So much going on to get the bookstore open and set up our “debut” at the Fringe Festival, that I haven’t had any time to blog. Sorry.
Just had to say a few words about an event I’m attending this morning. Two words. Ben Cameron.
Ben is speaking at the kickoff for something called the Arts Learning Xchange. A bit about the program later. But I just wanted to say that I woke up this morning eager with anticipation to see Ben Cameron speak. Former Executive Director of Theatre Communications Group, formally involved with corporate giving at our beloved Dayton Hudson & Target, and now an Arts Program officer for Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Ben is (in my humble opinion) one of the most knowledgeable folks out there when the topic is the American theatre.
So inspiring.
The Arts Learning Xchange sounds pretty exciting, too. Looking forward. Here’s a blurb about the project:
The arts learning Xchange is a four-year program designed to foster growth in public arts attendance and to identify, develop, and share useful lessons to help arts organizations reach more people. Funded by The Wallace Foundation and in collaboration with Minnesota Community Foundation, Arts Midwest will create a learning network for all Twin Cities metro area arts organizations and foster arts engagement region-wide.
This project will strengthen arts participation and engagement by encouraging leading Minneapolis/Saint Paul arts organizations to broaden and deepen their relationships with arts patrons and supporters to meet the demands of a changing social and economic climate.
The arts learning Xchange will also bolster the region’s arts “eco-system” by adding knowledge-sharing resources and a small pool of project grant funds for local arts organizations. The collaboration will promote the effective exchange of knowledge—extending the benefits of this work to many other organizations beyond those that receive individual awards.
