Historic Recovery Bill Awaits Governor's Signature |
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An historic recovery package for Vermont’s creative sector has been passed by the Vermont House and Senate and is awaiting 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. It also includes $19 million for a short-term forgivable loan program; Community Revitalization and Recovery grants; and the creation of a Vermont Film and Media Industry Task Force.
"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 non-profits get back on sound footing again, as we recover from the financial harms caused by COVID-19." - Rep. Stephanie Jerome.
Thank you to all who worked tirelessly to share your stories about why the creative sector matters in Vermont, and special thanks to key sponsors Sen. Alison Clarkson and Rep. Stephanie Jerome. We expect Gov. Scott to sign S.11 into law in the coming days.
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A Partnership with VCF to Support the State's Creative Sector |
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At a time when Vermont's artists and cultural organizations are still struggling to recover from the impact of Covid-19, a philanthropic partnership between the Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Community Foundation has made all the difference, helping to sustain Vermont’s vibrant creative sector.
Established in 2020, the partnership aims to strengthen Vermont's cultural landscape by not only providing immediate Covid-19 aid when and where it’s most needed, but also by building the long-term sustainability of Vermont’s arts and culture sector.
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New Public Art Awards to Enliven Communities |
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Strengthening the connection between people and place, the five award-winning projects of the Vermont Art Council’s 2022 Animating Infrastructure program promise to bring vibrancy and vitality to their communities through public art.
The 2022 awardees are:
- Howard Center, Burlington: $9,200 to support a public art installation in Burlington’s South End with work by artists living with and affected by mental illness and/or addiction
- Orleans County Historical Society, Brownington: $11,000 to support public art installations along the Alexander Twilight Trail
- The Current, Stowe: $15,000 to support community-based and collaborative murals at Stowe’s public recreation path and Stowe Middle School
- Town of Lyndon: $15,000 to support an artistic sculpture and light installation at the Sanborn Covered Bridge
- Town of Springfield: $15,000 to support the design, fabrication, and installation of a monumental sculpture of David M. Smith’s mid-late 1800s clothespin in Comtu Cascade Park
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Upcoming Technical Assistance Webinars |
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Our Digital Capacity Technical Assistance webinars continue with an array of options this spring and summer. Up next:
June 7 | Graphic Design & Marketing Practices (with Inclusive Arts Vermont)
June 22 | Social Media Marketing: Tools, Tips and Techniques (with Vermont Small Business Development Center)
June 29 | Ecommerce: Basics of Selling Products Online (with Vermont Small Business Development Center)
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Congrats to the 2022 Congressional Art Competition Winners |
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Rep. Peter Welch has announced the winners of the 41st Annual Congressional Art Competition! First place winner is Mae Searles of Lamoille Union High School with a collage entitled “An Unfortunate Truth.” Mae’s collage was selected by judges from a field of more than 130 entries from students across Vermont. Congratulations, Mae!
As Rep. Welch is running for the Senate seat, this was his last time as Master of Ceremonies for this wonderful event. We're immensely grateful for Rep. Welch's advocacy for strong federal investment in the arts each year, as well as his organizing of the Congressional Arts Awards. Peter Welch has been our champion and an inspiration, both in Congress and across Vermont.
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Vermont Creative Network News |
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CreateVT Action Plan Garners Top Planning Award |
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The CreateVT Action Plan—Vermont’s first comprehensive action plan for the state’s creative economy—has been recognized as the Vermont Planners Association’s 2022 Plan of the Year.
New data demonstrates how the creative economy – particularly in rural places and in times of crisis and recovery – is a catalyst for growth and change. Building on three years of research and community engagement, the CreateVT Plan makes the case that creativity is essential to the cultural and economic vitality of our state and provides a roadmap for critical investment in Vermont creative entrepreneurs, artists, businesses and facilities at the state and local levels.
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Register for the 2022 Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference |
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Join the Preservation Trust of Vermont and the Department of Housing and Community Development on Thursday June 9, 2022 for the Downtown and Historic Preservation Conference, hosted by the Town of St. Johnsbury.
This will be an in person event without virtual offerings. The Vermont Creative Network is a sponsor of the conference and will be holding a panel on "Supporting the Creative Economy for Thriving Downtowns."
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Creative Aging Celebration on June 3 |
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This free community event, held at the Vermont College of Fine Arts during Montpelier's ArtWalk, will feature an exhibit of creative work by participants from the Central Vermont Council on Aging Creative Care Kit project, artwork by older artists in the community, and fun creative aging activities for attendees to engage with.
Food and drink will be available for sale during the event through Cafe Anna. Masks will be encouraged for all attendees and required for those who are not fully vaccinated, including a first booster shot. No tickets are required to attend. Parts of this project were made possible through a funding from E.A. Michelson Philanthropy and support from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in partnership with the Vermont Arts Council. Learn more about our Creative Aging program.
Following this kick-off event, CVCOA will be hosting Creative Aging Celebrations throughout June at their local partner nutrition programs. For more information and a full schedule with locations, please visit the CVCOA website.
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Managing Performance Spaces "Post" Covid |
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In pandemic life, every day brings fresh concerns and more questions: What do we know about variant [fill-in-the-blank]? Should I get another booster? Is it best to wear a mask?
Theaters and other performance spaces, where audiences sit cheek to jowl before performers, bring a whole other level of concern and questions, especially for those managing the experience.
To find out how they’re navigating springtime Covid-times, we interviewed Keith Marks, executive director at Next Stage in Putney; Lisa Mitchell, executive director at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury; and Jon Potter, executive director at Latchis Arts in Brattleboro.
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Art in the Time of Covid: Patricia Norton |
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"Singing has been my refuge, my haven, and my connection to others. The stories I’ve heard from singers, near and distant, who are moved by the songs I’ve chosen to share are incredibly moving." - Patricia Norton, founder of Juneberry Music
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CreativeGround Profile Spotlight |
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Wunderle's Big Top Adventures |
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Wunderle's Big Top Adventures promotes world class circus programming, entertainment and exploration for all ages. Founded by Troy Wunderle, its primary programs include: One man circus shows, corporate extravaganzas, circus based bubble shows, school residencies, big top workshops, circus camps, afterschool programming, comic lectures, tricks-gags-games-gimmicks and Strolling Entertainment. Visit their full CreativeGround profile.
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Council Grant Opportunities |
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Arts Impact Grants
Arts Impact Grants support nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools in their efforts to add vibrancy to Vermont communities through projects that provide equal and abundant access to the arts. The program also invites proposals for general operation grants to arts nonprofits.
Deadline: June 13, 2022
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The Vermont Crafts Council's 30th Anniversary Vermont Spring Open Studio Weekend is May 28 and 29, 10 to 5, with locations around the state.
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The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival opens Friday June 3 with a performance of the joyful and uplifting The Sound of (Black) Music
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City Hall Park
Burlington
June 3
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Next Stage Arts
Putney
June 10
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North Hero Community Hall
North Hero
June 16-19
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Posted: May 23, 2022
Category: Calls to Artists
End Date: June 2, 2022
Posted: May 17, 2022
Category: Job Postings
End Date: June 18, 2022
Posted: May 19, 2022
Category: Calls to Artists
End Date: June 20, 2022
Posted: April 26, 2022
Category: Calls to Artists
End Date: July 1, 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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