Our friends at Americans for the Arts tell us the following:

A new report by the Information, Technology and Innovation Foundation ranks each state in the country based on their ability to adapt to a “new economy”—a model in which jobs focused on creativity, innovation, and technological skill translate into financial stability and prosperity. The top five states that appear to be spearheading the new economy movement are:

1. Massachusetts
2. Washington
3. Maryland
4. New Jersey
5. Connecticut

While those least-prepared for the new economy are:

1.   Mississippi
2.   West Virginia
3.   Arkansas
4.   Alabama
5.   Wyoming

Rhode Island ranks 16th in this report, following Minnesota, Oregon and Illinois.  In New England we are ahead of Maine (#28) and Vermont (#23), but trail behind Massachusetts (#1), Connecticut (#5) and New Hampshire (#11).

The arts are important for any number of reasons:  the economic importance of the arts is well understood; the contribution of the arts to education at all ages is just beginning to be appreciated.  But the value of having a creative workforce, the foundation of the “new economy” is one of Rhode Island’s greatest potential assets, and we need to make more of this argument.

Congratulations to the Rhode Island organizations that have just received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts in their latest round of grants.  (Congratulations also to Silk Road, although technically they are no longer a Rhode Island arts organization).  Check out the list below:

RHODE ISLAND

Alliance of Artists Communities (Consortium)
Providence, RI
$30,000
CATEGORY: Access to Artistic Excellence   FIELD/DISCIPLINE: Artists Communities
To support a series of residencies for young, emerging Arab authors. In partnership with La Napoule Art Foundation, winners of the Beirut 39 competition (Beirut 39 is a collaboration between the Hay Festival and Beirut World Capital of the Book 2009 that brings together 39 writers of Arab heritage under age 39) will receive a one-month residency at one of the residency sites in either the U.S. or abroad.

Alliance of Artists Communities
Providence, RI
$50,000
CATEGORY: Access to Artistic Excellence   FIELD/DISCIPLINE: Artists Communities
To support forums and workshops at the 20th anniversary conference of the Alliance of Artist Communities and six other sites. The programs will encourage best practices and educate people about artist communities.

Groden Center, Inc.
Providence, RI
$25,000
CATEGORY: Access to Artistic Excellence   FIELD/DISCIPLINE: Design
To support the development of design guidelines based on specific spatial needs for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Artist/Designer Michael Singer and clinical researcher Dr. Matthew Goodwin will collaborate to develop guidelines for the design of interiors and exterior spaces, furniture, and utilitarian products for ASD learning and daycare facilities.

Rhode Island School of Design (aka RISD) (on behalf of Museum of Art)
Providence, RI
$20,000
CATEGORY: Access to Artistic Excellence   FIELD/DISCIPLINE: Museum
To support the exhibition Ahead of the Curve: Richard Brown and Contemporary British Art, with accompanying catalogue and educational programs. The exhibition will feature more than 100 paintings, sculptures, and drawings by late 20th-century British artists such as David Hockney, Anthony Caro, Bridget Riley, Fionna Banner, Yinka Shonibare, Anish Kapoor, and Damian Hirst.

Silk Road Project, Inc.
Providence, RI
$60,000
CATEGORY: Access to Artistic Excellence   FIELD/DISCIPLINE: Music
To support an artist residency at Harvard University by the Silk Road Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Yo-Yo Ma. Programming will juxtapose tradition and innovation with music that draws on a variety of cultures, including East Asia, India, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Number of Grants: 5          Total Amount: $104,000

Interesting article by Georgia Rowe in the San Francisco Classical Voice about dynamic pricing for arts events.

…dynamic pricing allows some “tinkering” as individual events approach. Demand is a big part of the equation: Prices can be adjusted, with the organization making additional blocks of lower-priced tickets available, as needed.

“Let’s say there’s a $45 ticket and a $65 ticket,” says Tarnopolsky. “There may be people who are interested in paying $55 for a slightly better seat than the $45 price, but find $65 too expensive. This [system] enables us to reach more people at the right price.”

Check out the article at http://www.sfcv.org/article/adjust-ticket-prices-and-they-will-come

WATCH US EACH TUESDAY EVENING OR WEDNESDAY MORNING ON COX 17 OR 18

LEARN ALL ABOUT OUR LOCAL ART SCENE!

