MRAC TRIANNUAL NEWSLETTEROctober 2015 - January 2016

Dear Supporters,

By now, you are probably accustomed to receiving a monthly

e-newsletter from MRAC. This October newsletter is the first

in a new format of expanded newsletters which you will receive

three times a year.

We will continue to provide monthly updates and

announcements, however the expanded newsletter will use

videos, photos and stories to deliver in-depth information about

specific arts organizations and artists in the metro region.

We would love to feature every arts group in our area.

Unfortunately, that won’t be possible; but we will do our best

to cover a broad range of people, disciplines, and geographic

locations within the seven-county region. I hope you enjoy the

new format.

Jeff Prauer

Executive Director

Metropolitan Regional Arts Council

DIRECTOR'S LETTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Peter LeggettPRESIDENT Shelly Chamberlain VICE PRESIDENT Dayna Martinez TREASURER

Dameun Strange SECRETARY

MEMBERS

Julie Andersen

Jill Anfang

Bethany Brunsell

Marisol Chiclana-Ayala

Anthony Galloway

Jamil Jude

Tricia Khutoretsky

Colleen McLaughlin

Tom Moffatt

Kathy Mouacheupao

Adam Napoli-Rangel

Heather Rutledge

Andrea Sjogren

Melissa Wright

MRAC ART RESOURCES AND INFORMATIONMRAC Arts Resources and Information

The Minnesota State Arts Board is studying individual artists in Minnesota to learn what it might take for all artists in Minnesota to thrive. The ARTISTS THRIVE research study will survey hundreds of artists statewide about their needs. Then, the Arts Board will use what it learned to inform how it serves and supports artists.

Would you be willing to help ARTISTS THRIVE?

Here are two easy ways–

· Do you think of yourself as an artist? Or is creative

expression an important part of your life? Then complete the survey found here: bitly.com/1MmQx06.z It should take about 25 minutes.

· Do you work with or know artists or creative people? Then help spread the word by posting or forwarding this message!

You can access the survey online, or request alternate formats in English or Spanish by contacting the Arts Board. For more information, please contact Renae Youngs, Director of Research and Evaluation, Minnesota State Arts Board:

renae.youngs@arts.state.mn.us or (651) 215-1607.

The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council serves nonprofit arts organizations, informal arts groups, community education ventures, non-arts nonprofit organizations with annual operating expenses under $400,000, and individuals artists in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties.

WELCOME TO MRAC

ESPRESSO TALK

WITH PETER LEGGETT

In July 2015, Peter Leggett began his tenure as the new President of the Board of Directors of MRAC. Peter, a St. Paul native, is an arts administrator and musician. He is the Executive Director of Walker West Music Academy, a 28-year-old community music school on Selby Avenue in Saint Paul.

Peter wears many hats as the newly-elected

President of MRAC but also as the Board Chair of

the St. Paul Cultural STAR Board and the Secretary

of the Selby Avenue Action Coalition.

We sat down with the accomplished jazz and

hip-hop drummer, who's been actively touring,

recording, and performing, nationally and

internationally, for more than ten years. Join us

as we share an espresso (two shots over ice!) with

Peter during our Q&A conversation.

MRAC: What is your current role as the

President of MRAC?

Peter: I support the Board and staff to ensure that

stakeholders of MRAC are being served in the

most efficient and transparent means possible.

MRAC: How did you get involved with the

organization?

Peter: Like so many MRAC stakeholders, I first

became involved as a grantee, then as a review

panelist, and now for several years, as a Board

member.

MRAC: What is your proudest MRAC moment?

Peter: During a Next Step Fund panel last year,

I witnessed an artist's proposal being reviewed

by panelists while [the artist] was in the room

(all panel meetings are open to the public). The

proposal was comprehensive, and excellently

prepared, and demonstrated an incredible next

step for the artist. The panel recognized this and

rated the project very highly. When it became

apparent that it was almost certainly going to be

funded due to the high rankings, I saw the artist,

who was observing, well up with emotion and

start crying out of joy. This, to me, is an incredible

example of the enormous impact MRAC makes on

artists.

MRAC: In three words, describe the Twin Cities

Arts Scene!

Peter: Best. Kept. Secret.

MRAC: What does community arts mean to

you?

Peter: Community is when any individuals come

together to connect around something they share

in common.

MRAC: Choose one word to describe the

following art disciplines

Peter: Visual Arts - Vibrant; Performing Arts -

Living; Literary Arts - Thinking

MRAC: In your words, how do you define

MRAC?

