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Notes from 2009 Rurals Gathering

Notes from annual Rurals Gathering

September 23, 2009

Proctor’s Theater, Schenectady NY

After welcomes and self introductions, the question of scheduling the annual Rurals Gathering at a more convenient time came up.  Suggestions included:

• first morning of the Arts Summit, during registration and prior to lunch.

• if the NEA comes through with funding for the NYS ARTS RuralsConnect request, we may be able to subsidize an extra overnight, and hold the meeting the night before the Summit begins.

There was general agreement on changing official Rural Partnership designation from an invitation and application/review process to one of self-selection with NYS ARTS membership.

There was also agreement on keeping the Rurals listserv active as a tool to engage the Rurals directly in sharing ideas and information, while continuing to use the Rurals blog to share resources.

Mini-surveys were filled out to find out how the Rurals are handling the depressed economy;  15 were completed and returned.  While the mini-survey did not cover all the questions in the original survey, the responses serve as an update to the full Rurals Survey taken in February 2009, which was filled out by 27 organizations.  Some of the questions are on track with the February projections.

 

Steps taken to deal with budget cuts and reduced 2009 income:

February survey Mini survey

• reduce staff 44% 40%

• work hour reduction 30% 27%

• revamp health care plan 7%  6%

But many showed large discrepancies between initial projected strategies and  the strategies they developed to deal with necessary contingency budgets.

• reduce/freeze salaries/increase

work hours 26% 13%

• cut programs & services 52% 13%

• reduce hours of operation 22%     6%

• increase volunteer hours 59%  6%

• collaborate to share resources 52%  6%

• increase fundraising efforts 15% 53%

• trim operating expenses  4% 13%

• won’t replace vacant staff position  4% 20%

What stands out is that fewer than expected cut programs and services; or reduced hours of operation. Other interesting differences: while all Rural Partners constantly partner and collaborate, there was little mention is the mini-survey of specific efforts that have paid off.  And few mentioned in the mini-survey efforts to increase their volunteer base, although I’m sure a lot of this has been done - but it takes time and training, and still isn’t a substitute for paid staff.  Of further note:  I know of some Rural groups who have cut staff or work hours to a degree that they were not able to attend the Arts Summit.

According to the February survey, the late 08/09 NYSCA budget cuts affected 13 separate organizations; 5 lost their general operating support, 8 lost program support, with most indicating the projected loss of under 25% of their budgets.   However, 6 Rurals received 2009 ARRA (job retention) grants through NYSCA, ranging from $10,000 to $16,000.  

A number of groups used the NYSCA loss of last year and projected deficits as a tool to raise new monies.  In the Rurals Gathering discussion, Stewart Bigley of Unison Arts & Learning Center told of losing all  their NYSCA support for 08/09 - $22,000.  When the word got out to the community, terrific grassroots support almost matched their loss.  Memberships, donations and audiences increased; and the board started a new, regular program of fundraisers with mini-auction at area restaurants.  When Chenango County Council of the Arts lost $6,000 in program support,they sent a “soft” appeal letter to just members and raised $7,000.  Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County (CAP) lost GOS NYSCA support, crucial for all they accomplish with a staff of two.  They worked with their local press, which made their visibility in the area shoot through the roof!  They made up their loss and developed new relationships with area foundations.  CAP director Brett Bossard also stated that working so closely within their community to get through this loss was an excellent reminder of staying in touch with the needs and wants of their community.  A further exciting development for CAP - a move to a new central downtown location will save them $40,000 per year in rent.

David Shine of Arts Council for Chautauqua County approached their 08/09 NYSCA loss differently.  Jamestown and the Arts Council hold a lot of non-profit and foundation buildings:  they collaborated with area businesses and other nonprofit and for profit groups to do a study of the town and develop new monies to collectively market Jamestown.  This group, called Jamestown Attractors meets monthly; so far, they have raised $165,000 in new monies.

Further, when asked if any of the Rurals had developed new sources of income since last February, there were 9 positive responses.  Besides those mentioned above:  Arts Council for Wyoming County secured new monies from WalMart Foundation and is a partner in a prevention grant.  St. Lawrence County Arts Council received memoriam gifts in honor of an area artist; Greene County Council on the Arts received new Main Street Facade funds to add to a member item to improve their building; Arts Council for the Northern Adirondacks received a one-time grant in support for their work on the Quadricentennial celebration. Cattaraugus County Arts Council is working on a contractual partnership with potential income, and Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ARTS) received new capital funds.  All responses indicate that the Rurals have put much more energy into raising new funds than they originally projected in February, with success. 

 Projections on Other Resources: 

February 2009 September 2009

    DOWN     UP    HOLDING DOWN   UP    HOLDING

Memberships     75%     10% 15%             31%     23% 40%

Donations       78%     13%     10%       67%    27%              6%

Foundations      71%     10%     11%            57%    14%             29%

Corporations      80%     10%     10%       79%          7%           14%

County/Municipal      53%      37%    10%       29%     23%    46%

Fundraising     63%    26%    10%       47%     27%         27%

Attendance      63%      27%    14%   13%     40%         47%

Sales      57%      29%    14%     60%     20%         20%

Overall, individual and corporate donations are down in both the February projections and at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2009.  But county funding (at least for this year) turned out better than expected, as did foundation support.  The biggest gains are in membership, fundraising and attendance.

