathy Smith. It was given to them when they got married in 1964 by Kathy's grandmother. It helped spark their love for collecting art. It was painted by her grandfather, who was an artist from New Albany who founded the Wonderland Way Art Club. The Smiths collected several other pieces from the artists in the club, and now some of them belong to Indiana University Southeast. Click here to learn more. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

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National News

Cities Can't Afford to Lose Artists
A recent study published in the journal Urban Studies takes a close look at the connection between the arts and city building. The study, by Carl Grodach of the Queensland University of Technology, Elizabeth Currid-Hulkett of the University of Southern California, and Nicole Foster and James Murdoch III of the University of Texas at Arlington examines the economic and demographic factors most closely associated with arts clusters and the kinds of metros where arts hubs are found. Author Richard Florida took a closer look at the study findings in an article written for The Atlantic. Click here for more. (source: The Atlantic City Lab)

Congressional Budget Bill Maintains Arts Funding for 2015
After delays and wrangling, Congress reached agreement on final funding for all federal agencies and programs for the 2015 fiscal year, which started back in October. The U.S. House passed this mega bill, known as "Cromnibus," December 11 by a vote of 219-206, sending it to the U.S. Senate which worked through the weekend to pass it. Included in the agreement was $146 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This means funding would continue (for the fourth year in a row) at current levels through September 2015. This funding matches the U.S. House committee's proposal from this summer and the President's request from the spring, but it is less than the $150 million proposed by the U.S. Senate and favored by arts advocates. Also included was $25 million for the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education, which has again survived efforts to zero out funding or consolidate all funds. In addition to funding, Congress included several policy provisions, notably legislation that reauthorizes Brand USA, a public-private partnership that helps generate international visits to the U.S. aiding the cultural tourism sector. It is also expected in these last few hours that Congress will pass a patch to allow last-minute tax-free contributions from IRA accounts, a key item for arts institutions. (source: Americans for the Arts)

A Major New Museum in South Florida, and They are Funding it Themselves
Norman Braman, the auto dealership magnate, has just uttered the words every contractor dreams of hearing: "whatever the cost is, we will be building it, period." Sitting with his wife, Irma, on the patio of their Indian Creek Island home, off Miami Beach, he has been outlining their plans to single-handedly fund the design and construction of South Florida's newest major museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami. Click here for the full story. (source: New York Times)

L.A. Symphony Receives Surprise Gift
A prominent Los Angeles tech entrepreneur and former board president of the L.A. Philharmonic announced recently his will give $20 million to the orchestra, half of it going to endow the top leadership position now held by Deborah Borda. David Bohnett's pledge was made in recognition of Borda's successful tenure at the Phil. It will create the David C. Bohnett Presidential Chair and be used to underwrite at least part of the compensation of the orchestra's current and future president and chief executives. Read the full story here. (source: Los Angeles Times)

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Opportunities

Deputy Director, Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia, WA
The Washington State Arts Commission currently seeks candidates for their Deputy Director. Successful candidates should have experience in budget, finance, and agency operations. The deadline to apply is December 21, 2014. To view a complete job description and information on how to apply, please visit: http://bit.ly/1FLEJOB.

Online Content Manager, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, IN
In collaboration with the Director of Marketing, the Online Content Manager is responsible for the creation and implementation of strategies related to: e-newsletters, social media, IMA website, online marketing campaigns. The successful candidate will have a degree in Marketing, Arts Administration, Journalism, English, Public Relations or a related field; proven history and success with social media management; strong knowledge of online platforms; experience with online tools including Hootsuite, Mail Chimp and Wordpress and basic HTML knowledge. Adobe Creative Suite experience is preferred. Google Analytics certification is required. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, superior written communications and editing skills, and ability to work to track and maintain budgets is also required. Click here to search for the complete job description. Interested applicants should send their cover letter / resumes to HR or directly to Susie McKenna, Director of Marketing, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 400 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208 or email to smckenna@imamuseum.org.  

Permanent Art Collection Curator, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
This professional position is responsible for the stewardship documentation and research development and care of ISU's permanent art collection primarily comprised of prints, ceramics and paintings. This work includes providing access to the collection through on-campus venues, the maintenance of the catalog, safe storage of works, condition reporting and prioritization of conservation needs. The incumbent will ensure focused growth of the collection through strategic acquisitions and will identify objects for deaccession that do not meet the standards of the collection. In addition, the Curator will interact with the Department of Art and Design faculty to foster experiential professional learning opportunities for students and collaborate with the Gallery Director to plan, install, and publicize exhibitions of art pieces from the permanent collection. This position requires required grant writing and / or donor relation experience; knowledge of collection management software; and undergraduate teaching experience. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/1FKvJak.

Manager of Volunteer Services, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, IN
The Manager of Volunteer Services maintains reporting systems and tour evaluation, and supports all logistics for the Volunteer program. He/she actively recruits and oversees the orientation of new volunteers; trains, ensures appropriate placement of and provides support for volunteer staff throughout the institution. He/she set standards for an monitors volunteer performance and development. Basic work week is 37.5 hours per week with some night / weekend even presence needed. Click here for the job description, qualifications, and how to apply.

Light and Sound Technician, The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, IN
The Light and Sound Technician assists with preparation and operation of sound and lighting systems in all venues. This person may supervise crews during load-ins, load-outs, and performances. Advance incoming shows in the Tarkington and Studio Theaters. Evening and weekend work will be required. The successful candidate will have a college degree or equivalent experience in this field; ability to troubleshoot in a calm and efficient manner; basic electrical and wiring knowledge; experience with conventional and multi-parameter fixtures, ETC control software, and dimming; experience with digital sound consoles and systems; basic knowledge in soldering and carpentry a plus; ability to work independently, on time, and within budget; good communications skills; proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word; must be able to work at heights; and ability to lift 50 pounds. To see the full job description and how to apply, click here. 

Maintenance Engineer, The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, IN
The Maintenance Engineer is responsible for the daily maintenance and coordination of in-house needs for productions and rentals. Some evening and weekend work will be required. The successful candidate will understand and comprehend building design documents; understand all building operating systems; and have experience in managing personnel. Five to seven years experience in this field of similar background, degree or certificate in construction management, or facilities management, or 1 one to three years experience in a related field are requirements. To see a complete list of duties required, and how to apply, click here.

Patron Services Representative, Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, IN
The Center for the Performing Arts seeks outstanding individuals for part-time Customer Service positions in the Ticket Office. Candidates should have excellent communications skills and enjoy interacting with the public. These positions require the ability to work evenings and weekends along with varying schedules. Knowledge of the arts and experience using Tessitura or other ticketing software programs are pluses, and sales experience is helpful. To apply, email cover letter and resume to: tickets@thecenterpresents.org. No phone calls please.

Accounting Associate, Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, IN
The Accounting Associate works closely with the Vice President of Administration / CFO regarding banking month and year-end closing, balance sheet accounts reconciliations, sales tax return preparation, bank account and bank deposit reconciliations, revenue tracking, accounts receivable and inventory related accounts payable entry and reconciliations. To see the full job description and how to apply, click here.

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