Arts Commission Accepting Nominations for State Poet Laureate

The Indiana Arts Commission is now accepting nominations for Indiana State Poet Laureate. The Indiana Poet Laureate represents the State of Indiana and the art of poetry through the development and implementation of programming to the education community and general public. The Poet Laureate makes formal presentations at various educational facilities and events, and offers advice to the Commission regarding ways to further the art of poetry in Indiana. Nominations for Indiana Poet Laureate should be limited to one, single-page cover letter and a resume or CV detailing the nominee's qualifications and accomplishments. No additional materials should be included with the initial nomination. Successful nominees must be current residents of Indiana and remain residents during their two-year term of service as State Poet Laureate. Nominees should be published poets, with experience in educational program development. Nominations must be submitted to the Indiana Arts Commission by email only, and must be received by 4:30 (EDT) Thursday August 1, 2013. Nominations should be sent to the attention of Susan Britsch: sbritsch@iac.in.gov.  All nominations will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from Indiana's major institutions of higher education. The committee will be convened lat this fall and will begin review of the nominations early this winter. Joyce Brinkman was the first State Poet Laureate selected to lead the program. Norbert Krapf succeeded Ms. Brinkman, and Karen Kovacik is the current Indiana Poet Laureate. Her term expires January 1, 2014.

Engaging a New Preservation Audience with Digital Tools

The Indiana State Preservation Office announces a special presentation by Dr. Mark Tebeau, Associate Professor of History at Cleveland State University and Founding Director of the Center for Public History & Digital Humanities. Dr. Tebeau will speak about his Center's ongoing efforts to engage new audiences with historic preservation and interpretation using digital technologies. His team has worked with cities across the country to deploy a smartphone app delivering historic and cultural tours. You can learn more about this kind of technology in future preservation and cultural efforts by attending a presentation on Monday, May 20th, 2013 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. and Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Please RSVP to Jeannie Regan-Dinius at jrdinius@dnr.in.gov or call 317-234-1268. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Can Indiana Towns and Communities Become Lifetime Communities for Older Americans

The "graying" of America - heralded by some as the second American Revolution - promises dramatic changes in the field of aging. Arguably, one of the most profound changes is a new way of seeing older adults: moving from a "deficit" approach that stresses losses to an "asset" approach that stresses strengths, potential and achievements. In order to advance this new understanding of aging and the beneficial link between creativity, culture and aging, the City of Bloomington Commission on Aging coordinates an annual Creative Aging Festival. The festival is a series of community events held during the month of May to celebrate Older Americans Month. Festival objectives include: showcasing the talents and skills of both established and first-time older artists and performers; promote inter-generational understanding through dialogue, sharing traditions and storytelling; and enhance awareness about the value of creative engagement to adult health and well being. Pragmatically, creative aging is living a life of self discovery. It is a journey of lifelong learning, creative expression and community engagement in the pursuit of well-being. Activities planned during the month-long festival include: traveling art shows, a senior expo, creative storytelling, a campus writing walk, and a variety of special exhibitions, presentations, discussions and tours. To view a complete festival brochure including calendar of events, please click here. Center on Aging & Community at Indiana University is a co-sponsor of the event.