Peter: MRAC presents a nearly unparalleled

opportunity for artists, and audiences to engage in

our incredible arts and culture community. ◊

As one of the 11 regional arts councils in Minnesota, MRAC’s

funding is derived primarily from Minnesota State Legislature

appropriations, specifically the State’s General Fund and the

Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. In addition, we receive a

generous grant from The McKnight Foundation.

In FY 2015, MRAC received 838 applications and awarded 457

grants, totaling $3,214,221, to arts organizations and projects

including ADA Access Improvement Grants for Metro Arts

Organizations. We received 346 applications from individual

artists in the Next Step Fund program and awarded 37 grants

totaling $180,450 with funds from The McKnight Foundation.

In that same year, we provided 14 arts management training

sessions and 32 grant application workshops. ◊

Photographer: Helios Photography

LOCALS: ART CENTER/LOCAL ARTS AGENCIES

LOCALS (Leaders of Community Art Locations and Spaces) is a professional network of art center, arts council, community education, community theater, parks and recreation, and other arts leaders who provide arts programming for their communities. The training is leadership based, and one of the goals is to provide networking opportunities. The training includes a continental breakfast and lunch to help encourage connections between individuals. We often work with the University of St. Thomas to provide the leadership training.

UNPACKING RELEVANCE, IDENTITY, AND OPPORTUNITY OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ART CENTER. Presenter: Carlo Cuesta Creation in Common Date: TBD (visit mrac.org for final dates)

ARTS AND CULTURE FUNDERS DATABASE Presenter: Steve PaprockiAccess Philanthropies Date: November 12, 2015

MRAC TRAININGS

ARTS AND CULTURE FUNDERS DATABASE Presenter: Steve Paprocki Access Philanthropies Date: Feb, 2016 (visit mrac.org for final dates)

GENERAL CONSTITUENCY SESSIONS

MRAC’s General Constituent Training is focused on management skill building, with the idea that not everyone who starts an arts organization has nonprofit or business management background. The topic focuses on areas such as fundraising, marketing, finances, board development, evaluation, audience development and others.

CREATING A MAJOR DONOR GIVING PROGRAM - PART II Presenter: Elaine Weber Nelson Date: October 8, 2015

DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS: STRATEGIES AND PRACTICE Presenter: Eric Molho Date: October 22, 2015

TELLING YOUR STORY ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET WITH NO PAID STAFF - PART 1 SOCIAL MEDIA Presenter: Twin Cities Media Alliance Scott Artley & Chris CloudDate: October 29, 2015

TELLING YOUR STORY ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET WITH NO PAID STAFF - PART 2 PRINT MEDIA AND NEWSPAPERS Rob Davis and Andrea PlaidDate: November 4, 2015

TELLING YOUR STORY ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET WITH NO PAID STAFF - PART 3 VIDEO Presenter: Twin Cities Media Alliance Ben McGinley, Hlee Lee Date: December 2, 2015

TELLING YOUR STORY ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET WITH NO PAID STAFF - PART 4 TWITTER Presenter: Twin Cities Media Alliance Melissa Harrison Date: January 13, 2015

MRAC IS PLEASED TO OFFER ARTS MANAGEMENT

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

OCTOBERCOMMUNITY ARTS - ROUND I

Program Description: The Community Arts program provides grants, up to $5,000, in project support for groups wishing to offer quality arts activities, in any discipline, to communities within the seven-county metropolitan area of Minnesota. Grant requests may include costs for artists and other personnel, facility and equipment rental, postage, supplies, printing and other expenses necessary to carry out the project. In this program, MRAC assigns a "block" of funds in each county to ensure arts activities transpire throughout the region.

JANUARYCOMMUNITY ARTS - ROUND II

Program Description: The Community Arts program provides grants, up to $5,000, in project support for groups wishing to offer quality arts activities, in any discipline, to communities within the seven-county metropolitan area of Minnesota. Grant requests may include costs for artists and other personnel, facility and equipment rental, postage, supplies, printing and other expenses necessary to carry out the project. In this program, MRAC assigns a "block" of funds in each county to ensure arts activities transpire throughout the region.

NOVEMBERARTS LEARNING - ROUND I

Program Description: The Arts Learning program provides grants, up to $10,000, for high-quality arts education activities in any arts discipline to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding about the arts and/or learning through the arts.

