CONVENINGS REPORT

For Board Meeting June 14, 2008

CONVENINGS PERSONNEL

With 1.5 years at NPN and 2 Annual Meetings under her belt, Convenings program asst. Sarah Kennedy left her position at the end of February in preparation for a move with her husband to New Jersey. Close to 80 resumes were submitted in response to local print and online advertising for the position. Six candidates were interviewed; 3 were called back for second interviews. Pam Roberts will begin as the new program assistant during the week of June 16.

Challenges; concerns; anticipations for personnel

  • The process of replacing Sarah has taken longer than expected
  • The job description identifies a need for skills in theater production
  • Projectdeadlines had to shift to accommodate the reality of increased responsibilities
  • There will be a learning curve before the new assistant is up to speed

FY08 NATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS CONVENTION (NPAC)

  • 41 Partner reps are expected to attend full meeting; 5 Partner reps are expected to attend just regional meeting
  • 38 Artists are expected to attend with subsidies from Altria: NPN artists who received creation fund from the last 3 years or attended one of the previous 2 Annual Meetings were invited to participate.
  • El Centro Su Teatro is hosting NPN reception and board meeting
  • Ashley Sparks was contracted to assist with logistics and communications with artists

Challenges; concerns; anticipations for NPAC

  • Management of registration, logistics and content has been very time-consuming
  • The networking that typically takes place at smaller Regional Meetings was missed

PLANNING UPDATE FOR FY09 ANNUAL MEETING • SEATTLE • DECEMBER 11-15, 2008

  • Staff came to consensus on 3 overarching measurable outcomes for the AM, to use as guides for planning and evaluating its success:

Professional Development

Building the Network

Making Connections

  • Kathie DeNobriga submitted a comprehensive evaluation of the FY08 Annual Meeting, another tool for shaping AM FY09
  • Showcases will be held at On the Boards during 2 days of the meeting; showcases will not be shown in the evening
  • 19 Creation Fund recipients were invited to submit materials to be considered for the 4 national showcase slots, not to exceed 45 minutes each; Lead Partner commissioners were polled for their recommendations; staff will review submitted tech requirements, media and press packets and select work based on its feasibility within the AM budget, tourability and diverse representation
  • A committee of NW NPN Partners (On the Boards, Pat Graney Co., Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas, WA; PICA, OR; Out North, AK; Myrna Loy, MT) will select a regional showcase of 5 artists (2 from WA, 1 from OR, 1 from AK, 1 from MT). Each regional artist will have a 15 minute slot. Out of town artists will have their travel expenses covered. 2 Seattle artists will be identified for ArtBursts by the committee
  • Partners, Board Members and Artists will be polled for content proposals for Idea Forums, which will be held twice during the weekend. Some ideas might include: Case study about artist spaces; case study about presenting installation/performance work; presenting contemporary work in rural areas; what is community engagement; leadership/mentorship, etc.
  • There will be some forum for a discussion about aesthetics. BOD members who gave feedback regarding AM topics unanimously requested the topic for further discussion at the AM
  • Creative Capital will facilitate the professional development workshop for artists. They may present 2 rotating topics: “Fundraising from Individuals” and “Expanding your Network”

Challenges; concerns; anticipations for FY09 SEATTLE Annual Meeting

  • Accommodating all suggestions within a tight schedule
  • Additional transportation expenses between venues
  • Improve Partners’ Meeting

PLANNING UPDATE FOR FY10 ANNUAL MEETING • KNOXVILLE • DECEMBER, 2009

  • Early this year, a number of hotels responded to an RFP sent out by the Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Convenings staff is planning a site visit to select the venue

STAFF RETREAT

  • Staff has scheduled its annual retreat on July 15-16 in New Orleans

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