The question was raised:  did any Rural lose constituent organizations this year?  Some did, but the trend of developing and all-volunteer organizations approaching rural arts councils for guidance continues.  And many that run NYSCA Decentralization programs are seeing a rise in applications;  more new organizations and municipalities are interested in DEC as a resource for arts programming.  There was general consensus that the NYS ARTS advocacy campaign has made more people aware of the arts, the need for arts and funding for the arts.  

Martha  

 

"Funding the Arts in Rural Areas" workshop

NOTES from “Funding the Arts in Rural Areas, “ an interactive discussion with a panel of funders and grants/donation seekers.  Hosted by St. Lawrence County Arts Council, July 29th in Potsdam.

Panelists:

Fred Hanss, Director, Potsdam Planning & Development

Suzy McBroom runs the Community Arts Grant program for St. Lawrence County Arts Council

Hilary Oak, Executive Director, St. Lawrence County Arts Council

Rande Richardson, Associate Director, Northern New York Community Foundation, Inc.

Susan Sweeney Smith, Director of Community Outreach and Major Gifts, North Country Public Radio

Martha Strodel, Rural Arts Program Director, NYS ARTS

Hilary welcomed all to the workshop and introduced Martha Strodel, who gave a brief overview of NYS ARTS, its Rurals Program and professional development workshops and webinars; the upcoming Arts Summit and the Cultural Data Project.  

As facilitator, Hilary asked attendees to briefly introduce themselves and their reasons for attending.  She referred to the list of prepared questions which guided the panel presentations and interactive discussion, then introduced the panelists.  As the prepared questions structured the discussion, these notes follow this format.  Most of the questions were directed toward funders, but others encouraged general discussion.

What are the primary challenges that face arts organizations who seek funding in rural areas?

• sponsors are pulling back on promised support because of the economy

• funders are willing to support organizations in larger towns and cities, but when in a remote location, lower numbers of people served works against you.

• some of the issues center on being “stuck” because of the economy; despite new outreach programs that are proven successful, or a priority for community members, they can’t move forward with these due to the economy.

• a number of other attendees were looking for spaces for public programs.

Questions for funders:

• As a funder of cultural programs, what kinds of funding do you provide and who is eligible to apply?

• What is the application process, and how should organizations approach you for funding?

• What do you look for in a proposal?

• Do you provide support for individual artists?

Rande began by answering a question raised during introductions;  if your service community is small, then pull board members from the larger population centers.  He also pointed out that only 18% of funding comes from foundations and corporations; most is raised through individual donations and small gifts.

Northern New York Community Foundation offers a quarterly open application process for organizations based in Jefferson and Lewis Counties.  Recently they have expanded their funding into St. Lawrence County. The foundation supports cultural organization projects, and scholarships for careers in the arts.  They fund projects in the small, rural areas of these counties as well as in the cities. They do not directly fund artists or general operating support, but will fund administrative costs of a project.

Rande stressed the importance of personal contact when approaching community foundations for support.  Let funders know of your projects plan early on; build the dialogue and relationship before submitting an application.  Submit the application before the deadline; staff can then guide you if the proposal needs strengthening.  By the time the proposal gets to the board, staff wants to see it happen, and can be advocates. Other things his foundation looks for in applications:  the need/impact of project, what the applicant’s investment is in the project, and a realistic request.

As the person at North County Public Radio responsible for raising major gifts, Susan also stressed the importance of building personal and ongoing relationships with funders.  Making this a habit often brings wonderful “surprises.” She has also found that effective fund raising is always tied into the organizational strategic plan/vision - it backs up every project request (which is part of your business plan to address the strategic plan.)  A confident and positive voice is also important - don’t talk about “if” we get the money to make this happen, but “when” we get the money to make this happen. Timing is important too - you might consider postponing a large capital campaign if your area hospital is also running one.  When writing grants, check your facts, don’t depend of spellcheck and have a fresh eye look at it before submission.

Fred Hanss is the Director of the Village of Potsdam’s Planning & Development Office.  He stated that the North Country is relatively recession proof; lots of small businesses, and thus, not a lot of job loss when the economy turns bad. He’s noticed a renewed interest in opening/starting businesses in Potsdam, both from Canadian companies and local entrepreneurs.

 Potsdam P & D understands the role the arts can play; his planning office helped renovate and relocate St. Lawrence County Arts Council into a downtown space that was damaged by fire, and sees the arts council as the shining star in rebuilding downtown Potsdam.  Hilary and Fred recently partnered to submit a “Restore New York” grant to renovate another major downtown building into  a multi-arts center and arts incubator. Fred is more than willing to work with organizations to find space, and is interested in setting up a micro loan program available to working artists.

He strongly advises that cultural organizations partner with their local or county planning and economic development agencies; this opens many doors for rural organizations to borrow funds or receive grants through such agencies as the USDA Rural Development Fund to meet space needs. There are other resources to help, such as the Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton, which can assist in developing a strategic plan and/or business plan.

Suzy McBroom runs the NYSCA Decentralization Program for St. Lawrence County.  These are project grants with public benefit, available to organizations, municipalities and individual artists. They offer workshops in writing the grant application and provide ongoing assistance on a one-on-on basis.