ON-GOINGMANAGEMENT CONSULTING FUND - REVIEWED MONTHLY

Program Description: The Management Consulting Fund provides grants, up to $1,500, to cover consulting fees related to small projects that strengthen the management, or administration, of the group. Projects must be learning oriented and engage the staff, board of directors, and volunteers. Completed work must result in organizational learning that the group can carry into the future. Projects must advance the group’s mission AND have the potential for significant impact.

ON-GOINGMANAGEMENT TRAINING FUND - REVIEWED WEEKLY

Program Description: Program Description: The Management Training Fund program provides grants, up to $600 (maximum $300 per person per training), for staff and volunteers of nonprofit arts groups to attend management-related workshops, seminars or conferences. This is a reimbursement program. Groups are reimbursed after the training is complete and after receipt of the completed evaluation form.

ON-GOINGEMERGENCY ACCESSIBILITY - REVIEWED WEEKLY

Program Description: The Emergency Accessibility program provides grants, up to $600, toward unforeseen project costs related to access for persons with disabilities. The program is intended for one-time unanticipated costs that will allow artists, audience members, or staff with disabilities to participate in arts activities. It is not intended for routine accessibility needs that organizations should address as part of their program planning.

UPCOMING GRANTS

OCTOBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016

Below is a list of upcoming MRAC grants.

The following is a list of upcoming MRAC grants. Visit our Grants

at a Glance section, at www.mrac.org, for further details and

application requirements. The application will be activated six weeks

before each deadline. Please read the guidelines before you apply.

MRAC grants are funded by an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund, and by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

A SYMPHONY LIKE NO OTHER

Since 1972, KSO has maintained its grassroots approach by coordinating outreach events and concerts at staple institutions like St. Olaf Catholic Church, St. Eleanor Parish, and Washburn High School. The premier concert for the 2015-2016 Season will be held Saturday, October 31, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.

Kenwood Symphony Orchestra became a full symphony in 2003 and celebrated the appointment of Yuri Ivan as Music Director in 2007. Ivan completed his formal music training in Ukraine and his doctoral studies at University of Minnesota where he studied with Akira Mori and Craig Kirchhoff.

A nonprofit organization financed primarily by grants and member dues, KSO holds community participation as an intrinsic part of its mission.

KENWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRATESCOMMUNITY ACTION IN THE TWIN CITIES

Community Organization

Kenwood Symphony Orchestra (KSO) has a proven strategy to maintain the integrity of musicianship in Minnesota. With members ranging from college students to retired professionals, KSO believes creating performance opportunities is the key to both growing musicianship and growing the robust music scene in Minneapolis.

WEARABLE ARTS! WHY NOT?

IN PROGRESS INTRODUCES “WEARABLE ARTS” TO THE NORTH END OF ST. PAUL.

Community Arts Activities

The concept of Wearable Arts, handmade pieces of garb or jewelry designed as artistic statements that use the human body as a canvas, has been around since the 1930s-1960s. Today, events like the WOW (World of Wearable Art) awards in New Zealand and The Wearable Art show in Canada draw many enthusiasts, artists and participants.

In Progress (a St. Paul Media Art Studio) hosts Wearable Art every Sunday, July through August at its North-End studio.

Through the blue archway, there is a burnt orange patio set and lemonade with brownies waiting for guests. The intimate patio seems to house every art tool ever created: watercolors, acrylics, stencils, small rollers, sponges, stamps, fabrics, and linoleum relief prints all await the blank canvas of free white t-shirts that beg for any artistic

Photographer: Namir Fearce

"Education is an important part of our mission,” said President Anne Cheney. “We are in the schools, and a lot of our members are involved in community outreach as well.”

Cheney has served as organizer, musician and now President of KSO. In two decades, she has witnessed the orchestra’s evolution from a small group, with less than 30 members, to a larger force that now collaborates with groups like Voices of Vienna and The Minnesota Ballet. Still, she remembers the "humble beginnings" when the Orchestra operated as a local adult education resource that struggled to raise funds for music and concerts.

Like most nonprofits, KSO relied heavily on community support and held fundraisers in local churches. Cheney recalls a small group of musicians hurrying to prepare dinner in the church's kitchen while simultaneously tuning for a concert in the main sanctuary. The dinners weren't without incident; according to Cheney, at least one violinist narrowly escaped losing his middle finger after going all pizzicato with a kitchen knife.

"That knife really dug down in there," Cheney recalled.

