Professional Development and Networking

NxLevel Creatives Class 

Creative Industries Conference in Ft. Collins

Save the date of June 23rd for a Creative Industries Conference in Ft. Collins. the event will include breakout sessions to improve your Creative Industry Business. Click here to see more information. You can submit a picture of your artwork or creative business to be featured on marketing materials: Alex.Markovich@state.so.us    

Cultivating Leadership Across Generations

The Colorado Nonprofit Association's next Leadership Luncheon will be "Cultivating Leadership Across Generations."  The event will be May 19th, from 11:00 to 1:30 at the Denver Art Museum, but early-bird registration pricing ends on April 22.
 
With four distinct generations working side-by-side in the nonprofit sector, we must change the way we foster leadership. Join us as we take this discussion beyond the traditional research and learn about the needs and wants of each generation. We'll explore new models and practical ways to strengthen leadership throughout your organization.
 
Our speaker is Rosetta Thurman, a national expert on leadership development and author of the book How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar. More information.  

Commemorating 50 Years

Maryo Ewell, CCI consultant for community arts and grants, culminated a research project for Americans for the Arts with writing the first chapter in AftA's "Commemorating 50 Years," the history of AftA and its service to the arts in America. Says Ewell, "What's important to me about this book is that this history describes cycles of arts support which may offer ideas to us today as cycles begin again.  I loved 'setting the stage' for this organizational story, describing amazing people and events in the first half of the 20th century. Imagine what happens when the Rockefeller brothers encounter the Settlement House movement!"  The book is available for $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers from Americans for the Arts.

Arts Education and Workforce Development 

Metro-Area Teachers: Apply for the 2011-2012 Alliance Project Grant

The SCC Collaborative offers programming to middle schools (including K-8s), supporting teachers in all disciplines with curriculum-based workshops, field trips, assemblies and supplies from over 20 arts, culture and science organizations in Adams, Boulder, Denver, and Jefferson counties. Last year, Alliance Schools received with 25+ programs, bus assistance, substitute teachers, library materials and general support worth $9,500. The Alliance Project is a grant of educational outreach. It partners the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District's (SCFD) arts, science and cultural organizations with teachers in creating curriculum applications and learning opportunities for students.  Deadline: April 21st. www.sccollaborative.org or call 303-519-7772

Poetry Out Loud National Finals and Semifinals Webcast

Samuel Opoku, representing Colorado, will be in the Region 3 Semifinal: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET (3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. MT). The Finals are on Friday 4-29 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MT.

How and Why to Teach Innovation in our Schools

From EClassroom News: It's wonderful to hear President Obama call for a nationwide emphasis on innovation, but it raises an interesting challenge: where will all those innovators come from? Currently, we are chasing testable competency in academic core skills. It is quite a different thing to try to educate future innovators. We don't test for that. Read More 

Arts Education Advisory Network

The Statewide Arts Education Advisory Network meeting will be May 7 at the Imagination Space, a new STEAM-powered creativity center operated by Imagination Celebration at the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs from 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP to Apelles Morales at apelles.morales@unco.edu by April 29, 2011.

Topics will be relevant to Arts Advocacy including public school finance, arts funding, and from STEM to STEAM (incorporating the arts in science and technology education). The agenda will include time for open discussion and networking. There will be no cost to attend this meeting. Participants are encouraged to remain afterwards for invigorating lunch discussions with agency representatives and each other!

Registration Now Open for Aesthetic Education Institute

AEIC is a nationally recognized professional development institute for educators, artists, and administrators presented by Think 360 Arts and the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. Educators can reignite their passion for teaching and help find renewed joy in the classroom, help ensure that students are equipped with 21st century skills in innovation, communication, collaboration and critical thinking. Monday, June 20 - Friday, June 24. Licensure credit included; scholarships may be available. Read More 

Financial Support and Incentives 

Colorado Creates Grants Review Panels 

The Colorado Grants Guide

• Local foundations and trusts 
• Corporations 
• National funders 
• Government agencies 
• Religious organization

• Continuously updated funder profiles
• Access via an Internet connection with login ID and password
• An easy-to-use "search screen" and ability to create a favorites list
• A quick way to target funders who are interested in your funding needs
• Searches that take minutes rather than hours or days
• Immediate access to a foundation's website and 990 (when available)

Creative Communities