This month we will not only be featured on PEG TV Channel 17 but also on Cox State Wide Interconnect Channel 18. Shows air on PEG TV Channel 17 on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm and Wednesdays at 9:30 am. Check local listings for statewide interconnect times.

Here are a few of our upcoming special guests and highlights:

Public artist, Ben Ellcome will discuss his work with East Bay Met students and The Martin Luther King Center students, his involvement with the resurrection of “ART O MAT” and the Van Zandt Bridge “PROJECT MURAL.”
Art Scene producer, Phil Hadley and Met student, Matt Vorce, went on location last month to tape MURDER AT THE MUSEUM and interview the Artistic Director of the new Marley Bridges Theater Company, Patrick Grimes. Get a sneak peek at one of the weekly murder mysteries in progress and re-discover the beautiful Griswold House at the Newport Art Museum. A holiday themed Murder Mystery, filled with mayhem will be offered through December. Not to be missed is the annual Victorian Holiday Feast which will also be offered at The Griswold House this year. Seating is limited for this delightful evening of Victoian themed feasting, dancing and song, go to www.newportmurdermystery.com.
Our third offering rounds out the year with a bit of a retrospective. This year’s Annual Mixer for the Arts and Cultural Alliance was held at the newly renovated Stanford White Casino Theater. Catch a glimpse of the new Casino Theater as Host Tom Erb interviews members of our community as they share their reminiscences of the theatre as it was in the past and their plans for its continued future.
We are looking for artist members and member organizations to share their talent and news worthy events on TV in the coming year.

If you have something to share and want to reach a wider audience of art and performance afficianados, contact producer Cris McCullough at crismcholistic@gmail.com to be featured on shows in the coming year. We are also happy to make arrangements to come to your studio, art opening or event to shoot the action live to share with our viewers.

Providence is looking likely to be the next city to host a FUN A DAY art event this January and February. The premise of FUN A DAY, which began in Philadelphia 6 years ago, is simple: The belief that everyone is an artist and everything we make is art. Accordingly, artists pick a project (take a photograph, make the bed, write a haiku, draw a picture of your dog, bake a vegan cake, write a poem on a sock, etc), do it every day for the month of January, then show your work in a big group show in February. A recent transplant from Philly, and a group of local volunteer enthusiasts are currently in the process of organizing the event. Interested planners will be very warmly welcomed at the next collaborative meeting: Thursday, December 2nd, 7:15 pm at Tea in the Sahara on Governor Street in Providence.

For more information about FUN A DAY and how it works:

http://www.artclash.com/index.php?page=home

In Rhode Island, you can contact Joanna Schwartz at joannaschwartz1020@yahoo.com with questions and comments about how to get involved.

Kaleidoscope Theatre is looking for male actors between the ages of 13-25 for their award-winning BULLY Program. BULLY is a sensitive yet realistic portrayal of situations experienced by the bully, the bullied, and the bystanders which offers viable alternatives and solutions to students. The program tours to local elementary, middle, and high schools and was recently featured on NBC10. If you’re interested in auditioning, please contact Kaleidoscope Theatre at (401) 942-3637 or at kaleidoscope@kaleidoscopetheatre.com. For more information, check our their website at http://www.kaleidoscopetheatre.com

6th Annual Illuminated Garden

Artists, teachers and students are invited
to create their own illuminated sculpture for
the 6th Annual Illuminated Garden. Please
contact Friends of Ballard Park at
619.3377 or info@ballardpark.org by February
1, 2011 if you are interested in contributing
a sculpture to the event. All displays
must be set up by you on a day designated
by FBP ( Thursday, 2/24 or Friday,
2/25) and either have solar lights or lights
ready to be plugged in. If your piece needs
to be connected to an electrical source let
us know beforehand.

Innovative Art Projects Funded — Puffin Foundation Artist Grants
The Puffin Foundation seeks to open the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to art organizations and artists throughout the country who are often excluded from mainstream opportunities due to their race, gender, or social philosophy. For the upcoming 2011 grant cycle, the Foundation will provide Artist Grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to encourage emerging artists in the fields of fine arts, video, and dance. Artistic, educational, and environmental public interest projects will also be considered. The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting innovative initiatives that will advance progressive social change. Prospective applicants must request funding guidelines and forms by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Foundation’s office by December 1, 2010. Completed application packets are due December 30, 2010. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the grant guidelines.

