Creative Communities 

  

Governor's Arts Award

 

The 2012 Governor's Arts Award nomination forms are now available online. Nominations are due on November 4, 2011. A separate Call For Entry to artists interested in competing for the artwork commission is available on www.callforentry.org and is due October 28.

 

The Governor's Arts Award is given annually to a Colorado city or town which has effectively utilized the arts and the creative sector to enhance the quality of life and social and economic vitality of their community. In February 2012, the City of Fort Collins was honored at a ceremony at the Denver Art Museum, as part of Creative Industries Day. Governor John Hickenlooper joined Fort Collins Mayor Doug Hutchinson in unveiling the award, which was an original oil painting by artist James Beckner of Denver. The City of Breckenridge received an Honorable Mention award.

 

 

 

 

 

The Rocky Ford Business and Arts Incubator and Entrepreneurship (BAIE) Center began when the City of Rocky Ford partnered with Otero Junior College in La Junta and received a grant to purchase a vacant building on Main Street and to renovate it. Initially it was only going to be a business incubator and entrepreneurship center--a place where small, start-up businesses could find affordable office space, and counseling, workshops and classes to get their businesses up-and-running.  However, a decision was made to add an "art element" in the Center.   

 

The entire front of the building was made into an art gallery and since April 2010, Executive Director Julie Worley has successfully mounted monthly art exhibits. September's exhibit displayed the artistic talents of alumni, students who have attended school in Rocky Ford in the past, and teachers and administrators who have worked in the school district over the years.   

 

This month the Gallery is hosting the traveling exhibit "Harvest of Heritage: Colorado Masterpieces Celebrating Agriculture and Art" through October 28th.  Original artwork and a photo/text display showcase the stories and work of artists who have been recognized by Colorado Creative Industries for the excellence of their work.  The exhibit is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces program, sponsored by Colorado Creative Industries, and built and toured by the Museum of Western Colorado.  

 

Building on the theme of the exhibit, Julie has also rounded up a display of western barbed wire as well as historical information from two local seed companies. The BAIE Center is not only providing small businesses and organizations with space, services, expertise and a fully-equipped conference room, it is also bringing Rocky Ford's Main Street to life with fabulous exhibits and activities. For more information on the BAIE Center contact Julie Worley, Executive Director, jworley@ci.rocky-ford.co.us  or visit the website.

 

 

Financial Support and Incentives  

 

 

Understanding Giving: Beliefs & Behaviors of Colorado's Donors   

 

Colorado Nonprofit Association has completed extensive new research on Coloradans' values, attitudes, and beliefs about charitable giving and nonprofits, and on the causes, connections, and actions that lead to making a donation. The study includes a wealth of information about how donors make decisions to give to particular causes and organizations and how they act out those decisions, combined with demographic data such as gender, age, education, income, and trends among different regions of Colorado. Download the report.   

  

 

Two opportunities for artists

 

All Visual Arts faculty in higher education are encouraged to apply for the Creative Capitol Exhibit to be on display at the Capitol from December 7, 2011 through May 14, 2012. Submissions are due October 20.

 

A separate Call For Entry to artists interested in competing for the artwork commission for the 2012 Governor's Arts Award is due October 28.

 

Both Calls for Entry posted on CAFÉ www.callforentry.org 

Professional Development and Networking

 

Roaring Fork Business Resource Center Workshop Series

 

Roaring Fork Business Resource Center is hosting a business workshop series Thursday mornings in October. Remaining sessions include "The Power of Cooperatives" on October 20 and "Search Engine Optimization 101" on October 27. The workshops are held at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs. Cost is $20 for clients, sponsors, and advisors of RFBRC, and $25 per person for the general public. More information and registration.



From spontaneous dance with family members to formal performances, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) asks that participants capture the way people express themselves through movement around the world. The photo contest celebrates the ECA's upcoming DanceMotion USA program, developed by the Department of State to acknowledge the significant role that dance plays in overcoming cultural differences. The contest runs from now until October 25, 2011 and is open to the global public, ages 14 and up. Two grand prize winners will receive tablet computers as well as global recognition when their work is featured on ECA websites and displayed at the Department of State in Washington, DC.  More information.

