FAME Selected to Create Indiana's Ornaments for the National Christmas Tree Display

Fort Wayne's FAME (Foundation for Art and Music in Education) has been chosen to design and create the ornaments for Indiana's tree for the 2012 National Christmas Tree display in President's Park in Washington, D.C. Ornaments from all 56 U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia will be displayed at the 2012 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

"It's such an honor to be selected because we can give some very talented students the opportunity to showcase their work in a prestigious setting, as well as stimulate those students to think more about how thestate of Indiana contributes to the overall strength of our nation," said Heather Miller, Board President of FAME. "We are excited to be part of the National Christmas Tree display because it allows FAME to bring students together from an assortment of surrounding schools. Many times our programs involve students creating art within their own schools. This project is a collaboration of a variety of students who would have otherwise never met one another."

FAME students recently met at Fox Island Nature Preserve for a special workshop to create ornament designs related to the state of Indiana.

"Students representing a variety of schools in northeast Indiana stepped into nature as we met at Fox Island County Park," Mills said. "The inspiring setting filled with warm fall colors, crunching leaves, and the crisp scent of autumn helped stimulate the senses as students set off to create vibrant watercolor paintings, collected and assembled clear globes, with each student choosing bits of natural material to add finishing touches."

FAME has the mission to foster and perpetuate creativity through multicultural arts education, and believe in the value and power of the arts to kindle the imagination, encourage creative thinking and enhance human development. FAME's vision is to empower teachers to nurture artistic creativity, celebrate the artist in every child, and develop pathways to explore the arts, understand and appreciate cultures through experiences with indigenous art forms, make the arts enjoyable and part of everyday life.

"We are very pleased that FAME will represent Indiana in this year's National Christmas Tree display," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "This time honored tradition is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season."

FAME was a 1997 recipient of the Indiana Governor's Arts Awards.

Children's Museum Features the Glass Collection of Marilyn Glick

The world's largest children's museum joins the Indiana Glass Arts Alliance in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Studio Glass with pieces from the collection of Marilyn K. Glick - A Gathering of Glass along with Dale Chihuly's Fireworks of Glass, his largest permanent installation. Over the last 50 years, the art of glass has been incorporated into art education, personal collections, museums, and many indoor and outdoor installation. "Glass is one of many art forms the museum is proud to display while instilling the love of art and creating extraordinary learning opportunities in the arts regarding the creation of glass, its design and rising popularity," said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The museum will display a portion of Marilyn Glick's personal glass collection now through the end of December. A Gathering of Glass holds especially fond memories as the museum pays tribute to philanthropist and collector Marilyn Glick who passed away earlier this year. Glick's personal passion for and dedication to the studio-glass movement is emphasized in this temporary exhibit that features glass of all shapes, color and sizes.

"As a life-long learner and lover of glass, Marilyn went out of her way to meet the artists who created the glass so she could share their stories of inspiration along with the innovative creations themselves," said Patchen. "Before her death, she asked that some of her collection be displayed where she could share her enthusiasm and personal passion for glass with children and families. It is our pleasure to fulfill that wish."

The blown, cut, cast, metal-etched and vessels of glass from Glick's collection are a wonderful compliment to the world's largest permanent installation of blown glass by artist Dale Chihuly. Fireworks of Glass was installed in 2006 as a permanent exhibit.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities, was among the recipients of the 2011 Indiana Governor's Arts Awards. Marilyn and husband Eugene Glick were among the 2003 award honorees.

Sweetwater Sound Makes Major Investment in Indiana

Sweetwater Sound, Inc., recently broke ground on its 110,000 square foot expansion of its facility in Fort Wayne. The company will not only add space to its current location, it expects to hire more than 315 full-time positions to its workforce over the next four years, plus add a number of ancillary jobs related to Sweetwater's partners, vendors, contractors, and restaurant and music school staff. Sweetwater founder Chuck Surack said, "Thanks to the great work of the Economic Development Alliance, Sweetwater will be able to continue to create jobs and grow in Fort Wayne."