Interested artists should go to www.daretowin.org, or stop by the office,

as the poster should reflect what a grassroots social justice family is all about. Winner will be announced at the MLK Jr. Civil Rights Celebration in January. Winner receives $100 and permanent street cred in the realm of arts and activism!

For More Info:

Contact Bruce, 351-6960

DARE, 340 Lockwood Street, Providence, RI 02907

Hand Carving letters and symbols into stone: an introduction to an ancient craft for a modern people

 Saturday January 22^nd  & Sunday January 23^rd 2011, 9:30am – 4:00pm daily

All skill levels are welcome.  There will be no more than five students so each student will have plenty of time for one on one instruction and questions.  Class taught by Adam Heller.

For beginners: This class is an excellent introduction to carving traditional Roman V-cut letters in stone (both days recommended).   We will be covering basic carving techniques for both incised lettering and simple bas-relief forms.  The goal of the class is for you to come away with a basic knowledge of hand carving stone.  We will begin with a brief discussion of letter forms and the history of hand carved letters.

For those with some carving experience:  Bring a specific word, symbol, ornament, or other idea that you would like to work on (you are not confined to letters alone if there is another project you would like help with). Stone will be available for you.  For those who are interested, we will continue exploring the finer points of V-cut and raised letters, and for those who wish to continue with a project, there will be dedicated time for one on one instruction.

COST:

• The cost for this workshop is $210.00, this includes Saturday & Sunday.
• If you would like to attend for one day only the cost is $125.00

WHEN:  Saturday January 22^nd & Sunday January 23^rd 2011

We will begin each day at 9:30am with a group discussion.  The class will continue until 4:00pm.  We will break at 12:30 for lunch.  Please pack a suitable lunch for yourself; tea and coffee will be available throughout the day.

WHERE: The workshop will be held at my home studio, 20 Aberdeen Street, West Warwick, RI 02893. 

PROJECTS: If you would like to schedule a time before the weekend of the class to meet with me regarding an intended project or idea (think small and simple), or if you have questions, please contact me by e-mail adampaulheller@gmail.com or phone 401.826.2622

Adam Heller began stone carving in 1997 while studying with Sister Praxedes Baxter at the Benedictine Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, CT.  Adam’s professional experience with lettering started in 1998 with a three year apprenticeship at the John Steven’s Shop in Newport RI where the tradition of hand drawn brush lettering, and hand carving stone continues to thrive.  As well as producing his own work, Adam works with Karin Sprague Stone Carvers in Scituate RI and with Tracy Mahaffey and Samaritan Carvers in Foster, RI.  To see more of Adam’s work please visit his website www.adampaulheller.com

DEADLINE JANUARY 15, 2011

 Artists seeking membership as an elected artist must make applications by January 15, 2011.

 Professional slides/digital images must be submitted with membership applications.  To download the application form visit: www.artleagueri.org .

 For further information regarding the application process, please contact Cindy Horowitz: chwphoto@verizon.net or call 401-295-5338.

Call to Artists: The Freedman Gallery at Albright College, Reading, PA will present a juried exhibition Gender Matters/Matters of Gender on March 23-April 20, 2011. Open to everyone. The juror is Judith Tannenbaum, Curator of Contemporary Art, Museum of Art at Rhode Island School of Design. Learn more. Questions, contact Christine Kolva at 484-529-1198.
Deadline: December 1, 2010

The Contemporary Theater Company announces auditions for its first two productions of 2011: the 6th annual 24-Hour Play Festival and “Romeo and Juliet.” The auditions will be held concurrently on Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the South Kingstown High School Auditorium.

The 24-Hour Play Festival is the company’s signature event and will be held Jan. 8 at the South Kingstown High School Auditorium. This unique event gives six writers, six directors, and 24 actors one day to create and present an original lineup of six short plays. The performance at 8 p.m. is open to the public.

The upcoming auditions are to select between five and eight first-time participants to join veterans in the ensemble. Actors should prepare a brief comedic monologue.

The company is also accepting applications to write or direct a show and looking for technical crew. As tradition, this is an all-volunteer production.

“Romeo and Juliet” will show at The Towers in Narragansett from Feb. 18 to Feb. 26. This production features only four performers – one actress and three actors – without cutting a single entrance or scene.
 
Performers with uncommon versatility, significant Shakespeare experience and exceptional creativity are sought for this demanding rehearsal process and unforgettable show. Actors should prepare two contrasting Shakespearian monologues of six to 12 lines each. Callbacks will be held within two weeks of the auditions and performers will be compensated for their time.

