May, 2005

NEWS FROM THE FIELD

After more than three decades of service, our dear friend, NYFA Executive Director THEODORE S. BERGER will retire January 2006. To insure a smooth transition, Ted will remain involved in an advisory role at NYFA until June 2007.

Classical Dance Alliance Launches Website: Janet L. Springer Executive Director of Classical Dance Alliance, an emerging nonprofit whose tagline "Raising the Barre on Ballet Training" has announced the debut of its website: www.classicaldancealliance.org.

NEW YORK STATE CULTURAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT 2005

The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has undertaken a Cultural Needs Assessment in 2005 to understand the trends and the issues facing New York State's cultural organizations and to determine the most effective, relevant, and important services needed to strengthen and empower those organizations.

The 2005 Cultural Needs Assessment is a two step process comprised of an Online Survey followed by seven Regional Focus Groups coordinated through the Alliance Regional Captain Network. The data is being analyzed and managed by the Alliance's Associate Director Patricia Berman and her team with the advice of Dr. Stephen Chris, Buffalo State College.

The Cultural Needs Assessment Survey was distributed electronically in February 2005 to 3,000 cultural organizations in New York State. This sampling reflects a 15% return, which is considered statistically relevant. The responses are summarized here.The next part of the analysis will be a regional exploration conducted through a series of seven regional focus groups in May and June to determine if there are specific issues relevant to specific regions of New York State which have not yet been reported. The results of this survey are currently being used to plan upcoming Alliance activities and will greatly impact the future of the Alliance's work to serve the arts organizations in New York State.

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ALLIANCE REGIONAL MEETING FOCUS GROUP SCHEDULE

For additional information, or to attend one of the meetings, please contact Pat Berman at the Alliance office: 631-298-1234 or PKBARTS@aol.com

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CONGRESSIONAL HOUSE ARTS CAUCUS

The Congressional House Arts Caucus is co-chaired by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter from Rochester. They have been aggressive proponents of increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. The latest move is the circulation of a "Dear Colleague" letter to all House members, asking them to sign a letter to House appropriators asking for an increase of $15 million for the NEA. Such an increase, if approved, would bring NEA funding to $136.3 million for FY '06 and would allow the NEA to expand the American Masterpieces initiative without taking funds from Challenge America. In fact, if approved, it would allow the NEA to expand both!

Forming a Congressional Senate Cultural Caucus

Arts advocates have been working for some time to develop a SENATE Cultural Caucus. The HOUSE Arts Caucus is co-chaired by our own Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and from above you can see how effective they are in advancing the Federal arts agenda.

Now Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Jim Jeffords (I-VT) and Norm Coleman (R-MN) have sent a Dear Colleague letter asking Senators to join the SENATE Cultural Caucus. Please urge Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Hillary Clinton to sign up

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FROM THE UPSTATE OFFICE: Martha Strodel, Director Rural Arts Program

Alliance Rural Workshops 2005: Empowering Your Organization

Monday, May 2nd, 4-7 pm. "Innovative Collaborations" with Susan Koblin Schear, hosted by Columbia County Council on the Arts (CCCA) 209 Warren Street, Hudson, NY. The session will cover the elements of working collaborations; what it takes, what it costs and its benefits. A panel representing organizations involved in innovative collaborations in the region will then speak about the benefits and challenges of their unique partnerships, answer questions and give personal tips and recommendations. Cost is: $10 per person, $5 for students and senior citizens; free to CCCA members. To register contact CCCA at 518-671-6213 or by email at: ccca@mhcable.com.

Tuesday, May 17th, 10 am - 12:30 pm. "Vision, Visibility and Vitality: Building a Vibrant Community Identity" with Carol Jeschke, hosted by Upper Catskill Community Council on the Arts (UCCCA) at the Telecenter, 254 Main Street in Oneonta, NY. This workshop will focus on building membership and community support. It will start with a short survey on membership followed by a discussion of what works and what doesn't. Participants will identify their target markets and look at way to market their organization to identified audiences. Those attending are encouraged to bring their organizational membership and marketing materials for sharing and discussion. Cost is $10 per person; to register call UCCCA at 607-432-2070 or email them: uccca@stny.rr.com.

Wednesday, May 25th, 3:30 - 6 pm. "Becoming Donor Worthy" with Anne Ackerson at the Eva Caten Remington Education Center, 323 Washington Street in Ogdensburg, NY. The workshop will address the topic in 3 separate areas; 1) Positioning your organization to receive support; 2) Presenting your organization to encourage support; and 3) Expanding your donor base - identifying who they are and where to find them. Host is St. Lawrence County Arts Council; cost is $10 per person, with additional participants from the same organization at $5 each. Call 315-393-7062 or email: info@artscouncil1.org.

Wednesday, June 15th, 4-6 pm. Is your organization thinking about initiating a capital campaign? Or are you in the middle of one and want some guidance? Come and hear how others have successfully handled capital campaigns. Kirkland Art Center (KAC) in Clinton NY will host "Capital Campaigns" with Raona Roy, President of the Arts Center for the Capital District in Troy; Ron Thiele, Executive Director of Central New York Community Arts Council, and CNYCAC Board Capital Campaign Co-chair, Susan Matt. This informal session will provide plenty of opportunity for questions and answers. Cost is $10 per organization. To register, call KAC at 315-853-8871 or email them at: kacinc@adelphia.net.