According to a company press release, most of the new jobs created will be high paying and will result in many new employees moving with their families to Fort Wayne. Since Sweetwater moved into its new campus in November of 2006, total employment has grown from 240 to almost 500 today.

Sweetwater Sound began business 33 years ago in Fort Wayne, and is the country's most respected dealer in high-technology equipment for musicians, recording studios, and broadcasters. The company is currently the third largest music instrument and pro audio retailer in the United States.

Sweetwater Sound received a 2009 Governor's Arts Award in recognition of their significant commitment to and investments in the Fort Wayne cultural and education communities.

News Around the State

Music For All to Stay in Indianapolis
Music for All, an Indianapolis-based non-profit with nationwide reach, announced recently it plans to keep its office and staff in Indianapolis through 2023. The 11-year extension to the existing agreement will generate an additional estimated $225 million in economic impact and bring in more than 600,000 visitors to Indianapolis. Programs and events held in Indianapolis as part of Music for All include the National Festival in March with an attendance of 3,000, marching band Super Regionals that attract 11,000 in October, and Grand Nationals each November that draws 39,000 visitors to the city. (source: Inside Indiana Business)

Michigan City re-applies for Artspace Tax Credits
In mid-October, Michigan City re-submitted an application for federal tax credits, which would be used for the redevelopment of the Warren Building in the Uptown Arts District as an artist community known as Artspace. Last year, Michigan City's Artspace project was one of 53 applications rejected by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. Only 14 applications were approved in the competitive selection process, which is guided by a points-based scoring system. Michigan City's first Artspace application received a total of 130.5 points, which was 8.5 points less than the Historic Rushton Apartments project in South Bend, which was approved. When city government officials learned Michigan City had not received the tax credits, they immediately planned to re-apply, using the extra time to build a more competitive 2012 application. Among the steps the city took to bolster its application included application to the Indiana Arts Commission for certification of the Uptown Arts District as a state cultural district. The application is still under consideration. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

Hobart's Art Theater Represents Nationwide Fight for Independents
Scott Frey refers to the 71-year-old Art Theater he and his brother bought six years ago as a "hidden gem." It is an assessment that independent film producer Rich Angell agrees with. Angell believes such efforts help keep independent theaters alive. To that end, Angell and fellow film producer John Maggio have created a national campaign called Keep Indie Visible to save landmark art house theaters like the Art Theater in downtown Hobart. Angell says the group has a goal to save 50 art house theaters across the country. The Art is the only such theater in Indiana selected for the project. Angell says The Art was selected to represent Indiana because of its historical significance, the market density of its location, and the passion displayed by its owners in keeping it open. The national project involves a donation campaign which will distribute funds to the 50 selected theaters. The only requirement is that the theaters agree to show five to six independent films a year. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

Audiences Unlimited Names New Director
The board of directors of Fort Wayne-based Audiences Unlimited, Inc. have announced that Anna Ross has been named as the new managing director. Ross has been managing director of the Fort Wayne Ballet since January 2009. Previously, she held several positions with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, including directors of regional development and education and director of education and operations. Audiences Unlimited focuses on connecting the arts to long-term care residents. (source: Inside Indiana Business)

McKim Named Director of Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana
The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana has named Anne Shoemaker McKim as its new executive director. An Evansville native, McKim lived in Oregon, Minnesota and Michigan before returning to Indiana with her husband to raise their children. She completed a degree in political science at the University of Southern Indiana, and has worked the past year as program director for the Public Education Foundation. McKim was chosen for 21 applicants and replaces Nola Wright who resigned the position in June. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