What are the big No-No’s in seeking funding? 

• Don’t lie - have your facts straight

• Don’t whine or state that the success of your project is totally dependent on one source of funding.

• Don’t cut back on your organization’s fundraising campaigns and activities because of a stressed economy.

Some “Do’s”?

• build the relationship with all potential funders, small or large.  Sometimes that annual gift of $100 can turn into a major bequest.

• diversify your resources and build your membership, individual donor giving and any earned income support as your main source of general operating support.  

• develop a strategic plan tied to your organization’s mission; tie this in with a business plan to secure support.

• present a confident, professional attitude in dealing with funders.

• reach out to other community resources, such as economic or development agencies; a benefit of rural areas is that we know and help our neighbors.

• say “thank you,” to funders when support comes through.

What are some creative  fundraising approaches?

Hilary explained a fund raiser they are now working on which ties their mission/vision to serve artists and the community; at the same time building  the personal relationships people living in rural areas need and constantly use - this time, with artists. The “Service Auction” is accepting bids on such items as a Photography Mentoring  one day session; or learn ballroom dancing in 3 sessions, or how to make utilitarian pottery, or how to create a website. 

Orchestra of Northern NY does an annual raffle called “Maestro for the Night.” The winner gets mentoring sessions with the orchestra conductor, then gets to conduct during their annual Pops concert.

Notes from "Connecting the Dots: The Arts and Economic Impact"

“Connecting the Dots: the Arts and Economic Impact” was a NYS ARTS rural workshop cosponsored with Cattaraugus County Arts Council and hosted by Olean Public Library on June 18, 2009.

The workshop was planned as an interactive panel discussion;  panel presenters included:  Celeste Lawson, Executive Director, Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County;  Andy Glanzman, President & CEO, Northern Lights Candles and founder of the Wellsville Creative Arts Center; John (Jack) Hart, attorney with Wagner & Hart LLP; Anne Conroy-Baiter, Executive Director, Cattaraugus Council Arts Council, and Kimberly LaMendola Driscoll, Programs & Grants Manager, Cattaraugus County Arts Council.

The workshop was also planned as a follow up discussion to NYSCA’s Cultural Blueprint meeting last year in Western New York.  It centered on the positive economic impact that arts sector activities generate; the catalytic role of the arts in community development, and contributions toward creating vibrant communities with stimulating quality-of-life assets.  Some presenters spoke on how their organizations are integrating the arts with economic development strategies; others spoke of opportunities to cultivate new sources of revenue for arts and cultural organizations.

Andy Glanzman and his wife Tina own and operate an international business.   He also created a for-profit arts center in the heart of downtown Wellsville.  The art center started with Andy’s desire to rescue two old buildings slated for destruction.  In explaining the process of how he converted these buildings into a lively incorporated community arts and education center, Andy indicated it was often a “What Next?” approach.  But some things clearly supported his efforts;  his committment to his town, a background in music and love of art; strong business skills and his role as a business leader in Wellsville and the county.  Wellsville Creative Arts Center is now a town hub; has just opened a restaurant (it offers cooking classes as well as arts instruction), and employs 20 people in its various programs.  Feedback and observation indicate that people are now moving to Wellsville because of the art center and local officials bring visiting dignitaries to show it off; it has helped  identify Wellsville as a location that supports creative endeavors. 

Celeste Lawson spoke both as the executive director of the arts council serving Buffalo and Erie County, and as the western New York Regional Captain for NYSCA’s Cultural Blue Print project.  Her economic impact handouts included a listing of “National Treasures,”, the 2008 competition for the 25 top art destinations by American Style Magazine.  In the category of American mid-sized cities, Buffalo ranked #1 in a list of 25 and in the same category, Rochester lists at #14;  for small cities and towns, Corning holds the #4 spot.  Another handout explores “The Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Arts and Culture Industry in Greater Buffalo”, a study conducted with Americans for the Arts (AFTA).  It provides evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture are a significant industry in Greater Buffalo - one that generates over $155 million in local economic activity and supports 4,740 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $95.9 million in household income to local residents, and delivers $24.05 million in local and state government revenue.  Another AFTA handout shows that on a national level the arts sustain 5.7 million jobs; that 4.3 % of all American businesses are arts-centric; that the arts bring in almost $30 billion in tax revenues and have an overall total economic impact of $166.2 billion.

Celeste suggested we need to consistently advocate for the arts by learning and using the language of business and economic development; we are a strong industry but often are ignored when economic development decisions are made on various levels of government.  We need to be at the economic development decision-making tables with these facts:  “in this region, x number of people are employed in the arts and pay taxes; our buying power is x; arts activity generate x number of dollars for other businesses in the community, etc.”

There are many facts and allies that can help in making your case, and you should learn to use these on all levels.  For example, Congresswoman Lois Slaughter is a top advocate for arts funding on Capitol Hill; she knows her district (including Buffalo) is heavily dependent on the arts industry.  Another clear identity/brand:  New York State is recognized nationally as #1 in the arts & culture industry.

