Arts Activities Support

Art Shanty Projects expands the notions of art and definitions of artist through mission goals demonstrating nearly 80% of audience members agree their ideas of art were changed by the engagement with communal public artwork in unpredictable spaces. With an aim to deepen impact on the city, over 75% of visitors were from outside the city. Nearly 8,500 people engaged with the On-Ice Program. The focus of the project is on both quality and process of artistic product as demonstrated by: Artists creating projects that push themselves creatively and engage the audience. Flexible project management allowing for the development and realization of an artist’s idea. Reverence for the lake environment and existing community while bringing a new use to a place that has an established relationship with patrons. Artist-audience engagement as essential to the success of the experience. Art Shanty Projects is able to achieve artistic goals by providing a challenging environment that stretches artists technically and conceptually—offering individuals the opportunity to create as a collective, organize multidisciplinary activities and complement each other's work. The project invites creativity, exploration and risk, while demanding an attention to place and environment. Working with over 130 artists, the festival included 20 shanties and 13 interactive performances and facilitated almost 8,500 community members to engage in the arts. Our simple application process encouraged creative people of all types to apply; bringing in almost 50 applications from teams of artists ranging from 1-30 people. Most of the participants consider themselves emerging artists, yet were able to successfully create interactive art that pushed themselves creatively and engaged audiences completely. Collaborations with other nonprofits led to donated materials which helped decrease out-of-pocket requirements to complete a feasible project. Leadership and site visits from the Artistic Director help provide guidance while cooperation with other presenting artists fostered flexible project management and collective development of artist ideas. Greater than 80% of surveyed artists felt involvement with the program provided them with additional opportunities and connections to the arts community. The leave no trace mandate ensured our presence left only footprints at our host location. Audience members cited affinity for the program stemmed from the program being a free, fun way to get outside during winter and become part of the art. While the process worked well, the stipend for artists is still appallingly low. It is Art Shanty Projects' plan to increase artist pay 20% year-over-year until adequate funds can be allocated to ensure artists are paid a livable wage for their projects. The On-Ice Program provides a free, vibrant creative opportunity for residents and businesses in our host community as well as visitors from the Twin Cities and surrounding metro area, Greater Minnesota and locations beyond our borders while maintaining reverence for existing on-ice communities through coordination with the City of White Bear Lake. The On-Ice Program brought almost 8,500 people to White Bear Lake during a time of year when recreational visitor population is at its lowest. Approximately 3/4 of audiences members were from outside the city; 6% of them heralding from other states (including a handful from outside the country)! Almost 60% of surveyed audience members were new to Art Shanty Projects and 60% of attendees typically participate in less than one arts event per month. The On-Ice Program not only provides a gateway into the arts, but exposes new people to White Bear Lake, a community seeking to improve downtown winter business traffic, broaden the visitor population and expand city brand as a year-round destination and hub of arts activities. Art Shanty Projects strives to address inclusiveness through greater outreach including: A commitment to free access to the project, open to everyone during daylight hours. Increased accessibility to those that may have physical barriers to participation. The organization allocated funds to hire a sign language interpreter and audio describer on select days of the project and advertised those days prominently in all media channels and through cross-promotional partners. We offered artist-designed and build kick-sleds (chair mounted to skis that can be pushed by volunteers) for use by those who have difficulties walking on the ice. Nonprofit partner, ArtCars/ArtBikes, supplied volunteer pedi-cab rides as on-ice transportation to those in need to help keep the shanties accessible. Art Shanty Projects saw a growth in audience numbers as a result of increased accessibility efforts, with over six deaf visitors using the American Sign Language interpreter services. Patrons anecdotally shared their gratitude for the efforts toward inclusion in social media. And other small arts organizations reached out to Art Shanty Projects management to seek guidance on actions to emulate efforts of improved accessibility to the arts.