Online Compendium of Arts Advocacy Toolkits
 
The National Performing Arts Convention has compiled an in-depth collection of toolkits for arts advocates. The toolkits include arts resources from advocacy groups throughout the country and abroad. Also included are advocacy toolkits used by nonprofits in other sectors, and a list of useful quotes for arts advocates. Access the toolkits. 

Colorado as a Creative Hub

 

Colorado Companies to Watch

 

Colorado Companies to Watch, presented by M3 Insurance, energizes the state of Colorado by recognizing second-stage companies that are developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and creating new industries throughout the state. Second-stage companies fuel the economic fire of Colorado by accounting for much of the economic growth and economic independence of individuals throughout the state.  

http://colorado.companiestowatch.org/  

    

 

Upcoming Film Festivals 

  

October is a great month for film festivals in Colorado. Check out a few listed below or visit the Office of Film, Television and Media website under News & Events for a complete list.

Indigenous Film & Arts Festival  
Denver, 10/12-10/16  

http://www.iiirm.org/ 

 

Intersections Film Festival   
Colorado Springs, 10/14-10/16   
The Intersections Film Festival's mission supports diversity, institutional collaboration, community outreach, and the incorporation of pedagogical practice by exploring various topics and debates related to the Middle East through the biennial curation of documentaries and feature-length films. 

Telluride Horror Show   
Telluride, 10/14-10/16   
A 3-Day Horror, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi Film Festival held every October in Telluride, Colorado. 

Arts Education and Workforce Development

 

Arts Education in Colorado: Guidebook and Resources  

 

This guidebook provides Colorado schools and districts with research-based information and ideas on ways to improve or expand their arts education programs. As the economic needs of the state have evolved, so has the urgency to provide our students with an education that will best prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow, one that will require skills that are taught most effectively through the arts: invention, creativity and innovation, critical thinking and reasoning, self-direction, communication, and collaboration.

 

This guide is intended to help schools, districts, parents, community members and most importantly, the students, gain equal access to the arts. Whether you live in an urban setting or a rural setting, arts education is vital to developing the next generation of American innovators.

 

To access of copy of the guidebook, visit the Colorado Department of Education Arts Webpage and scroll down to the NEW section.

 

Poetry Out Loud - Great Opportunity for Colorado High School English and Drama Teachers

 

Sam Opoku, Poetry Out Loud 2011 Colorado State Champion

For the 7th consecutive year, Poetry Out Loud, the national poetry recitation competition, is available to Colorado high schools. Sponsored by Colorado Creative Industries, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and with local sponsorship from Lighthouse Writers Workshop, Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through performance and recitation. This exciting program helps students master public speaking, build self-confidence, and learn more about their cultural and literary heritage. This free program helps teachers enrich their literary and drama curricula through curriculum guides, a poetry anthology with audio guides, a recitation DVD, and artist visits to the classroom. Click here to learn more and to register for the free teacher in-service on October 29th in Denver.  

 

 

2011 National Champion, Youssef Biaz of Alabama; Sam Opoku, and Emily Orellana of Nevada

POL Students at National Book Festival!

Three of our Poetry Out Loud state champions shined at this year's National Book Festival, sharing the stage with such talented writers as Rita Dove, Dave Eggers, and Garrison Keillor.  Their performances were fantastic. Audience members came up after the recitations to congratulate them and take photos! 

 

(Photos courtesy of Library of Congress)  

 

 

Festival Seeking Professionals in Creative Careers

 

Sponsored by the Colorado Community College System/Career and Technical Education, the 3rd annual Colorado Creative Careers Festival is set for February 24, 2012.  The Festival is focused on educating and engaging high school students in innovative career pathways with high marketplace demand in nine fields: Computer Animation, Film/Video, Graphic Design, Photography, Audio Technology, Technical Theatre, Web Design, Product Design, and Media Communications.  

 

Held on the Auraria Campus in Denver, the festival will feature hands-on workshops taught by working professionals, informational sessions about current and developing careers in the technical arts fields with projected job growth, and an opportunity for students to receive an interactive critique of submitted projects and portfolios.

 

Professionals who are interested in volunteering to lead interactive sessions and/or portfolio reviews for students should submit an application no later than October 20. Applications available here. Contact Beth Campbell, Creative Careers Festival Coordinator, baccampbell@gmail.com.

 

Grants and Resources from the Grammy Foundation