These workshops are supported in part by: the Altria Group, Inc.; Corning Incorporated Foundation and the State & Local Partnership Program of New York State Council on the Arts.

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LEADING THE CHARGE: Americans for the Arts Annual Convention
Austin Texas June 11-13

Register online.
Register by mail: Americans for the Arts, 1000 Vermont Avenue NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20005 Download printable PDF version.
Register by fax. 202.371.0424 Download our printable PDF version.
For more information, please call 202.371.2830 or e-mail.

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NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS GRANT DEADLINES

Access to Artistic Excellence: To foster and preserve excellence in the arts and provide access to the arts for all Americans. An organization may request a grant amount from $5,000 to $150,000. (Postmark deadlines: August 15, 2005)

Challenge America: Reaching Every Community Fast-Track Review Grants: To support projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Grants are for $10,000. (Postmark deadline: June 1, 2005)

Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth: To advance arts education for children and youth. An organization may request a grant amount from $5,000 to $150,000. (Postmark deadline: June 13, 2005)

http://www.arts.endow.gov/ for more information.

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JOB BOARD

Associate Director-Full Time, Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, Inc, Glens Falls
The Associate Director will work with the current President (chief executive officer) in all aspects of the arts council. The LARAC Board of Directors is interested in candidates who will be able to succeed the current President when she retires within the next two years. The LARAC Associate Director will assist the President/CEO in the day-to day operation and management of the arts council and its facility. S/he will be responsible for such general administrative duties such as:

*maintaining official records and documents, and compliance with local , state, and Federal reporting
* assisting in the maintenance & preparation of all financial records for use by the Treasurer and bookkeeper
* assisting in the stewarding the use of the LARAC Arts Services Center by constituent groups
* assisting the President and other staff with specific Programs and Services tasks and duties as needed (e.g. Newsletter and Informational Services, web site development, special community events; primary focus will be on the June and Fall Festivals process and implementation.

The Associate Director is paid a salary based upon qualifications as set forth by the
Personnel Committee of the LARAC Board of Directors. Deductions are taken from pay for FICA, federal and state withholding taxes, and disability. Benefits are described in the LARAC personnel policies, distributed to all employees upon employment. This position requires a four-year college degree in either the arts or humanities discipline or management, and preferably experience in non-profit administration or management. The candidate should have a strong background and interest in the arts and the creative process as it is manifested in our community, and a commitment to overall community cultural development. The candidate must have some experience with grant and proposal writing, a working knowledge of nonprofit fiscal management, human resource management, and a knowledge of and experience in working with a board of directors. The candidate must be computer literate in data and word processing applications, have excellent organizational skills, as well as excellent verbal skills-both oral and written. S/he must possess outstanding fundraising, interpersonal, leadership and management skills, and be able to initiate and implement planning and projects.

Development Director, Hudson Opera House, Hudson New York
The Development Director will assist with design and implementation of an annual development program. Major duties include: Identification of grant sources and proposal writing; assist with special event planning and implementation; assist with solicitation and relationship development of individuals, foundations, corporations and government funding sources; gift management and reporting. The Development Director will report to the Executive Director. The ideal candidate should possess: Prior fundraising experience and a strong interest in the work of HOH; grant proposal writing experience; ability to create clear, concise writing, and the ability to adapt writing based on stated guidelines and funding priorities with relevance to HOH; ability to solicit support from corporate, business, government, and individual donors, as well as private and community foundations; a knowledge of the funding and cultural community; experience with budget development; the capacity to develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with donors; the ability to be equally at ease with community leaders, donors at all levels, volunteers, and staff; excellent planning and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently, anticipate tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines; a creative, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving; the ability to sustain a high level of activity in a fast-paced environment; superior analytical, oral, and written communication skills; strong collaborative skills and the ability to work as part of a team. The position carries a starting salary in the low 40's plus benefits. Interested parties should forward (via mail or email, no faxes or phone calls, please) a resume & a list of 3 or more references to: Gary Schiro, Executive Director, Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 gary@hudsonoperahouse.org, Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2005

Office Manager, Hudson Opera House, Hudson, New York
The Office Manager will assist with the day-to-day operations of the HOH offices. The Office Manager will report to the Executive Director. Major duties include: greeting public, answering telephones, processing correspondence, maintaining physical and computer files, assisting staff and board with programming and special events. The workweek for the position is Tuesday through Saturday, with some evenings required. The ideal candidate should possess: Prior office experience, knowledge of Microsoft Office and QuickBooks, good communication skills, database entry skills, strong collaborative skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Prior experience with Paradigm software is helpful. The position carries a starting salary of $28, 000 plus benefits. Interested parties should forward (via mail or email, no faxes or phone calls, please) a resume & a list of 3 or more references to: Gary Schiro, Executive Director, Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 gary@hudsonoperahouse.org. Deadline for submissions is May 15, 2005

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The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has a 30-year history as New York’s service association for arts and cultural organizations. The Alliance provides leadership and vision, and delivers services, resources and tools that strengthen cultural organizations. The Alliance informs the field on statewide and national issues affecting the arts and assists local arts agencies in building community support.

P.O. Box 96
Mattituck, NY 11952-0096
Phone (631) 298-1234 / Fax (631) 298-1101