Vonnegut Library Invited to National Summit on Arts in the Military

Julia Whitehead, executive director of the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library in Indianapolis, was recently invited to participate in a national summit on arts and health in the military. The 2nd National Summit: Arts, Health and Well-being Across the Military, is an invitation-only gathering focused on the benefits of arts exposure, active art-making and issues related to research, policy and practice in the arts and health across the military continuum (from pre-deployment into civilian life). The Vonnegut Library was established in 2009 to champion the contributions of writer and artist Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., a military veteran. Over the past year, it has forged partnerships with various military groups to present programs aimed at showing veterans how the arts and humanities can help them communicate and heal. "Kurt Vonnegut was a World War II veteran - his experience is basis of his novel Slaughterhouse-Five and shows up in many of his works," said Whitehead, who is also a Marine veteran. "So it is natural that the Vonnegut Library should create programs for military personnel." In November 2012, a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., helped the library host Veterans Reclaim Armistice Day: Healing through the Humanities for some 250 veterans and their families focused on arts-based ways of coping with post-traumatic stress disorder. The event brought together representatives from the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Veterans Administration, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and others with representatives from the ArtReach Foundation, Herron School of Art, and the Indiana Humanities Council. This November, a citywide celebration dubbed VonnegutFest will include a military panel headed by NPR's Steve Inskeep with Tim O'Brien, Vietnam vet and National Book Award winner. The panel will explore how military veterans can safely express themselves through writing. "Kurt's books show his sense of humor as well as his love for humanity and his ability to pinpoint absurdities in our society," Whitehead said. "Veterans like Vonnegut have made significant contributions in the arts, and it's time to highlight the importance of the arts in all of our lives." (Source: Vonnegut Memorial Library press release)

Indiana Organization Among Latest Grants From the NEA

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced this week it will award $26.3 million in 817 grants to nonprofit national, regions, state and local organizations nationwide. These grants support exemplary projects in 13 artistic disciplines and fields: arts education, dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literature, local arts agencies, media arts, museums, music, opera, presenting, theater and musical theater, and visual arts. These Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancing the livability of communities through the arts. The Lotus Education and Arts Foundation, Inc., Bloomington, IN will receive a $30,000 grant to support the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. The festival, celebrating music and arts from cultures around the world, will include concerts, street performances, demonstrations, exhibitions, installations, performances, interactive educational workshops, and collaborative art-making activities. "The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support these exciting and diverse arts projects that will take place throughout the United States," said acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa. "Whether it is through a focus on education, engagement, or innovation, these projects all contribute to vibrant communities and memorable opportunities for the public to engage with the arts." The NEA received 1,547 eligible applications under the Art Works category, requesting more than $80 million in funding. Of those applications, 817 were recommended for funding. Grant amounts range from $4,000 to $125,000. Lotus World Music and Arts Festival was a 2001 Governor's Arts Award recipient. (source: NEA press release)

News Around the State

James Dean's High School Stage to be Salvaged
The Fairmount Lions Club is trying to reassemble the stage that screen icon and Fairmount native James Dean performed on in high school. The long-closed high school had fallen into disrepair, as had the stage, before the Lions Club rescued the stage in August 2012. The stage was removed, piece by piece, over three days and now sits in a truck waiting to be reassembled in the pavilion at Play Acres Park. The Lion's Club has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs, estimated at just over $100,000, to reassemble the stage. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

Butler to Celebrate New Arts Center
Butler University recently marked the opening of a new, $15 million building for the arts. A reception was held April 18 at the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts. Schrott is a former chief financial officer of Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications Corp. Schrott is also a graduate of the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis and practiced in Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis. He is currently an independent consultant based in San Fransisco. He contributed $6.5 million to the project. The opening of the 450 seat theater and concert hall will mark the beginning of Butler ArtsFest. (source: Inside Indiana Business)

Former ISO Leader Lands New Job
Former Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra CEO Simon Crookall was recently named to head the Hawaii Opera Theatre, known as HOT. Crookall left the ISO in early 2012 after seven years as its leader. He assumes his new duties May 13. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

Proposed Lake County Classical Arts Center Needs More Time to Complete Renovations
With a 10-year deadline approaching, organizers will appeal for more time to transform an 83-year-old donated building into a classical arts center for Northwest Indiana. The building was donated to the Indiana Ballet Theatre in 2003 by Lake County Board of Commissioners on condition it be improved significantly within a decade. About $250,000 in repairs have been made to the building so far, of an estimated $3 million of work still remaining. Major projects last year included installation of a new roof and restoration of 74 windows. The circa 1930 building for years housed nurses who cared for patients of the former James O. Parramore Hospital, a county tuberculosis sanatorium in Crown Point. It has been vacant since the 1970s. The Indiana Ballet Theatre would be one of several arts-related organizations to rent space in the completed building, if renovation plans come to fruition. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

