eNews - December 2009 Edition
From the Executive DirectorGovernor Chris Gregoire’s Budget Proposes Steep Cuts
As required by law, the Governor presented a budget proposal last week that is balanced with existing revenues. This proposal includes a 15% cut to WSAC’s state funding for the biennium: a loss of $400,000 in our grants budget and $156,000 in agency administration and operations. This includes a 2% cut that we have already taken to this year's funding, and what amounts to a 28% reduction to state funding in Fiscal Year 2011.
Explained the Governor, “Together we are living through the hardest times for our state in the past 80 years…. Yet with a $2.6 billion shortfall, this financial plan eliminates or reduces many vital services, some to the bone.” - Governor's Letter to Washingtonians (PDF).
This is just the start of the budget process. The Governor is now writing another budget proposal, expected in January, that includes reductions and new revenue. The Legislature begins its deliberations in January, with a budget to be finalized in early spring.
The state’s budget crisis will impact WSAC’s programs and services: we must expect our funding will be reduced for the immediate future. In the meantime, I am learning what I can about the possibilities, and analyzing our options for moving forward. We’re also making sure we can clearly explain the public value of our work in these most difficult times.
Thank you for your support. Keep in touch,
Dec. 6Boiling potatoes for lunch. The window
"Dec. 6" ©2008 by Poet Laureate Sam Green; from his book, The Grace of Necessity.
New Artwork InstallationActs of Kindness, by Ellensburg artist Julie Prather, was installed inside University Place
Starting with her first visit with the local Art Selection Committee, Prather worked to identify a theme for the project. Acts of Kindness, which corresponds to values taught within the school, was chosen. Teachers on the committee asked UP Primary students to create drawings based on that theme which were then sent to the artist. Prather sorted through the submissions and worked several into her project design by editing out portions and combining elements, ultimately capturing the unique quality of line and narrative while presenting a mature artistic statement.
Artwork acquired through Washington State’s Art in Public Places program becomes part of the State Art Collection - a collection of over 4,600 works of art located at state agencies, public schools, colleges and universities throughout the state.
Articles and InformationNational - The National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA) 2008 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (PDF), has been generating press and discussions nationwide. The LA Times blog Culture Monster covered the story here - NEA report shows declining attendance in arts events nationwide. And the NEA followed up the release with a national webcast on the topic - soon to be archived online.
Washington - At the city level, the Seattle City Council approved the city's 2010 budget on November 23, unanimously supporting an increase in the annual percentage of city-admissions-tax revenue dedicated for arts and culture from 20% to 75%. The additional revenue will provide dedicated funding for the city's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and allow the office to continue funding programs for organizations, artists, and community groups. Although the office's budget fell from $6.9 to $6 million as compared to FY 2009, the difference has been made up through expense cuts and staff furlough days.
The NEA has announced 170 Challenge America FastTrack grants totaling $1,700,000 in awards to organizations throughout the United States. These grants offer support for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Washington recipients include: Blue Mountain Arts Alliance in Walla Walla, to support Windows on the Past, a public art installation; and the Merc Playhouse Society inTwisp, to support the feasibility study and associated costs for the renovation and expansion of the Merc Playhouse.
OpportunitiesWe've extended the deadline for nominations for the Governor's Arts and Heritage Awards. Deadline: 01/30/10.
The City of Olympia is seeking a temporary loan of sculpture for a year-long outside exhibition. Sculptors who live, work, or are actively engaged in the Olympia/Thurston County arts communities are encouraged to apply. Deadline: 01/04/10.
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission is seeking applications for up to five outstanding contemporary and traditional artists from the United States to spend a five-month residency in Japan to pursue their individual artistic goals. Deadline: 02/01/10.
South Seattle Community College Art Gallery is seeking proposals for the exhibition of artwork in all media, with particular emphasis on new and emerging local artists. National artists may apply. Scheduling is done at least one year in advance.
Seattle's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), is seeking an artist or artist team to create a new media artwork for the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop. The call is open to professional artists living in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California or British Columbia. The $18,000 budget includes design, fabrication and installation costs. Deadline: 01/12/10.
The Big Read, a grant program of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture, is accepting applications online. Approximately 75 organizations in communities of varying sizes across the country will be selected to participate in The Big Read from September 2010 through June 2011. CORRECTED Deadline: 02/02/10.
The Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation is offering curators, in partnership with an established non-profit exhibition space, the opportunity to be awarded the 2010 Emily Hall Tremaine Exhibition Award -- a grant of up to $150,000 for the realization of an innovative thematic exhibition concept that challenges the boundaries of contemporary art. Letter of intent deadline: 03/05/10.
EmploymentOne Reel, a not-for-profit arts, cultural and special events producer based in Seattle, is recruiting for several positions, including a PR Manager.
Gallery One Visual Arts Center, in Ellensburg, is seeking a part-time Executive Director responsible for providing leadership, direction, and administrative oversight for Gallery operations, programs, exhibits and retail store. Deadline: 12/19/09.
Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum is hiring a Manager of Instructional Programs.
Pacific Science Center, a not-for-profit science foundation based in Seattle, is seeking a Database Manager for its Development (fundraising) Division.
EventsShoreline - The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is presenting Stellaluna by Tears of Joy Theatre on January 9 at 11 am at the Shoreline Community College Campus Theater. Stellaluna is the enchanting story of a baby fruit bat who falls into a bird’s nest, is adapted from the beloved book by Janell Cannon.
Seattle - Seattle Center Winterfest through Dec. 31st offers several delightful diversions from the seasonal frenzy during this holiday season. Learn more about everyday events, including the Winter Train and Village and Ice Rink. Watch masterful ice sculpting or join in fireside singing. String Station - Futuristic Stylings of a 40-string Instrument will keep you on the edge of your seat. All performances are free and open to the public.
Tacoma - The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra Chorus will perform their annual performance of Handel's Messiah, at 7:30 pm on Friday, December 18 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Tacoma. The most famous oratorio ever written, Handel's Messiah was premiered in Dublin in 1742.
Seattle - On Friday, January 15 at 7:30 pm at the Moore Theatre the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra and Broadway Bound are presenting A Broadway Symphonic Spectacular, a special collaborative performance saluting the American Musical Theater. The combined forces of both these Seattle-based youth arts organizations will be harnessed in this gala presentation of classic and contemporary works from the Broadway stage.
Spokane - Theater Arts for Children is presenting A Scrooge Christmas, December 18, 19, and 20. This adaptation by Thomas Hischak of the Charles Dickens holiday classic will warm your heart. |
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Primary shortly before the start of the school year. Consisting of eight stained glass windows, the artwork surrounds the entrance to the school’s library.