[Winona Online Democracy]
As a new member of onlinedemocracy, I am taking this opportunity to speak
up for a subject that is near and dear to my heart - the Arts. Let me
begin this dialogue with several thoughts and an introduction to two
project that I am currently working on: Theatre du Mississippi and
ArtsForce Network.
First, some thoughts about the arts that I will borrow from others but feel
that they very much approximate my feelings.
1. Why use this forum, onlinedemocracy for a discussion about the arts?
Let me answer that by quoting the late Robert Gard Professor Emeritus at
the University of Wisconsin - Extension and pioneer in community arts
development.
"If we are seeking in America, let it be a seeking for the reality of
democracy in art. Let art begin at home, and let it spread through the
children and their parents, and through the schools, the institutions, and
through government. And let us start by acceptance, not negation --
acceptance that the arts are important everywhere..."
2. Arts Tourism and Economic Development
>From "Arts in the Wisconsin Economy: An Economic Impact Study" April 1996
The Wisconsin Arts Board
"For those who feel a choice must be made between economic development and
the arts, this report has a critical message: When we invest in the arts,
we are not opting for cultural benefits at the expense of economic
benefits. Careful research shows that, in addition to being a vital means
of social enrichment, the arts are also an economically sound investment.
Quite simply, the arts are an industry that generates jobs."
"The arts have a positive impact not only on a community's quality of life,
but also on the entire social and business fabric."
With these two, brief introductory statements, I will talk about two
efforts I am involved in that will play a role in both of the
aforementioned arts topics. The Theatre du Mississippi - a professional
theater that has produced two feature length films ("Greta's Song" and
"Eldon Miller's Ghost"); several stage and outdoor plays ("Violin of
Passing Time" and "Star of the North") and conducted numerous arts
workshops in the area. TdM is actively seeking volunteers and board
members to increase the amount of theatrical activity it will be involved
in over the next year. Ideas that we have now include: another out door
play this fall at the Victorian Fair; work with the Winona World's Fair
(another play or folk tale presentation); an Improv Workshop with an Improv
Olympics; readers theater, collaboration with the Polish Museum; radio
theater; and another film (about the Mississippi River), just to name a
few.
TdM has become an "anchor tenant" for the ArtsForce Network. ArtsForce
Network is developing into a regional organization, currently a part of
Theatre du Mississippi's 501C3, that will support artists pursuing
innovative approaches to form and content in the performing, visual,
literary, and media arts, and in emerging arts fields. The organization is
committed to working in partnership with artists, schools and community
organizations, and providing advisory services and professional development
assistance. These services may eventually include (but will not be limited
to) providing marketing consultation, helping grantees locate funding,
developing long-term career planning, working on collaborative arts efforts
and supplying opportunities to network with other artists.
This is the early stages of this organization and no doubt the mission will
evolve and change as may its name. But this is the start of an evolving
and growing arts energy and focus that will bring exciting changes to the
Winona area. I will drop into this forum periodically to keep you up to
date on activities and hopefully to discuss, debate and collaborate with
all of you on this initiative.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my ideas.
Will Kitchen
Education Program Manager
IBM Learning Services
Home office:
W774 State Road 95
Fountain City, Wisconsin 54629
phones: Tie Line 478-9962
608.687.7018 office
608-687-3603 home
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Where there is a Will, there are many Ways."
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