Julie Pronovici, KSO Treasurer for six years, had never heard that story but wasn't surprised. The tale, she said, just reinforces the dedication that makes KSO successful.

"Music is a journey,” Pronovici said. “And we all depend on each other."

adornment. Hmmm- Where to begin? Melissa, activity lead and resident teacher and artist can help with that. She gives a casual tutorial of the materials available and the process of art we're making, but most importantly she has a profound guiding question; “What’s your message; your story? What do you want to say?” Melissa’s question may give some pause, but it ignites the fearless youth, into artists.

In the intimate space, the sun shines, and there is the small hum of inspiration; giggles; and admiration as everyone gets to work, shifting to creators of masterpieces of wearable. One young lady creates Mickey in linoleum to represent the immense influence that Disney has on her and other youth. Nalah, a pretty brown-eyed 10-year-old, creates a surprise gift for her teenage brother that displays a tree with disfigured letters in red and yellow that read, “Strange fruit.” Shortly into the activity, a wife and mother arrives with three bouncing, ebony-haired, chubby cheeked little girls. They surround Melissa with familiarity and affection as their mother works on a surprise for her husband - a custom 1989 t-shirt to announce tickets to see Taylor Swift. People drop in casually from 12:00 -2:00 pm, some with an agenda, most following instant inspiration. Everyone seems

The journey has taken KSO through decades of great musical performances. Still, the group has a goal of getting its music out to broader audiences while diversifying its members. In previous seasons, KSO practiced at the old Ramsey School and collaborated with the University of Minnesota's Brass Ensemble. Kenneth Freed, previously of the New York Philharmonic and now a member of the Minnesota Orchestra’s viola section, is a featured soloist with KSO.

"We have a good diversity within the orchestra in terms of age and ethnicity,” Pronovici said. “But it could be more racially diverse."

By diversifying the repertoire and continuing to offer access and collaborative opportunities, Cheney is hopeful the public will see that promoting art and musicianship in Minneapolis are KSO’s main goals.

"We want to inspire musicianship and the art aesthetic in Minneapolis,” Cheney said. “MRAC is a huge part of our support that allowed us to keep our shows free for the community."

That's right! Other than fundraisers, like next spring's MCAC XVII event, all KSO concerts are free.

For more information on KSO and a performance schedule, check out: kenwoodsymphonyorchestra.org

-Angela McDowell, Contributing Writer

right at home, which is precisely the aim of “In Progress community art studio”. In Progress accomplishes its goal of community engagement through an inviting and family-friendly art activity, that leads to instant gratification - A Custom T-shirt.

On September 19, 2015, In Progress held a community celebration and exhibit to showcase the wearable arts activity and other summer fun art activities such as Digital kids, candid photos of neighborhood children. Youth artists comfortably greeted visitors with pride and invited them into what seems like their second home. In Progress is an asset to the North End community and is inspiring many young people to express their unique perspective artistically. Stop by In Progress this October on Saturdays to make your wearable art or visit in-progress.org to learn more about this awesome community arts organization.

-Wisdom Young, Contributing Writer

ARTIST PROFILE (SHAPIRO AND SMITH DANCE)

Megan McClellan; Shapiro & Smith Dance

MRAC: When did you know you wanted to be a dancer?

Megan: At some point, around age 12-13, I realized I

wanted a career as a dancer; and by the age of 16, I was

dancing professionally. My parents tried to talk me out

of it. I attended the dance program at the University

of Minnesota, at the same time I was a dancer with

Joe Chvala and the Flying Foot Forum, a Minneapolis

percussive dance company. I was attending school and

dancing with the dance company.

DANCE, AS A VERB

The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) works to increase access to the arts in the seven-county metropolitan area communities by providing information, organizational support, and grants.

10. We Lend Legacy Amendment Signs!

MRAC lends banner signs (33.5"w x 83"h) with the Legacy Amendment logo to MRAC Grantees. Please contact Raeisha Williams at raeisha@mrac.org.

2. In 1977, the Minnesota legislature established a system of eleven regional arts councils to distribute state government appropriations to small arts organizations around the state. 6. MRAC's goal is to

provide grant applicants and other constituents with clear, thorough, prompt and respectful service and assistance.

4. MRAC offers arts management training opportunities. The workshops are free, with required registration. To register, visit www.mrac.org

7. MRAC hosts application workshops a month prior to each application's deadline. Participants learn about the grant program, application process, and how to write an effective MRAC grant application.