She also shared her experience as a panelist for Cayuhoga County, Ohio, which has a dedicated fund for the arts for the Cleveland region.  This experience was an enlightment; for those in the arts, we are so focused on transparancy, accountability, model management and at the same time trying to squeeze the most quality out of limited financial resources, that we fail to take into account this reality:  economic development leaders, business leaders and venture capitalists are willing to invest in projects that hold risk, as long as the potential gains are worthwhile.  Celeste urged all to start the language in your community for dedicated funding for the arts and reach out to all community resources as new potential partners with discussions focused on how we can work together. 

Kim and Anne have been working for years on developing Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCCA) as a leader and resource to help individual artists develop professionally as stand -alone businesses.  Through the Arts & Business Council, CCCA received a grant to develop an artist studio tour, called “Routes to Art.”  By its third year, “Routes” had caught the attention of the country tourism office - the week - long project had brought in thousands of visitors and added .5 million dollars to the rural county’s economy.  Through their hard work in reaching out, finding a common language and advocating that “arts mean business” Cattaraugus County is now very aware of the power and impact of cultural tourism and the arts as an industry.  “Routes” has led to other developing and potential collaborations; the Seneca Nation and the city of Salamanca wants CCCA to work with them to develop an identity associated with arts & culture.  The county has asked CCCA to develop a county-wide cultural strategic plan;  CCCA plans to develop this on a contractual basis with the county and has reached out to area universities to help develop it. 

Jack Hart is a working partner in the firm of Warner & Hart, LLC, and is also the attorney for the city of Olean.  In his firm’s business, most of his work is on cooperative agreements between for-profit entities, but he is carving out a role of handling such agreements between a for-profit entity or government agency and nonprofits organizations - and he loves the arts!  Non-profits can bring specific and desirable skills to a project; through “teaming” and legal cooperative agreements, two or more entities can bid on a contract project together.  Jack will be working with CCCA and the universities as they develop the contract with the county for the cultural assessment strategic plan.

In the open discussion, the federal percent for art program came up.  Buffalo has this program - 1% in any new construction is dedicated to the arts.  The program is a national model and has laws supporting it; however, enforcement of these laws is the problem, as elected officials are the actual enforcers. 

Question:  can we successfully collaborate without legal help?  It can be done, but when working with government agencies and large entities (including universities, hospitals, and businesses,) it’s highly advised.  They expect this; it’s part of their language of doing business .

Further discussion followed on using effective language in making the case for the arts.  These included:

• when you talk about your work and the arts, learn to address the issues that interest your potential partners, including the economic affect of the arts on your community or county.  The message should be clear;  the Arts mean Business.

• As artists and arts administrators, speak of your role as part of the “creative industry” and share how the arts enhance and add value to your community, and provide desirable “quality of life” components.

• We need to become comfortable with the word “profit” as a good word.  A nonprofit can work toward making a profit, but its profits go back into the organization rather than to shareholders or an individual owner.  Understanding this allows us to move our organzations forward.

NOTES from "Bread, Water & Art" Workshop

This workshop hosted by Roxbury Arts Group was a regional discussion about surviving during tough economic times.  Attendees were from the western Catskills, including  Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie and western Ulster and Sullivan Counties.  They represented local arts councils and multiart centers, performing arts spaces (one brand new, others, well-established), artist cooperatives, and writers’ groups.

I.  INTRODUCTIONS:  Facilitator Kent Brown asked participants to introduce themselves and include one strength and one challenge of their organizations.   Both the stated strengths and the challenges acknowledge the depressed economy, as well as the realities and benefits of serving rural regions and audiences. 

Comments generally broke down into categories, as listed below.  Under each category, the various statements are indicated starting with a - (dash)  

Strengths:

• Boards & Volunteers:  - recent board development with consultant resulted in clarified board roles - young & enthusiastic board - committed board & volunteers - business-minded board

• Staff:  -mature, sophisticated & dedicated - we take what we do seriously, but not ourselves (humor); still love coming to work

• Community:  -community has passion for the arts and supports programs - audiences trust and want us to challenge them - small communities are strong in support of the arts, with loyal funding - 2nd home community supportive

• Organizational History:  -as a new organization, we have lots of interest and expectations - been in business/space for 34 years, have solid reputation & loyal supporters 

• Space: -great building (new artists’ cooperative) on Main Street, becoming a center of art & community gathering & events; cooperation with local businesses benefits the downtown - cheap real estate allows us to create visibility for artists in rural areas - not having a space leads to good collaborations with other community venues  -working with other groups/businesses leads to cross promotion.