Hamilton County Arts Group Appoints New Leader
Aili McGill has been named the new Executive Director for Nickel Plate Arts initiative. McGill was formerly Director of Operations at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, where she served in a variety of roles since 2001. She has an undergraduate degree in Museums and Museum Management from Earlham College and a graduate degree in Museum Studies from IUPUI. She has also performed improvisational comedy for nearly a decade in Indianapolis. Nickel Plate Arts is an umbrella organization that creates and coordinates arts and cultural experiences across Hamilton County communities to improve the quality of life for residents, strengthen local economies and enrich experiences for visitors. (source: Inside Indiana Business)

Indiana Chamber Offers New Resource for Helping Unemployed, Underemployed
Does your nonprofit work with individuals who are unemployed or underemployed? If the answer is yes, then you may be able to take advantage of a new online resource. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has unveiled IndianaSkills.com as a searchable database of real-time job statistics for every region of the state. The site is free and available to the public. The database includes information for occupations in Indiana requiring at least a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree (associate's degrees, certificate, and industry certifications) based on what's requested or required in employer job ads. Please visit www.indianaskills.com for more information. (source: Indiana Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives)

UIndy to Host Citywide Arts Summit
The University of Indianapolis will host a citywide arts summit December 10 featuring one of the most respected names in the field. Michael Kaiser, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington, D.C., is the featured guest for “Why Arts? Why Indy? Exploring the Future of Creative Culture in Indianapolis.” Free and open to the public, the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. in UIndy’s Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. Kaiser is known worldwide for his success in reversing the once-sagging fortunes of the Kansas City Ballet, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Opera House in London. His 2008 book The Art of the Turnaround is considered a must-read for arts administrators. With assistance from moderator Dennis Ryerson, communications consultant and former editor of The Indianapolis Star, Kaiser will field questions posed by and event co-hosts: David Hochoy, artistic director, Dance Kaleidoscope; Glen Kwok, executive director, International Violin Competition of Indianapolis; Beth Perdue Outland, VP of Community Engagement & Strategic Innovation, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; Steven Stollen, managing director, Indiana Repertory Theatre, and Jim Walker, executive director, Big Car. (source: UIndy press release)

National News

Breaking News: NEA Chairman to Step Down
As we go to press, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced that Chairman Rocco Landesman will step down from his post at the end of the calendar year. "My intention has always been to serve one term, and we have been able to accomplish more than I had ever thought possible: sparking a national movement around creative place-making, forging significant relationships with other federal agencies, creating an unprecedented healing arts partnership with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and increasing both the scope and impact of our research office," Landesman said. "We have continued to support and strengthen the entire spectrum of arts in this country, and we have been able to expand the national conversation through convenings, traditional media, and new technology.  I am proud and honored to have served alongside such an amazing group of dedicated public servants." NEA Senior Deputy Chairman Joan Shigekawa will serve as the acting head of the agency until a permanent successor is confirmed.  

Bureau of Economic Analysis to Begin Measuring Impact of the Arts
For the first time, the American creative sector will be measured on a macroeconomic level by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the federal agency of record on the U.S. economy and a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. In a groundbreaking partnership, the BEA and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will develop an "Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account." This new account will identify and calculate the arts and culture sector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, a measure representing the final dollar value of all goods and services produced in the United States. "Our partnership with the BEA gives the arts the same level of precise, national data on GDP as other sectors like manufacturing, construction, and services," said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. "I think economists and policymakers will take notice." In 2013, both BEA and NEA will release preliminary estimates on relevant creative and cultural industries, including estimates on annual outputs (such as revenue and expenses), direct and indirect employment, compensation, and material and energy costs. In 2014, BEA will release final estimates, and publish the findings in The Survey of Current Business, a key publication for leaders in economics and policy. (source: NEA press release)