8. In FY 2015, MRAC received 838 applications and awarded 457 grants, totaling $3,214,221, to arts organizations and projects including the VSA's ADA Access Improvement Grants for Metro Arts Organizations.

MRAC is the largest of the 11 regional arts councils in Minnesota.

MRAC’s vision for the region is: Artists, arts organizations, and arts activities thrive; Art is integrated into the social fabric and identity of every community; Public value of the arts is understood and acted upon by community members, leaders and policy makers.

In 2015, MRAC supported 16 grants for projects designed to increase access to the arts for people with disabilities through VSA's ADA Access Improvement Grants for Metro Arts Organizations program.

10THINGS ABOUT MRAC

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Photographer: VPaul Virtucio

MRAC: How long have you been dancing?

Megan: Oh, I started dancing at the age of three.

MRAC: What was your first solo a dancer?

Megan: My first full solo was as a fellow with the McKnight Artist Fellowship, in 2003. As part of my fellowship, I commissioned Uri Sands to create a solo performance piece for me. I performed it during the McKnight "Solo" dance program in 2004, and as a part of "Dance in the Dark," a show I produced (along with Colleen Ueland & Brian Sostek) at both the MN Fringe Festival and at the Southern Theater.

MRAC: Which do you prefer; Solo or Group?

Megan: I like them both. There is a sense of community when you get to work on a piece with other dancers. There's a different challenge when dancing solo, which is much more internal. At this point in my life, I like to dig into that internal challenge of dance, but they both excite me in different ways.

Let's say this, if I could only bring one form of dance to a deserted island, I would bring the duet form. The duet dance form provides both the challenge to work with intense personal specificity and the opportunity to be in communion and relationship with another. It also allows freedom to evolve constantly my performance and to experience new journeys with each show because my acting and performance energy does not have to “match” a group. A duet feels like dancing for a focused audience. It is very intimate, and I love the sense of control I have over what the audience perceives through my performance.

MRAC: How did you get involved with dance?

Megan: My mother! There are four girls total in the family, and we have

one brother. My mom insisted that all the girls dance. She wanted to be a dancer, and her mother didn't provide that opportunity. So, when she had girls, she ensured that we took dance classes. She wanted to raise strong girls who would be poised and stand before an audience with grace and strength. If you meet my sisters, you would see that it worked!

MRAC: How did you get involved with Shapiro & Smith Dance?

Megan: I went to the University of Minnesota, where Joanie Smith (A founder of the company) was a professor in the Dance program. After returning to Minneapolis from California, I learned that Shapiro & Smith Dance were holding auditions. After auditioning, I was welcomed into the company and performed with them for a season in 2001. My husband and I traveled the world for a few years, and upon returning to Minnesota, Joanie asked me to fill in for a principal dancer at that time. It went well, so she asked me to stay on. And here I am now; still with the company.

MRAC: Did you rejoin the dance company as a principal dancer?

Megan: No. All dancers work in the majority of the work. The first year, I was involved in one piece; the next year, I was involved in all performances that made sense for me to be involved in. If there was a dance that could

utilize my skills and technique, I was a part of the performance.

MRAC: Any words of encouragement for rising dancers?

Megan: Ahhhh (laughter) yes. Save your money and be informed! You want to get to know the artist that you wish to work for; track them down, take their classes, see their work. You must be informed of the work that is being produced in town. All dancers should take acting classes too! Dancers are very often told not to act when dancing, but there is still a sense of control that a dancer needs to have a great stage presence. So, I would say that skill needs to be developed as part of training.

And I'm not joking; Save your money!

Photographer: VPaul Virtucio

Figure out how to live a simple life, so that doesn't become a burden. As a dancer, even though you live in a low tax bracket you are still exposed to the larger representation of wealth in the country. It can be a trap to live beyond your means. Stay focused, on what you need and don't get caught up in trying to live beyond your means or with the Joneses.

MRAC: What has been the biggest challenge for you as a dancer?

Megan: My greatest challenge is the finances of being a dancer. It costs a lot, both in time and money, to maintain my body and physical well-being to be an active and healthy dancer. As a freelance dancer, who does NOT get the free class or body care/health care as a part of a salaried company contract, those expenses add up and are quite overwhelming. Also, there is a real catch 22 as

2015 ARTS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

an experienced freelance dancer. The better you get, the less money you make. This is because you are being paid hourly to rehearse, and most choreographers consider a “fast learner” a real asset because then they have to pay for less rehearsal. In addition to being a principal dancer for Shapiro & Smith, I freelance for many other dance projects and over the last six years I have seen my total freelance dance income decline mainly because I am working with such skilled dancers that we need less time to be “stage ready;” It is an interesting dilemma.

