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CultureStrike Artists Coalition Kicks Off National Campaign
Posted on by Steve

From DA Morales at Tucson Citizen:

A delegation of more than 50 acclaimed writers, visual artists, and filmmakers will gather in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona September 10-16 to kick off a major national arts-based campaign challenging punitive, anti-immigrant laws and longstanding federal immigration policies.
Cultural Construction Slowdown
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From Barbara Jepson at The Wall Street Journal:

Is this merely a lull in a continuing trend? Or are we seeing the last gasp of major performing-arts-center construction for a while? Many of the cities that wanted better halls have completed them. And reports of economic distress among these new venues—which prompted the University of Chicago to study cultural infrastructure in the U.S.—have caused other communities to think twice before jumping on the bandwagon. “Local governments are experiencing difficulties,” says Paul Scarbrough, acoustician for The Smith Center, “and the philanthropic community is sitting on the sidelines, wondering if they'll be asked to support these buildings down the road.”
The Theater of 9/11
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From Diep Tran at American Theatre Magazine:

Why art? Or, more specifically, why theater? Especially in the face of great tragedy, what can art do to help heal the wounded or to bring everything back to normal? On the cusp of the 10th anniversary of September 11th, I was looking through a selection of plays that were being mounted to commemorate the day and what happened after.

Read the full article.

Rocco Landesman's Postcard from Alaska
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The NEA Chairman blogs from Alaska:

Last week I was in Alaska as part of the Rasmuson Foundation’s annual Grantmakers Tour. It was quite a trip, both exhaustive and exhausting. We had non-stop 12-hour days, which allowed us to learn and see a lot. We were exposed to every conceivable aspect of Alaska, particularly the Native cultures there. It was really a total education and immersion into their culture, their situation, and their issues.

Read the full post.

Arts and Aging Institute Set for November in NYC
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The Creative Center at University Settlement Training Institute for Artists and Administrators in Creative Aging will be held on November 13-18, 2011 in Speyer Hall at the University Settlement, 184 Eldridge Street, New York City, NY.

This Institute will focus on the growing field of creative aging and will provide both a theoretical and didactic approach to implementing and sustaining high quality arts programming in a variety of settings serving older adults, from senior centers to long term residential settings for the frail elderly. Artists, as well as arts, senior center and nursing home administrators, will be given everything they need to implement and sustain an arts program in healthcare facilities, senior centers, residential settings, and other senior programs.

Want to Succeed in Social Media? Loosen Up!
Posted on by Steve

As a guest blogger for The Communications Network, Larry Blumenthal of Open Road Advisors recommends that foundations show their human side through their social media channels.

As they move into the less-buttoned-down world of social media, foundation staff face an interesting challenge. Success with social media tools (and in life) requires that you loosen up a bit, let a little of your personality peek through – even offer a little self-deprecating humor. These are not things we foundation folk are traditionally comfortable indulging in. It’s like asking a bullfighter to wear a tutu.

I am here to tell you, however, that it can be done. Foundations, and similar policy-oriented, research-based organizations, can provide a little glimpse behind the scenes, offer some humor, some light-heartedness, even admit they don’t have all the answers, without letting go of their serious missions to make the world a better place.

Why It Now Costs $25 to Get Into MoMA
Posted on by Steve

The Opinion section of The New York Times is hosting a discussion on the subject of admission increases at the Museum of Modern Art as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Museum of Modern Art, citing rising operational costs, has raised its adult admission price to $25 from $20. The new ticket price will make MoMA—a private, nonprofit institution—one of the most expensive museums in New York City, matching the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which in July raised its recommended price for adults to $25.

Grumbling over the rising cost of admission at MoMA is a New York tradition. But it remains one of the city's most popular sites, attracting a record 3.1 million visitors last year. And it is growing, with a deal in 2007 that will add 40,000 square feet of gallery space and a decision in May to buy the American Folk Art Museum building next door for $31 million.

The Arts Need New Advocates
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From Elizabeth Kramer at the Louisville Courier-Journal:

The headline last month in The New York Times may have been news in the Empire State: “Groups Advocating for the Arts Feel the Pinch.” But here in the Bluegrass State, that kind of news is old hat.

More than a year ago, Kentucky’s arts advocacy organization bit the dust. It ran out of money when the economy went into recession, and by last summer what was known as Arts Kentucky was dissolved.

Monster Island—an Oasis for Emerging Artists—On the Move After Being Dispossessed
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From James C. McKinley Jr. at The New York Times:

Monster Island (on the Williamsburg waterfront in Brooklyn) is shutting down this month because the landlord wants to redevelop the property and has not renewed the lease. Its fans marked its passing with a block party on Saturday. The end of this haven for struggling artists and musicians is a sign of broader changes in the neighborhood, where new condominiums are replacing the dilapidated warehouses, and upscale bars and restaurants have appeared on streets where once there were only underground clubs in vacant commercial buildings.
Six Critical Things to Look For in a Foundation’s 990 For Successful Grant Funding
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From nonprofit marketing consultant Pamela Grow:

When it comes to foundation grants, researching prospective foundations is crucial for locating the ideal match. And there is no finer tool for truly observing the inner workings of a grant-making foundation — and whether or not their mission provides a match with your organization — than with a thorough investigation of a foundation’s federal 990-PF form. What, exactly, should you be looking for? Let’s take a walk through a typical grantmaking foundation’s 990-FP.