Study Suggests "Creative Class" May Have Weathered the Recession Better
The economic crisis of 2008 left millions of American out of work. Even though the job market has been slowly improving lately, employment levels remain considerably below where they were before the crisis. The effects of the crisis have fallen unevenly on different kinds of workers and different kinds of places. Richard Florida, Co-founder and Editor at Large at The Atlantic Cities, and author of the best selling book The Rise of the Creative Class, recently took a close look at how the recession affected the Creative Class through a study, "The Creative Class and the Crisis" published in the Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society. Among the findings, the unemployment rate for the creative class was 1.9 percent in 2006, but increased to only 4.1 percent in the years following the recession's "official" end. As a comparison, the unemployment rate for blue-collar workers during that same period increased from 6.5 percent to 14.6, more than three times higher than that of the creative class. Taking into account variables like educational attainment as well as demographic characteristics, the analysis found that having a creative class job dramatically reduced a person's chance of being unemployed over the course of the crisis. Florida examines the findings of the study in a recent blog posted here. (source: TheAtlanticCities.com)

NEA Announces New Music Therapy Component of Operation Homecoming at Walter Reed
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) expands its landmark arts partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to bring music therapy to patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center including patients at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence located on the campus of Walter Reed Bethesda. This new music therapy component of the NEA's Operation Homecoming program reflects the growing use of creative arts therapy programs in healthcare settings. The NEA and Walter Reed have extended their commitment to partner on these projects through 2015. The expanded Operation Homecoming program will integrate music therapy into treatment plans for patients and provide cutting edge evaluation, treatment planning, research and education for service members and their families dealing with complex interactions of the signature wounds from Afghanistan and Iraq wars: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and psychological health conditions. The new therapy will focus on Neurologic Music Therapy, which uses science-based music techniques to improve cognitive, sensory, and motor function in patients with neurologic diseases such as TBI, stroke, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. Acclaimed music therapist Mia Maegan Morrow is a consultant for Operation Homecoming's music therapy program. (source: NEA press release)

Denver Cultural Organizations to Share Bond Windfall
Nine of Denver's largest cultural institutions would receive a windfall of capital improvement cash under a mayor's office plan to spend the last of the money voters agreed to borrow for building improvements in 2007. The $57 million remaining from the Better Denver bond initiatives would fund a new shared parking lot for the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature & Science; a new amphitheater in Ruby Hill Park, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the Denver Performing Arts Center to the Colorado Convention Center parking garage. Other big winners in a quest for money that pitted museums against theaters against preservation efforts include the historic McNichols Building in Civic Center, the Denver Art Museum, and Red Rocks Amphitheater. Losers include the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, which had been seeking funds to transform the Boettcher Concert Hall into a state-of-the-art digital performance and recording center. The plan goes on to the Denver City Council for final approval. The council could approve it as submitted, suggest revisions to some or all of the proposal, or it could reject borrowing any of the bond money. (source: Denver Post online)

Opportunities

Assistant Technical Manager (Full-Time), The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. (Durham, NC)
The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. is seeking a full-time Assistant Technical Manager to work in event production and general operations of the facility. The Assistant Technical Manager will report to the Technical Manager. The Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which manages the city-owned facility, including the 1,000 seat historic Fletcher Hall and two cinemas which screen independent film, as well as festivals and retrospectives, 365 days per year. The organization presents more than 50 Star Series performances per year in Fletcher Hall and provides more than 35 educational performances for more than 15,000 school children from 12 counties in the Arts Discovery series. Fletcher Hall is also home for a variety of performing arts resident companies and hosts of non-profit and commercial events throughout the year. Candidates for this position must have strong working knowledge of production scheduling, lighting, sound, video, rigging, staging protocols, and have basic applicable computer skills. Candidates should be technically experienced with customer-service skills and highly organized. Responsibilities include: advance production details with rental clients and artist representatives and relay information to staff as needed; obtain and post appropriate event information on the Carolina Theatre's event calendar; managing show crews, prepping and striking performance spaces; direct the logistics of live presentations and major events including backstage activity and fulfillment of artist contract riders; operating sound and light consoles as well as other A/V needs; supervising technical staff, and helping to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of human resources; recruit and train stage crew, sound, light, flymen, spot operators and other positions necessary to staff all events in the theatre; help maintain technical equipment and related systems to ensure readiness and competitiveness of the theatre; prepare timely reports of labor, supplies and services as needed to settle events; other duties as assigned by the Technical Manager. Salary range is $30,000 - $36,000 commensurate with experience. Hours are variable and include significant nights and weekends. The Carolina Theatre offers a benefit package including medical insurance with vision and dental coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan. The Carolina Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply, send resume and cover letter to hr@carolinatheatre.org. (source: press release)