Performers may audition for either or both productions, but must prepare a unique monologue for each audition. The auditorium is located at 215 Columbia St., Wakefield, R.I.

For more information, call (401) 228-5175, e-mail Simpson@TheContemporaryTheater.com or visit www.TheContemporaryTheater.com.

Veterans Memorial Auditorium Foundationconsultants interested in providing a full range of professional services related to the oversight and implementation of the development activities for the Festival of Cultural Diversity 2011 at the Vets.

(VMAF) is seeking proposals from program directorProject Scope:

For the inaugural Spring Diversity Festival 2011, the Vets is sponsoring a communitywide General:limited to: pre-planning, pre-production, event and follow-up reporting support and financial control in cooperation with VMAF board members and program performance organizations. The successful PM will work assiduously on behalf of, and in the best interests of VMAF to obtain the highest level of results.

The Project Director (PD) shall provide a variety of management services including, but not Refer to the attached narrative for the program description.Project Duration:

November 29, 2010 to May 15, 2011

Report to VMAF on key issues and facilitate the decision making process.•

Lead a collaborative team of performing arts organizations and artists.•

Be sensitive to cultural traditions among participating groups and manage accordingly.•

Develop a project budget and control the scope of expenses.•

Execute strategies for fundraising and marketing.•

Contract with vendors and manage the release and use of funds.•

Develop and maintain the project schedule.•

Anticipate and avoid delays, changes, disputes and cost overruns.•

Coordinate activities with internal and public and community concerns.•

Work closely with the Vets Manager to coordinate activities inside and outside the hall.•

Establish a patron survey and summarize results in a close-out report to funders.•

Project Manager’s Statement of Qualifications.•

Describe how you will execute the requested services.•

Describe your methods for bring various community groups together.•

Describe strategies you will manage for fundraising and marketing.•

Describe past experience for projects of this type.•

Proposed time commitment to successfully implement the project.•

Proposed fee.•

List three professional references.Reimbursable Expenses

: Travel will not be reimbursed except for visits to sites in cities or locationsmail:

: Submit digital or printed proposals addressed to VMAF Board by 3:00 PM November 17, 2010.kip@christophermcmahan.comSelection Process

: The selection committee members will include individuals from the performing arts 

: The selection committee members will include individuals from the performing arts

: The selection committee members will include individuals from the performing arts

For the last forty years, the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown has run the largest and longest residency Fellowship in the United States for emerging visual artists and writers.  Artists who have not had significant recognition for their work and writers who have not yet published a book with significant distribution are welcome to apply.  Fellows receive a seven-month stay (October 1­­-May 1) at the Work Center and a $750 monthly stipend. Fellows do not pay or work in exchange for their fellowships in any way. Fellows are chosen based on the strength and promise of their work. Former visual arts Fellows include Ellen Gallagher, Jack Pierson, Lisa Yuskavage, Angela Dufresne, Geoffrey Chadsey, and Lamar Peterson.  Former writing Fellows have won every major national award in writing including the National Book Award and seven Pulitzer Prizes.  Former writing Fellows include Denis Johnson, Louise Glück, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Yusef Komunyakaa. 

The postmark deadline for the 2011-12 Writing Fellowships is December 1, 2010.

2011-2012 Visual Arts Fellowship applicants must apply online, beginning December 1, 2010. Submissions must be received by midnight February 1, 2011.  

 
For details, please visit:

www.fawc.org/fellowships

The Portsmouth Arts Guild is requesting submission of artwork for the 4^th Annual “Under $200 Holiday Show and Sale.” The show runs from Friday, November 26^th through Sunday, December 19^th. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2-4pm.

Open and Non-Juried

All Media

All works must be for sale under $200.

Drop off dates: Monday, Nov. 22, 3-6pm; Tuesday, Nov. 23, 6:30-8:30pm

Pick up dates: Tuesday, December 21, 6:30-8:30pm at the Guild Members’ Meeting

Fee: $10-$5 for members and $15-$5 for non-members

Maximum: 2 entries

All 2-D art must be framed, wired and ready to hang. No sawtooth hangers allowed. There will be a commission of 25% on all sales.

Artwork should be dropped off at The Portsmouth Arts Guild Center For The Arts located at 2679 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI next to St. Paul’s Church. The gallery is handicap accessible. For more information visit our website at www.PortsmouthArtsGuild.org or email: info@portsmouthartsguild.org