• Technology -  expands our audiences & supporters

Challenges:

• Board & Volunteers & Staff:  - full time jobs at half pay - job reductions, yet large service region - difficulty finding funding for general operating support - staff & board limiting vision - we’ve done too much with too little, and are now expected to keep the same pace (resistance to change) - new board members have enthusiasm, but don’t yet connect costs of our programs and services to financial reality - volunteer organizations also having trouble keeping up with demands - motivating volunteers - competition for volunteer time 

• Community: - we need to communicate our value as well as our need - reach out to broaden audiences, members & supporters - communities unfamiliar with artist galleries; need to bring them in, get them involved - build new/younger audiences & volunteers - convincing community we’ll still be here to serve them in 2 years - uniting and assuring a community that has lost all their arts venues over past decades 

• Organizational History - new venture (artist cooperative) has high level of community interest and activity, but no developed board, paid staff - new performing arts center has challenge of programming for a 600 - seat facility - 

• Space:  - one performing arts center has been in same remote location for many years; facility has little flexibility, requires time & travel committment from audiences - growing competition from other similar spaces 

• Technology:  maintaining & expanding use of technology; limited broadband access

2.  REDUCING OPERATING COSTS 

• left large facility, now in small office and using public venues for programs and exploring collaborative programs; result - reduced overhead and salaries

• revisited last year’s budget with eye toward future cuts

• staff volunteered to cut hours

• renegotiated rent & propane bills

• rescheduled open hours to align with downtown’s usual business hours; results - less hours but more people served

• started a corporate sponsorship program with local bank on cultural calendar

• planning to concentrate our energy & funds on strategic planning for the future

• link with downtown businesses for cross promotion and collaborative events that benefit all

• work with, renegotiate with landlord

• ask for deals from vendors

• get involved with regional organization that offers group utilities (oil, electricity) bulk buying plan.

• collaborate with other organizations and businesses on programming

• shop around for health insurance

• group buying for office supplies

• cut back on reception costs

• barter for services (need care in matching values for IRS purposes) 

• cut back on exhibition announcements costs by moving people over to email list and website (postal cost savings); use sharpdots.com for reduced and speedy announcement production. 

• independent contractors vs. employees (needs research)

3.  FUNDING STRATEGIES FOR RURAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

• Catskill Art Society offers a month-long silent auction of donated art work, which is exhibited in their space for a month.  Artists receive 25% of selling price.  At concluding event, auctioned services (for example, loft use in New York City) are picked from a “Treasure Tree” on a first-come basis. CAS plan to explore cmarket to run their silent auction online for duration as well.  A Cmarket silent auction could be explored as well by collaborating groups of a region.

• Space rental for receptions/parties

• Art in Common - arts programming from 4-7 every Saturday night during the winter; gets free food and spirits in exchange for promotion; promotion is weekly press releases.

• Membership discounts with local businesses

• go after NEA, NYSCA and Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation stimulus funds; some arts councils have applied to redistribute stimulus funds.

3.  NEXT STEPS:

• build regional cross promotion efforts to promote economic value of the arts; link websites.

• continue arts advocacy efforts on state and local level; communicate rural arts needs to NYSCA.

• want hearing at NEA on need/value/ importance of funding rural arts organizations and programs. NYS ARTS can take this message to the NEA, and see if other regions of the state want to add their imput.  In this region, Mark Eamer, Kathleen Frascatore, and Susan Kenny volunteered to be a task force to outline their position;  Martha will check with other regions and through the Rurals Gathering at the September Arts Summit, and help develop an upstate position paper for the NEA.

Martha

 

NOTES from Regional Collaborations/Resource Sharing Workshop

“ Regional Collaborations/Resource Sharing” Rural Workshop

April 30, 2009; hosted by Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County.

Panelists:  Brett Bossard, Executive Director of CAP; Kathryn Hollinger, Executive Director of Genesee Valley Council on the Arts; Ginnie Lupi, Executive Director of The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes and Randi Hewit, President of the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes.  Robin Schwartz, Program Director at CAP acted as moderator and panelist.

Randi opened with a description of her community foundation which has been around 40 years and holds assets of $35 million.  Unlike a lot of community foundations, they do not hold a lot of “donor advised” funds, which gives them great flexibility in supporting projects and organizations important to the communities they serve.  Requests are reviewed by categories (including the arts, environment, education, and capital projects) each year on a case-by-case basis, and yearly awards can range from $150 to one million dollars.

Ginnie describe the many services and programs the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes uses to serve artists, cultural organizations and the general public in their 3-5 county region.  This year, they redistributed nearly $100,000 in grants, including $30,000 to artists.  Working collaboratively with Randi’s foundation, they also now offer grants up to $500 for community-based arts activities, which has 3 separate application deadlines per year.  This program is called QuickArts: the foundation supports it with $9,000 per year, and the arts council handles the processing, including a community-based panel selected to reflect the applications.

Ginnie stated it’s important to let your community foundation know what you do!  She and Randi have developed a relationship built on trust and mutual respect that works well to serve the people and the arts in their region.  They are embarking on a new exciting collaboration called “Transportation from Tragedy.” The 40th anniversary of the Hurricane Agnes flood disrupting and destroying communities throughout the Southern Tier is coming up in 2012;  it will also be the 40th anniversaries for both the founding of the arts council and the foundation.  The collaboration will bring StoryCore to the Elmira/Corning areas to record memories and comments on how these communities were changed by the flood; in addition, people can record their memories through an 800 number and on a blog. All of the stories gathered will be reproduced in a documentary for release in 2012. There will be related exhibitions, a folklife component and effort to connect this huge event and shared experience to young people.  The whole concept will celebrate how these communities handled a disaster and came back stronger!  To follow the progress of this collaboration, check out the Special Projects section on the arts council’s website: 