-Raeisha Williams, Contributing Writer

2015 ARTS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEES

This year, we honor Banfill-Locke Center

for the Arts and Young Dance with the Arts

Achievement Award award. Each group

was given a cash award of $5,000 for their

outstanding achievements and commitment

to the arts in MRAC's 7-county region.

The nominations were reviewed by the MRAC

Board of Directors based on how arts groups

exemplify MRAC's vision for the region by:

Causing artists and arts activities to thrive,

and/or integrating the arts into the social

fabric and identity of a community(s), and/or

enhancing understanding of the public value

of the arts.

ARTS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD VIDEO

Featured Organization How does a person of African descent hold on to one’s heritage, history, traditions, and customs? According to Voice of Culture (VOC), it's through the art of storytelling.

Kenna Cottman, educator, artist, mother, and North Minneapolis community member, has taken on the task of continuing the legacy of Voice of Culture (VOC), a Minnesota-based organization that focuses on its members participating in African dance, drumming and storytelling. VOC is more than a community resource for West African culture, as Cottman describes it: “it's a movement and a vehicle for social change.”

A CULTURE FINDING ITS VOICE

In 2008, Cottman's dance teacher was moving back to Angola and asked if she would carry on the mission and tradition of VOC. And Cottman has done just that. With her background in African dance and knowledge of West African culture, she proudly carried the torch and expanded VOC’s vision to become what it is today.

VOC is a multi-generational group with members who are a part of the Twin Cities community. They are not a group who performs a “Madison Square Garden” show but a group that provides a space where African Americans can learn more about their heritage and freely express themselves through West African Art. Black liberation is used a lot in describing just how VOC operates.

Cottman explains how several students come to observe a VOC performance or practice and are often taken aback by the freedom to express themselves. They are amazed at the space created for them to dance, to move, to listen and to learn. It is a space to feel free and to feel liberated to be who they are.

In watching the performances of the VOC youth, you see the excitement in their eyes as the drums create the beat. The

movement of their feet, the waving of their hands, and the sway of their movements intrigues any spectator. There's community there, a sense of pride and honor to be able to partake in something that their ancestors created. Drummers make beats, fusing together current songs with traditional sounds and storytellers attach conscious lyrics, ensuring each activity has a purpose. The fusion brings together the past with the present allowing customs to come full circle.

The future of the VOC, as Kenna describes it, is merely maintaining VOC’s goal: Having the ability to continue doing what they do; teaching, empowering, and involving the entire community. For African Americans who have lost the connection to their cultural heritage, VOC bridges the gap and breaks down any inaccurate ideologies of the culture. Young and old participants enter resistant and leave awakened to their abilities. VOC's mission is to create social change. Through the vehicle of West African culture, the voyage has already begun. ◊

-Lakeisha Reaves, Contributing Writer

FY2015 OVERVIEW

In FY 2015, MRAC received 838 applications and awarded 457 grants, totaling $3,214,221, to arts organizations and/or projects including the ADA Access Improvement Grants for Metro Arts Organizations.

These grants were funded by an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature, using money from the State's General Fund, and by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

MRAC also received 346 applications from individual artists in the Next Step Fund program and awarded 37 grants totaling $180,450 with funds from The McKnight Foundation. MRAC also provided 14 arts management training sessions and 32 grant application workshops.

See more at: mrac.org/about-us

MEET OUR STAFF

CONTRIBUTORS

Shannon ForneyProgram Director

Katie KaufmannGrants and Operations Coordinator

Kelly AffeldtProgram Associate

Bob BurnsProgram Director

Greg NielsenProgram Director

Raeisha WilliamsCommunications and Events Coordinator

Jeff PrauerExecutive Director

WRITERS

LAKEISHA REAVES - "A CULTURE FINDING ITS VOICE"WISDOM YOUNG - "WEARABLE ARTS! WHY NOT?" ANGELA MCDOWELL - "A SYMPHONY LIKE NO OTHER"RAEISHA WILLIAMS - "DANCE, AS A VERB"

GENESIA WILLIAMS - GRAPHIC DESIGNERCYNTHIA DUBOSE - COPY EDITOR

Applications: 183 Awards: 128

Metropolitan Regional Arts Council | 2324 University Ave W St. Paul, MN 55114 | mrac.org