National News

President's 2014 Budget Proposes NEA Funding Increase
President Obama sent his fiscal year 2014 budget proposal to Congress earlier this month, requesting $154.466 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This figure represents an increase of almost $8.5 million over the NEA's FY2013 budget, before sequestration took effect on March 1. Under sequestration, the NEA is operating with a budget of about $139 million for the remainder of FY2013. The president's request mirrors last year's, when the administration also urged Congress to fund the NEA at $154 million. With the president's budget formally released, Congress is expected to begin work quickly on budget bills for FY2014. (source: National Assembly of State Arts Agencies)

Michigan House Plan Shifts Film Tax Money to Road Repairs
The Republican-controlled Michigan House of Representatives this week stripped $25 million in tax money it planned to set aside for the film industry as well as $25 million for economic development and shifted it to road maintenance funding. The move may have been a bargaining tool for negotiations with the GOP-led Michigan Senate which had been seeking $50 million for film incentives. The proposed cut by the House had not been part of the the budget passed by the House Appropriations Committee but was offered by amendment during full House consideration. The budget must still be voted upon by the Senate where the majority leader has long bee a champion for the film tax incentives. (source: Detroit News Online)

Nominations Sought for Public Leadership in the Arts Award
The National Public Leadership in the Arts Awards are given in recognition of an elected official or artist who plays an important role in advancement of the arts and arts education within his or her community and whose vision and leadership provide heightened visibility to the value of the arts. Americans for the Arts (AFTA) is currently accepting nominations for Lieutenant Governor, State Legislator, and County Official awards that will be presented this summer. To nominate and elected official, please submit a nomination form by May 17, 2013. Please click here to access the nomination form. (source: Americans for the Arts)

Americans for the Arts and American Girl Team up to Help Support Arts Education in U.S. Schools
To support American Girl's 2013 Girl of the Year, Saige Copeland, and her message about the importance of preserving arts programs in U.S. schools, Americans for the Arts (AFTA) and American Girl are teaming up around the Elevate the Arts grants contest. Elevate the Arts will provide $45,000 in grants to elementary school art programs across the country. Teachers can enter to win one of the grants by submitting a digital image of a hot air balloom-themed art project and a short statement on why the arts matter. Deadline for submission is May 31, 2013. Click here for more information on ideas and resources to get you started in making sure that all kids are getting their fair share of the arts, both in school and in the community. (source: Americans for the Arts)

A Sudsier Side of Symphonies in Cleveland
Beer and Beethoven, hot dogs and Haydn. It's an unusual menu, but one that's been working well for the Happy Dog Saloon, in Cleveland, Ohio. Several times a year, the bar hosts Ensemble HD, a classical music group made up of members of the Cleveland Orchestra. The first time the group performed at the bar, the place was packed with lines out the door. The events have proven so popular in fact that the Happy Dog has expanded its classical music offerings, featuring a rotating set of musicians from the organization Classical Revolutions Cleveland on the third Tuesday of every month. While playing Bach in a bar has an irresistible "high art meets low-brow" appeal, it's also a brilliant experiment in community engagement. In a age where symphony attendance is on the decline, orchestras are increasingly testing ways to entice new audiences, from outdoor projections on the New World Symphony building in Miami to performing for schoolchildren free-of-charge. The Cleveland Symphony is on the forefront of these outreach innovations. (source: National Endowment for the Arts)

Opportunities

Manager of Marketing & Patron Engagement, Actors Theatre of Indiana, Carmel, IN
Actors Theatre of Indiana, the Resident Professional Theatre Company at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana, seeks a creative marketing and fundraising professional for the position of Manager of Marketing and Patron Engagement. Actors Theatre of Indiana's mission is to celebrate the power of theatre and contribute to life in Central Indiana by offering high quality professional theatre performances and programs that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. The position manages all aspects of public relations, marketing, patron services and stewardship, including donor/sponsor processing and fulfillment, special events, ticketing, website, outbound messaging, and social media outreach. A Bachelor degree is required, preferably in marketing and/or arts administration. For a complete detailed listing of job responsibilities and required qualifications, please click here.