http://www.earts.org

Kathryn Hollinger gave some background information on Genesee Valley Council on the Arts; it was founded 41 years ago and provides arts support and services to Livingston County, except they serve 4 area counties with an arts and education program and grants for individual artists.  They have always had a close relationship with their county administration; for the last 30 years, the county provided free rent, utilities and maintenance for GVCA, and since 1977 has been designated the arts organization of Livingston County.  Their location is pretty unique; they are housed on the Livingston County Campus, which sits on a hill above the town of Mount Morris; the campus was built during the 1930s as a TB sanitarium, and encompasses a number of buildings which include a hospital and original apartments for doctors, etc; - one of which has been the longtime home for GVCA - all in a park setting.  The facilities included a collection of 240 commissioned paintings through the WPA which were stored in the bowels of the hospital building when the sanitarium closed down. With county support and a special grant through NYS ARTS (NEA funds), GVCA “unearthed” these paintings and used outside consultants to catalogue, and research provenance and condition.

From this start, GVCA and Livingston County have begun to build this resouce into a visitor attraction.  In the process, the county turned over the entire building to GVCA and even redesigned the new spaces to GVCA’s specifications.  Four months ago, GVCA opened their new space, which now includes the New Deal Gallery (exhibiting 40 of the paintings at one time) plus a separate gallery that shows the work of area artists; a class room, a community meeting room, gift shop and a study center for WPA art.

GVCA has a staff of three, and the process and new facility and collection has added new layers of administrative work.  County tourism is promoting the New Deal Gallery, and already GVCA has been getting lots of calls. The county is now looking to GVCA to help them redevelop a 1930’s theater in Mount Morris.  To restore the paintings, GVCA has started an “Adopt a Painting” project and is exploring ways to work with nearby SUNY Geneseo.  The ultimate goal is to have an arts/community center is full use.  While building the WPA paintings into a collaborative resource has brought additional work and new collaborative opportunities, when asked if she would do the same thing again, Kathryn’s response is “yes.”  Kathryn also suggested that if government- owned space is available in your community, you should ask about using it for the arts.

Community Arts Partnership (CAP) emerged in 1991 to serve Tompkins County and Ithaca as the local arts council.  They offer a number of services and programs for cultural organizations and artists of the county - many developed through collaborations.  Brett Bossard explained Ticket Center Ithaca as a centralized 24/7 phone, walkup, and online box office service for theaters and presenters in the region.  Tickets can be purchased at their downtown headquarters, (which includes the downtown Visitor Information Center managed in cooperation with the Convention & Visitors Bureau) - and also at locations on the Cornell and Ithaca College campuses and at the Hangar Theater.  Tickets for many events are also available through IthacaEvents.com. - an online cultural event calendar for Tompkins County operated by CAP.  Area motels, B&Bs and tourism centers can print out the daily cultural events for their guests.  The combined service is a wonderful example of common need/shared resources:  all area presenters cooperate in this pooling of an 8,000 name database and electronic marketing campaign which also provides statistics on ticket sales and customers and necessary paperwork for the client theaters.  Because it’s computerized, it doesn’t overtax CAP’s small full time staff of two; the cost of running it is about $140,000 per year, and customers pay $1 a ticket toward this service.   

Ticket Center Ithaca is probably the best known and used of CAP services, but they also offer a number of grants programs; in 2008, CAP distributed $235,000 in grants to artists and cultural organizations.  A notable collaboration is the Arts and Cultural Stabilization Program with funds provided through the room occupancy tax fund to stabilized and develop arts & cultural tourism assets of the county. They also organize the Greater Ithaca Art Trail, a self-guided tour of working artists studios throughout the county;  provide technical assistance and stewardship services for small and developing nonprofits; offer a Ithaca Artists’ Market in the summer and Holiday Artists’ Market, and provide arts-in-education Local Capacity Building grants designed to assist schools in developing and implementing visual and performing arts residencies into the core curriculum.  CAP also sponsors STARR - the Southern Tier Arts in Education Roundatable that offers quarterly workshops in the arts for teachers in 8 counties. 

Robin Schwartz talked about a brand new collaboration between CAP and Ithaca College’s Linden Center for Creative Aging.  The objective is to provide Tompkins County not-for-profits with funds to support and assess creative arts activities involving older adults.  The Center provided $10,000; CAP publicized and managed the new grants program. In the first year, the program supported 6 local organization toward the creation of art by older adults, including a series of free memoir writing workships for seniors at Juniper Manor, a senior housing project; free painting classes at Lifelong Community Center, and a Role Playing Training Series (theater training) at Suicide Prevention and Crises Services.

After the panel presentations, a sheet on “Collaboration/Resource Sharing Considerations” was handed out.  In effect, it suggests the importance of exploring through ongoing communication, mutual monitoring and evaluation the shared needs and goals of working together.  In the process mutual trust and respect develops.  Discussion followed - relevant comments are below:

• When 2 similar organizations collaborate, it’s harder (inherent competition); it’s easier to work with organizations that have different missions.

• the use of social networking tools came up as an excellent way to reach out, communicate and listen to your community.  Tools mentioned included:  Facebook (brings people to your website and you can integrate a FB site on your website - also promote guest blogs); Mail Chimp (like Constant Contact);theworkingrelationship  (a platform that promotes engagement between the public and artists in the support and creation of comtemporary art collaborations in Central and Southern Tier New York State); theswitchboards.wordpress.com (a forum for artists in the Ithaca area).

