Arts Midwest

Aug. 22, 2008

Amidst the stiffest competition yet, Arts Midwest has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Minneapolis/St. Paul” by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for the second year in a row!

Nearly 250 companies participated in this year’s Best Places to Work competition. Businesses were rated on work environment, people practices, employees’ growth and development opportunities, organization leadership, and acceptance of innovation and new ideas. Arts Midwest’s nomination reveals a healthy organization with a strong capacity to fulfill its mission.

Aug. 14, 2008

Arts Midwest would like to express our gratitude to the federal employees who donated to our organization through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). These contributions provide vital support in helping Arts Midwest connect the arts with audiences across the Midwest.

If you are a federal employee interested in contributing to Arts Midwest, our CFC code is 12387. Further information can be found at the CFC Web site.

Aug. 07, 2008

Check out the new Arts Midwest channel on YouTube or view our first video below, highlighting Arts Midwest World Fest and Inner Mongolian musicians An Da Union.

You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive updates when we post new videos.

Aug. 07, 2008

The Midwest Arts Conference is just six weeks away, and multiple deadlines are coming up fast. Don’t miss a thing!

• Regular registration deadline: Register now before fees increase after August 15. Registrations received after August 15 will not be included in the on-site attendee lists. More…
• Speed Lead registration deadline extended: Registrations for our speed dating-style networking sessions are now due August 15. More…
• Sign up to volunteer or to join the New Colleague Connection: Get involved and make new connections by volunteering or, if you’re new to the Conference, join the New Colleague Connection. Sign up for both programs by September 8.

For full Conference details, visit the Conference home page.

Jul. 09, 2008

Arts Midwest is pleased to share with presenters in the Midwest an opportunity currently available from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Apply for the NEA’s initiative, American Masterpieces – Presenting. This program allows presenting organizations the opportunity to do what they do best — design and create their own multidisciplinary program for consideration as an American Masterpiece. Grants will range from $10,000 to $100,000.

Jul. 02, 2008

Preparations for the Midwest Arts Conference are in full swing, and multiple deadlines are coming up fast. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss a thing!

• Discount registration deadline — Register now before fees increase after July 9th. More…
• Independent showcase listing forms due — Get your listing forms in by July 14 to be included in the Program Book. More…
• Advertising reservations, artwork, and payments due — Your ad reservations, artwork, and payments must be in by July 16 in order to be included in the Program Book. More…

For full Conference details, visit the Conference home page.

Jun. 06, 2008

Arts Midwest coordinated First Lady Laura Bush’s visit to the Fayrouz Experimental Language School in Sharm al Sheikh, Egypt, on Sunday, May 18, 2008 to highlight and discuss The Big Read Egypt/U.S. with students and local officials. At the school Mrs. Bush met with Egyptian officials responsible for implementing The Big Read Egypt/U.S. initiative, Egyptian Minister of Education Dr. Yousry El Gamal, and U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Margaret Scobey. The official White House Web site has some great photos from Mrs. Bush’s visit. Following a discussion with the school’s students about the importance of reading and an introductory question and answer session on the book To Kill a Mockingbird, Mrs. Bush addressed the World Economic Forum.

For more information…
The Big Read
First Lady Laura Bush’s remarks to the World Economic Forum

May. 14, 2008

Arts Midwest is excited to participate in A Passage to China, on Saturday, May 17, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Center Court of Southdale Mall in Edina, MN. A Passage to China is presented by The Chinese Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with China Insight. This family-oriented event will feature interactive games/activities from different regions of China, and will transport visitors aloft with sights and sounds of authentic music and dance, and aromas of regional cuisine.

May. 12, 2008

The Prairie Arts Management Institute (PAMI) is a yearly program facilitated by the South Dakota Arts Council that offers intensive professional development and practical training for small and mid-sized community arts organizations. The 2008 Institute takes place June 3-6 at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. This year’s master class topics include: Animating Democracy: Creative Community Engagement; Strategic Planning for Cultural Organizations; and Public Policy and Your Organization. Limited scholarships are available. Find out more…

May. 07, 2008

An Da Union’s inaugural Midwestern tour has been a great success. The ensemble performed its last concert on April 26th in Spearfish, South Dakota, before returning to China. Workshop and concert audiences alike have been fascinated and touched by the spirit and energy of the ensemble and their music. As with all our tours, each week has included numerous school workshops and concerts, as well as many joyful connections and anecdotes that demonstrate the meaningful impact this program is having in our communities.