This workshop will introduce participants to the power of creating and using short personal/public stories for social action. First, we will learn the power of story to inspire and motivate. We will then enter into collaborative story circles where we will begin to build our individual stories. This workshop is for anyone who would like to encourage others to join in volunteering, enrolling, fundraising or citizen advocacy.
A talk and workshop-based discussion with John Bechtold about the converging worlds of teaching and practice in the arts. Many of us in the arts work in some capacity as educators. Often, these two roles seem to compete as much as converge with each other. How does one reconcile vocation with avocation? John is the Department Head for Performing Arts at Amherst Regional Middle and High Schools and the Director of DASAC – a large, postmodern visual and performing arts program for teens at Deerfield Academy. His work in theater encompasses direction, devising of original works and stage/lighting design.
We all know that social media is a powerful tool, but who is doing it well? This presentation will show the best ways to use Twitter, Facebook and regular blogging to get your business out in front of a wider audience. Using specific examples of successful Social media promoters we will explore the advanced tools you can use to make it easier and reach more people. Discussion included.
Learn how the Rethinking the Creative Economy action research team cultivated nested networks of artists for regional identity & economic development. See how an online, multi-disciplinary art show can both showcase and acknowledge local artists. (Blended audience)
Tens of thousands visit the small New England Village of Shelburne Falls yearly. How do they do it? Learn from those who make it happen. The Shelburne Falls Area Business Association with the towns of Buckland & Shelburne have a strong ongoing relationship that fosters planning for the future. There’s always challenges, staying ahead of the game is what makes the difference!
This discussion / workshop will look at what it takes to create a Word Festival
and how without the participation of artists, audience, business and municipal leaders it
doesn’t happen. Information as to how the GAWFest was created and works, with emphasis
on artists in the room as to whether their art form lends itself to it’s own kind of festival / public
forum.
The Arts Extension Service is a national arts service organization and has long had its finger on a national pulse. Everywhere we travel, the question from artists is always the same: Why don’t I know about this? This workshop will introduce artists to institutions, thought-leaders to follow, and resources for funding, artist residency, public arts projects, and other educational resources.
A discussion and presentation about the digital recording revolution and how it applies to muscians, podcasters and others who are interested in setting up a personal recording system.
The workshop will focus on the new technologies of the home recording studio and how musicians can benefit from setting up a home studio. For anyone interested in the recording arts
Learn to navigate the Recorder to promote your events, businesses and organizations. This workshop will explain the how the use of our local newspaper can benefit artists, businesses and towns with wider exposure, broader participation and more reliable, consistent promotion. George Forcier is managing editor and Adam Orth is features editor of the Greenfield Recorder.
This workshop will be geared for people interested in working with youth, particularly by creating partnerships that provide youth opportunities in the arts for community benefit.
Outline:
1. We will first provide an overview of Youth Action Coalition (YAC) programs and mission. YAC has 5 arts-for-change programs in 3 towns in Western MA. All programs aim to empower youth through art making, social justice education and community engagement. Our 4 pillars are “I AM, I CREATE, I BELIEVE, WE CONNECT”. (15 minutes)
2. We will continue on to describe a few of the partnerships that we’ve created, such as Girls Eye View’s work with the Domestic Violence Task Force, Get Up Get Down’s creation of murals for local businesses, visiting artist programs and youth art exhibits with, at and for local businesses. (15 min)
3. Next, we will outline a framework for thinking through these collaborations by sharing our experience and discussing key considerations. (10 min)
4. Then, we would like to break out into small groups by community or region so that audience members have a chance to brainstorm and come up with potential projects and collaborations. Each group will have a chance to share their idea. (30 min)
5. Last, we will allow time for Q&A (15 min)