• Collaborations are the trend now; but how do you sustain your organization through them and the present economy?

• (In response to above question) Core planning is key, and is a process that you plan as a template. For success, you don’t collaborate on one event; you develop it as a repeatable, sellable package.

• There was general consensus that it would be good to hold a follow -up workshop in Binghamton or Ithaca on the question of sustaining through collaborations and exploring a sustainable template for collaborations.

Martha

2009 Rural Survey Results

2009 Rurals Survey

Narrative Summary

The Rurals Survey was posted in early February of 2009, and solicited information to determine how rural organizations are dealing with depressed income resources and budget cuts, and how NYS ARTS Rurals Program can assist these organizations in this climate. The survey was completed by 27 members of the Rural Partnership and interested rural organizations: 20 local arts councils, 4 art centers and 3 rural presenting organizations. 

This summary report focuses on the data gathered from four areas of inquiry:  a) actual or projected loss of revenue from funding resources; b) how they are responding to decreased revenue; c) services received from NYS ARTS Rurals Program and priorities for those services by respondents; d) existing or additional services that will assist rural organizations move forward in this stressed economy.

A.  Actual or projected loss of revenue from funding resources . The majority reported declining income from all resources listed - membership, individual donations, foundations and corporations, county municipal support, fundraising events, event attendence and retail sales.  However, 7 indicated county/municipal funding and 6 indicated attendence at events had increased.

50% of respondents were affected by the 2008/09 NYSCA cuts.  5 lost general operating support and 9 lost program support.  Most reported the budget cuts will mean a loss of 1-24% of their budgets, but one reported a loss of 25 - 49%.

The survey asked for total revenue loss projections from all funding resources.  62% project losses from $2,000 to $100,000; of these, the average loss is $28,000.  3 stated their budgets are on target and holding, and 4 stated it was too early in their fiscal years for accurate projections, but of these, 3 are anticipating losses.

B.  Responding to decreased revenue: All were addressing the reality of decreased revenue; of the choices listed, the actions most frequently taken are: 

• increase volunteer hours (63%)

• collaborate or partner with another organization to share resources (56%)

• cut programs or services (52%)

• reduce use of outside professional services (48%)

• reduce staff (41%); reduce work hours (30%); reduce salaries (26%)

C.  Value and priority of NYS ARTS Rural Program Services:  Responses indicated that all of the services provided have value. Services that rated VERY IMPORTANT to the majority of respondents include: 

• Rurals Gathering (59%)

• Rural Workshops (56%)

• Response to phone/email questions (48%)

• Research and writing on topical issues (44%)

And those that received highest support under services of MODERATE IMPORTANCE include:

• Rurals blog (67%)

• Consultant Directory (63%)

• Courtesy visits, webinars, list serv, Rurals column, Rurals Conversations (59% each)

D.  Existing or additional services that will help rural organizations move forward.  Respondents were asked to list their choice of topics for webinars and rural workshops. 74% of responses indicate they want webinars that address all issues of fundraising/income generation for rural areas.  Within this webinar focus, 25% want help with new technology for effective websites, online fundraising and marketing, and data management.  Responses for Rural workshops topics also centered on survival and growth during hard economic times but these were divided evenly between two approaches, both with a regional and collaborative focus: 1) bring together area arts groups and existing and potential funding resources to explore supporting area cultural resources and 2) bring together arts organizations to explore resource sharing collaborations. These preferences are driving the planning for our 2009 and 2010 workshops and webinars.  

Additional services requested:   Certain regions have a number of new directors and staff, and others want help to collaborate with their peers on sharing resources.  There is a clear and stated preference to assist Rural Partners with regional meetings to explore and share ideas and best practices.  A number want more hands-on training to address learning curves with new/upgraded computer programs and developing technology; we are already addressing this through Arts Summit 2009 planning.  Other suggestions include: collaborations with NYMACC; opening up the Rural Partnership through self-selection, and a Directory of all NYS rural organizations.

 

Rolling or Annual Memberships?

Kathryn Hollinger of Genesee Valley Arts Council on the Arts posted this query to the Rurals list serve.  It's generated lots of ideas from the list serve, but posting it here on our blog should solicit more ideas from a wider field..  Martha

We are thinking about changing from rolling membership to annual membership. I am on the fence, because, of course, it’s nice to get money year round.  But it’s a lot of work sending those letters every month and the real problem is that folks get 6 or more months behind, renew and then we have our hands out again when they think that they just renewed.

What do you all do and what do you do about meeting your taillights coming around the corner?

Thanks and Yahoo about restored funding.

Kathryn

 

Kathryn Hollinger

More on Rural Arts Funding & Using our Blog

Many had questions or comments about the information on the Laura Jane Musser fund I sent via our Rurals list serve.  It is the only national private foundation I know of that has a focus on rural arts.  I will keep researching funding/fundraising resources for rural arts and share what I learn with you - but I want to bring you to our new NYS ARTS Rurals blog for full information, questions, discussion and sharing with your peers on topics of interest to you.  For now, I'll continue to alert you to new postings on the blog by our list serve; but to get full or more info and discussion, you can click on the link to come to the blog.