Learning Opportunity, Audio Description Institute, Columbus, OH
The American Council for the Blind (ACB) announces it Audio Description Institute, July 10 - 12, 2013. In conjunction with ACB's Annual Conference and Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Columbus, Ohio, Audio Description makes visual images accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. Using words that are succinct, vivid, and imaginative, media describers convey the visual image from television and film that is not fully accessible to a significant segment of the population. The signing f the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act has spawned a virtual cottage industry for the development of description for broadcast television. The interactive sessions are designed to provide immediate feedback and "give and take," allowing for adaptation according to a sense of participants' grasp of the material. In addition, experienced users of description are a part of the Institute's faculty, providing an important perspective throughout the sessions. Participation will be strictly limited. To apply, send an email to jsnyder@acb.org to reserve your spot. You will be notified when on-line registration is open. Visit www.acb.org in late May or early June. For more information, contact Joel Snyder at 202-467-5083 or email to the address listed above for more information.

Membership and Annual Fund Manager, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Museum of Art seeks a dynamic self-starter to lead efforts to increase membership and annual fund support. The successful candidate will create, implement and manage innovative fundraising programs to: better serve IMA members and donors increase unrestricted operating support; and improve member and donor retention. They will be responsible for meeting ambitious membership and annual fund revenue growth goals. This position will work closely with Public Affairs, Visitor Services and Volunteers to create and distribute member communications and solicitation materials, as well as to drive from desk membership recruitment efforts. Qualifications include a B.A. or B.S. in related area required, as well as a minimum of five years' experience in membership, development, or alumni relations; or equivalent combination of education and experience necessary. Proven track record for growing and maintaining a successful membership program. Experience with direct mail and online marketing preferred. To learn more or apply for this job, click here.

Artistic Director, Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts Commission, Hampton, VA
Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts Commission, a newly merged department of the City of Hampton, Virginia, seeks an experienced industry professional to fill a leadership position of Artistic Director. This position is responsible for overseeing the programming and booking of the American Theatre and Charles H. Taylor Arts Center, and directing activities designed to bring about awareness, education, participation, general interest and appreciation of arts as a vital quality of life for the city. Qualifications include, but not limited to: a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field of study; a minimum of five years of experience as a programming/booking director at a performing arts center or in administering festivals, visual or performing arts programs; knowledge and experience in the management and operation of a performing arts center and art gallery; experience in working with appointed or elected commission is preferred; knowledge of federal, state and local funding sources for the arts and experience in securing grants and funding; must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license and must have satisfactory driver's record based on the City of Hampton's criteria. For a complete detailed job description and/or to apply, please visit: www.hampton.gov/hire. For more information, contact Joe Tsao, Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts Commission Director, at jtsao@hampton.gov or call 757-896-1235.

Managing Director, Watts Village Theater Company, South Los Angeles, CA
Watts Village Theater Company seeks a Managing Director responsible for the administrative and fiscal operations of the company. The Managing Director coordinates and oversees the day-to-day and overall company operations. The position is in charge of earned and contributed revenue streams, and supervises the accounting and bookkeeping functions of the theater. The Managing Director also supervises all grant writing activities and all support staff. The Managing Director reports to the Board of Directors. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree and at least five year's experience in arts organization management. Also must have excellent computer and writing skills. Salary commensurate with experience. Questions should be directed to Karen Rushfield, Board of Directors, at 310-556-0605, or email karm2k@aol.com. Cover letter and resumes should be sent to the above email address.