Vice President of Public Relations, Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Chicago, IL)
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra seeks a full-time Vice President of Public Relations. As a senior management team member, reporting to the President, the Vice President of Public Relations will provide counsel in areas of long-term public relations strategy and institutional communications for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, an internationally-renowned organization with an annual operating budget of $75 million. Develop and implement local, national, and international media relations strategies for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center and the Institute for Learning, Access and Training, and act as senior spokesperson for the institution.  Serve as advisor to constituent groups and other departments.  Supervise all PR, publications, and archives activities of the CSO Association. Minimum of eight years experience working in public relations, preferably for a non-profit or performing arts organization. Experience managing communications-related projects of a similar size/scope as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Exceptional written and verbal skills; proven editing and proofreading abilities.Solid knowledge of classical music and current artists.Exceptional organizational skills, strong project management experience, superior interpersonal skills, attention to detail and proven ability working on multiple projects simultaneously.Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required; English, public relations, journalism, or communications majors preferred. Computer literacy required. To apply for this position, visit: http://www.cso.org or fax cover letter, resume, and support materials to: 312-294-3838. (source: PR news Online)

Program Associate, Fellowships & Visual Arts, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, (Baltimore, MD)
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation seeks a Program Associate who will assist in the facilitation and management of the Foundation's work in fostering support for individual artists and the visual arts. The Program Associate reports to the Deputy Director, Programs. The Program Associate's primary responsibility is management of the contractual individual artist awards grant programs administered by the Foundation on behalf of state arts agency partners; the Creative Fellowships artist residency program; the On Screen/In Person regional film touring program; and the Artist Registry. Working closely with the Executive Director and Deputy Directors, the Program Associate also assists in the development of new programs supporting individual artists and the visual arts in alignment with the Foundation's current strategic plan. Minimum qualifications include: a bachelor's degree in the arts or related fields; at least two years of related experience; experience in conceptualizing, managing and evaluating arts programs for a public or private agency; knowledge of arts practice in a range of disciplines in the literary, visual and performing arts; demonstrated ability to successfully manage large volumes of data with particular attention to detail and accuracy in information processing and report preparation; demonstrated ability to maintain positive working relationships with constituents, clients and collaborating staff; excellent verbal and written communications skills; experience in meeting and workshop facilitation techniques; proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word, Access and Excel applications; demonstrated maturity and seasoned judgment. Salary is commensurate with experience. A full benefits package accompanies the position. The position will remain open until filled. Anticipated starting date is January 1, 2013. Please email letter of application and contact information for three references to hr@midatlanticarts.org (please send file attachments as Word or PDF documents only) or mail documents to: Executive Assistant, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, 201 N. Charles St., Ste. 401, Baltimore, MD 21201. No phone calls, please.

Executive Director, Brown County Art Guild (Nashville, IN)
The Brown County Art Guild, a leading non-profit historical organization in Nashville, IN is seeking an Executive Director. The new director is accountable for overall leadership and operational management of the Guild. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in sound fiscal management, advanced fund-raising including grant writing, effective marketing, special events creation, educational programming, staff development, and board optimization. The full-time position requirements include: a bachelor's degree or comparable experience; strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; the ability to relate to individuals at varying levels internally and externally; an understanding of philanthropy and discretion in working with confidential information; flexibility to work an adjusted work schedule which includes weekends and occasional evenings and holidays. Knowledge of non-profit practices in the arts or cultural sector or in art gallery management is helpful. To submit a resume and salary requirement and apply for this job, click here.