WHAT WE’VE LEARNED
Creamery Arts Center
“We have found that events and classes must be fairly low in cost or free in order to attract the locals. We do not charge admission and welcome anyone to come in and see our art displays. It has been a challenge to attract people from the rural area. We post notices of shows, concerts, and events at local businesses in order to get the attention of farm people coming into town but we aren’t always sure they are seen by the most rural of our community. The experiences that the two Creamery members have had participating in Rural Arts Connect is to learn from other art organizations their successes, challenges, and how they are relating to their community. Pairing has benefited us through the funding we would not otherwise have received. We now know that having a paid Executive Director who can obtain funding from donors and grants is very important. We think of the Grand Mesa Arts Center, who has Deborah Shaffer, a very capable person who has amazing organizational skills. We now realize that marketing and fundraising are two things the Creamery is lacking. Volunteers try to accomplish these ends but we really need to have a person dedicated to marketing.”
NMHFM
“Surprises: I didn’t realize the desire for this type of programming prior to planning this workshop with Annie. Annie really helped make this workshop possible. While I was at the museum working on logistics for the workshop, she came through in every way possible. Successes: As mentioned above, the workshop also provided a space for reflection and connection with nature, the community, and the NMHFM and Matchless Mine. Benefits of Pairing: Though as a museum we are strong advocates of this type of programming, we typically can’t afford it. By pairing with RAC and IMLS, we were able to put on a great workshop that pleased all those involved. Challenges: The only challenge I can think of, is that people didn’t start to RSVP until just a couple days prior to the workshop. Luckily, Annie was great about getting us additional paint kits last minute! It may have been a publicizing issue or uncertainty about the project—I am not really sure.”
Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center
“We are not alone; our challenges are shared and universal to the rural art community. We can do more together and are not competitors.”
28
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online