Governor Signs Historic Creative Sector Recovery Legislation |
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A bill that includes unprecedented Covid recovery funding for Vermont’s creative sector has been codified into law with Gov. Phil Scott’s signature.
The omnibus economic recovery bill, S.11, includes $9 million to the Vermont Arts Council for Covid-19 recovery grants for the creative sector, which we have advocated for since the 2022 legislative session began.
“The creative sector has proven to be an incredibly important part of Vermont's economy -- and these funds will help the broad range of creative economy businesses and nonprofits get back on sound footing again, as we recover from the financial harms caused by Covid-19,” said Rep. Stephanie Jerome, who co-sponsored the initial legislation (H.624) which passed in the House in March and was folded into S.11.
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Vermont's Arts and Humanities Organizations Get Digital Support |
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The Council announces $974,200 in Digital Capacity grants to 41 arts and humanities nonprofit organizations to help them meet increased demand for online programming and engagement since the pandemic.
While the urgency of the pandemic may have subsided, many people have yet to resume in-person gatherings, leading cultural leaders to wonder if attendance will ever return to pre-pandemic levels, thus underscoring the continued demand for digital content.
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Upcoming Technical Assistance Webinars |
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As part of our digital capacity-building efforts, we continue to offer a variety of free technical assistance webinars to help arts and culture organizations plan their digital programming. Up next:
July 5 | Creating an Accessibility Action Plan (with Inclusive Arts Vermont)
July 6 | Production Elements (with Media Factory)
July 13 | Editing Essentials (with Media Factory)
July 20 | Going Live with What You Got (with Media Factory)
July 27 | Tech Session (with Media Factory)
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Artists Chosen for Public Art Commission at Essex Recovery Residence |
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The calming nature photography of Carol Langstaff of Sharon, VT, and the vibrant mural work of Kathryn Wiegers of Rutland, VT, will help to create a welcoming and tranquil environment when their publicly commissioned artwork is installed at the new Vermont Department of Mental Health Recovery Residence in Essex.
The commission is part of the Art in State Buildings Program, a partnership between the Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services.
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"Art from Guantánamo Bay" in the Spotlight Gallery, June 22-Aug. 21 |
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Art is hanging in our Spotlight Gallery for the first time since the start of the pandemic. We are proud to partner with Catamount Arts to show selections from their exhibit, "Art from Guantánamo Bay," from June 22 - Aug. 21.
We hope to see you in person for this critically acclaimed exhibit of works made by six men detained at the United States military prison camp known as Guantánamo Bay. Pictured is a 2010 piece by Sabri Al Qurashi, "Untitled (Ship in a Storm)."
Our gallery hours are 12-5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
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Vermont Creative Network News |
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Highlights From the 2022 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference |
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We were delighted to join our colleagues at the recent Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference in St. Johnsbury, where the Vermont Creative Network hosted a panel discussion on "Supporting the Creative Economy for Thriving Downtowns."
From Bennington to Newport, Vermont’s creative sector generates 9.3% of all employment, higher than the average across the U.S. These are artists and architects, bakers and brewers, curators and crafters, dancers and designers—any enterprise, organization, and individuals whose products and services are rooted in artistic and creative content. This panel outlined the importance of the creative economy in driving downtown development across the state. Panelists included Maria Brown of Hey June, Irene Green of Northern Stage, and Karen Nevin of Revitalizing Waterbury.
"What counts as 'creative' is so vast, and our panel was a great reminder of that. The most important thing we can do is continue to pursue our creative endeavors and encourage others to do the same, as the impact our work has on our communities and economy is invaluable." - Maria Brown
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Artists in Schools Program to Open Aug. 15 |
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Artists in Schools Grants support quality, multiday arts experiences in schools with Vermont teaching artists in residence and encourage collaborations between schools, youth, artists, and arts organizations.
Applications for the 2022-2023 school year open Aug. 15. Guidelines and other resources are already available on the website, and an online grantseeker workshop will be held at 10 a.m. on July 10.
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First Person: The Sound of (Black) Music |
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"Above all else, the production’s crowning achievement is its soundtrack. The Sound of (Black Music) reworks the classic 1959 songs to incorporate elements of Black music genres. 'Prelude' features a chorus of beautiful R&B harmonies, while 'Do-Re-Mi' escalates into a double-time coda packed with energy." - Vaughan Supple, communications intern, on attending The Sound of (Black) Music, the opening performance of Burlington's Discover Jazz Festival.
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CreativeGround Profile Spotlight |
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Sandglass Theater is a renowned theater company specializing in combining puppets with music, actors, and visual imagery. Since 1982, the company’s productions have toured internationally in nearly 30 countries, performing in theaters, festivals and cultural institutions and winning numerous international prizes. Visit their full CreativeGround profile.
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Council Grant Opportunities |
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Artist Development Grants Open Soon
Artist Development Grants support Vermont artists at all stages of their careers. Grants can fund activities that enhance mastery of an artist’s craft or skills or that increase the viability of an artist's business.
Open to applications in July.
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The 2022 Vermont Reads selection is The Most Costly Journey, a cartoon anthology of stories of migrant farmworkers' in Vermont.
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Juniper Creative is crowdfunding a mural in Stowe as a Better Places project. Donate now to help them reach $5,000 by July 1.
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Stage 33 Live
Bellows Falls
July 2
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Boulder Beach State Park
Groton
July 9
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City Hall Park
Burlington
July 15
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Posted: June 10, 2022
Category: Job Postings
End Date: July 5, 2022
Posted: June 20, 2022
Category: Calls to Artists
End Date: July 22, 2022
Posted: April 23, 2022
Category: Space Wanted/Available
End Date: July 29, 2022
Posted: May 30, 2022
Categories: Calls to Artists, Space Wanted/Available, Services Wanted/Available
End Date: August 20, 2022
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The Vermont Arts Council is funded, in part, by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, which requires a 1:1 match from the Vermont State Legislature. Council grants, programs, and statewide arts promotion would not be possible without the critical funding provided by these government agencies.
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Connect with us on social media |
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Vermont Arts Council | 802.828.3291
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