Monthly Archives: September 2009

Region 2 Arts Council Listening Session in Bemidji

On September 17, 2009, the Region 2 Arts Council will gather community input on the needs of the community-at-large.  Schools, city/county government, non-profit organizations, artists, art organizations and others are encouraged to attend.

The Region 2 Arts Council (R2AC) is convening this listening session to gather information to make informed decisions on how to better serve Beltrami County.  The purpose of this meeting is to hear from community members what is working well and not so well for the arts in Beltrami County.  The goal of the discussion is to share feedback and ideas.  This is an opportunity to discuss your thoughts and ideas on how to meet the needs of the arts in your community.  It is important for us to listen to the needs and the experiences of people such as yourself.  Facilitators for the listening session will be Region 2 Arts Council Board members from Beltrami County, Patricia Rall and Kathy Gustafson.

Date:                        Thursday, September 17, 2009

Location:                   Public Library Conference Room – Bemidji

Time:                        5:00 p.m.

There is no charge to attend this meeting but we ask that you please register in advance. Please email r2arts@paulbunyan.net or call 751-5447 or 1-800-275-5447.

On September 17, 2009, the Region 2 Arts Council will gather community input on the needs of the community-at-large.  Schools, city/county government, non-profit organizations, artists, art organizations and others are encouraged to attend.

The Region 2 Arts Council (R2AC) is convening this listening session to gather information to make informed decisions on how to better serve Beltrami County.  The purpose of this meeting is to hear from community members what is working well and not so well for the arts in Beltrami County.  The goal of the discussion is to share feedback and ideas.  This is an opportunity to discuss your thoughts and ideas on how to meet the needs of the arts in your community.  It is important for us to listen to the needs and the experiences of people such as yourself.  Facilitators for the listening session will be Region 2 Arts Council Board members from Beltrami County, Patricia Rall and Kathy Gustafson.

Date:Thursday, September 17, 2009

Location:Public Library Conference Room located at 210 1st Street, West

Time:5:00 p.m.

There is no charge to attend this meeting but we ask that you please register in advance. Please email r2arts@paulbunyan.net or call 751-5447 or 1-800-275-5447.

Artists, arts and non-profit organizations, schools, cities and communities will want to start planning to be prepared to take advantage of these funds in January 2010.  The Region 2 Arts Council (R2AC) will receive approximately $234,000 in 2010 to be re-granted in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Mahnomen and Lake of the Woods counties.

The R2AC along with the other regional arts councils and the Minnesota State Arts Board is developing the strategic plan for these funds to make sure we are meeting the needs in our region and in the state.  All of the information we gathered throughout the state and our region through needs assessment surveys are being utilized in this process. We continue to seek public input and are happy to talk with you about any additional ideas or suggestions you may have.

The Arts & Cultural Legacy funds will be directed toward the following three priorities that were established as part of the legislation: Arts Access, Arts education and Cultural Heritage.

78% for Arts Access: to support Minnesota artists and arts organizations in creating, producing, and presenting high-quality arts activities; to overcome barriers to accessing the arts; and to instill the arts into the community and public life in this state.

15% for Art Education: This will be to fund proposals that support life-long learning and appreciation of the arts, including  support for K-12 activities that enhance but not replace school arts curriculum.

5% for Cultural Heritage: for events and activities that represent the diverse ethnic and cultural arts traditions, including folk and traditional artists and art organizations, represented in this state.

Start thinking and dreaming about what you would like to do in your community or school.

Please call the Region 2 Arts Council 218-751-5547 with questions.