For example:  if you would like to further ask questions or discuss the Musser Foundation, click on the "Comment" link under the posting: it will bring up a form to post your comments.  The same goes for the information below:  click on "Comment" and share your thoughts, etc.

Here's a piece of information that many Rurals will be interested in. It's a quick turnaround, easy application. And to comment on this info, click on the "Comment" link at the end of this post. 

The NEA Challenge America: Reaching Every Community Fast-Track Grants "offer support primarily to small & mid-size organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations."  Projects are of limited duration and for limited geographic areas.  The grants are for $10,000.    Eligible projects include:

• an arts event that features one or more guest artists (such as a festival, exhibit, etc)

• creation of a public arts project, such as a mural

• civic design activities that involve renovation, restoration or adaptive re-use of cultural facilties

• unified promotion of community wide arts activities and resources.

Deadline:  May 28th, 2009.

For guidelines and application info, go to: http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/GAP10/Challenge.html

If I work this right, (creative criticism is encouraged - I'm learning to blog, like many others)  our Rurals blog will be a great place to explore issues of interest, and network and share, which you graciously do all the time. I promise to post something monthly, and as information of interest to Rural Partners comes up.  Be sure to check the blog after I post the results from our recent survey by the end of this month: - I'll alert you by list serve, and I'm looking forward to your comments and discussion here. 

Rural arts funding resource

FOR THE RURALS   March 10  2009

The Laura Jane Musser Fund, based in Minnesota, http://www.musserfund.org  funds rural arts organizations in a number of states, including New York.  Unfortunately, two of their funding categories have just passed the 2009 deadline (March 2nd).  But for 2010 , keep in mind that the deadline will be in February or March, and the 2010 deadlines may not be posted until shortly before applications are due. These are:

ARTS PROGRAMS:  “Assisting nonprofit arts organizations to develop, implement or sustain exceptional artistic opportunities for adults and children.”  There are two categories here:

1) Arts Collaborations;  rural based groups (population limit = under 20,000) with budgets under $3 million may apply for up to $10,000.  These are one year grants; those receiving these grants may not reapply for the next two years.

2) Rural Arts:  again, applying groups must be located in an area of population under 20,000 in these New York counties: Allegany, Broome, Chautauqua, Cortland, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Schyler and St. Lawrence.  Budget limit is $200,000.  Grants are awarded up to $7,500 and can include GOS.  These are yearly applications, but an organization can receive funding for up to three consecutive years.  After three years of funding, they need to wait one year before re-applying.

Another category of intest is the Rural Initiative: “encouraging rural communities to create collaborative and participatory efforts among citizens to strengthen their towns and regions.  The 2009 funding deadline is 10/15th.  Population limit is 10,000;  the category allows for up to $5,000 in planning grants and up to $25,000 in implementation.

I also spoke with one of their representatives, to check out some details.  Like many private foundations, they are figuring out ways to make their funds go farther as demand increases.  This year, they only posted their deadline for the Arts Collaborations and Rural Arts categories two weeks before the March 2nd deadline. They rotate the categories of funding each year, only funding 3 of the 4.  Applications are not online; they need to be submitted via mail.

Martha

Rurals Survey

These are tough times for all cultural organizations.  Because the NYS ARTS Rural Partnership is a strong, united network of community-based arts councils and centers throughout the state, we want to ask you how you are coping with budget cuts - and how the Rural Arts Program can adapt to help you.  This "snapshot" will help us better address your issues, and give us some added facts in building our case for the economic impact of the arts and for increased funding for New York State Council on the Arts
 
Click Here to Complete our Rurals Survey 
Please take ten minutes to fill out this survey;  it will help us help you.  The results will be tabulated and shared via the Rurals blog on our website.  This will give you another opportunity to share your ideas on how NYS ARTS can best serve you.  

2008 County Funding for Arts in Rural Areas

At our 2008 Rurals Gathering, Click Here for Notes

People were extremely interested in county funding for the arts in rural areas.  The gathered information to date is posted below: please feel free to add your organization's information and use the growing information to make a case for funding or increased funding by your county.

2008 County Funding for the Arts in Rural Areas

Please add your information on county funding for the arts:  1) Name of County   2) County Population  3) Amount of County Funding and how it's used.

Albany
200,000
-0- (no arts council)

Chenango
48,000
$ 6,600 (no regrant money)

Essex
39,000
$12,000 ($6,000 for regrants)

Franklin
17,000
-0-

Greene (arts council)
65,000
$60,000 ($33,000 for GOS, $27,000 regrants)

Greene (Irish center) 
65,000
$10,000  (tourism)

Jefferson
48,000
-0- ( no arts council)

Livingston
65,000
$30,000 (plus building, utilities, maintenance)

St. Lawrence
111,000
$15,000

Sullivan
70,000
$25,000 ($15,000 for regrants)

Tioga
49,000
$ 9,000 (no regrant money)

Tompkins
70,000
$280,000 total: ($30,000 for GOS; $22,000 GOS for Community Box Office; $10,000 for marketing; $8,000 for admin of regrant program and $200,000 for stablilization regrants for major culturals. Source of $200,000 is a county bed tax.

Wyoming
55,000
$15,800

Posts by Martha Stodel