Arts Activities Support

MPLS (imPulse) successfully presented three, ninety-minute thematic choral programs in the Twin Cities in diverse, nontraditional performance venues. The fall performance saw x audience participants (x first time attendee), the winter performance saw x audience participants (x first time attendee) and the summer performance saw x audience participants (x first time attendee). For this project, we proudly achieved our goal to present three meaningful, thematic choral programs for our audience. We were particularly successful in our projected ticket sales. Sales for both "Cuentamé un cuento" and "imPulse Happy Hour" sold out. Our collaborative process with ComMUSICation, our storyteller for "Cuentamé," and our experience with In the Heart of the Beast added to the creative process. Our project shined in its diverse audience and venues. Our July performance proved to be our most racially diverse so far, and the Phillips Neighborhood got closely involved. Our greatest challenge was our experience with Lake Monster. While or most popular performance, our verbal agreement for use of the space did not translate to the actual performance. Expectations for use of the space on both sides were misread, which affected the success of the venue itself (noise level, beverage service, and chair set-up for audience. One important change that we would adopt that we have now established is to enter into a written agreement with our partners and venues, since many of the venues we work with are not accustomed to working with a choral or performing ensemble. MPLS (imPulse) audience members are diverse in age (18-65) but are predominantly Caucasian Twin Cities residents. MPLS (imPulse) presents mostly secular music in a choral community where sacred music is predominantly performed and supported, which provides opportunities for diversified concert repertoire and thematic programming. Performing this music in secular spaces also eliminates potential barriers of participation from the non-religious or people of different faiths. By creating a welcoming environment, we reach audiences that may be overlooked. Through this project, MPLS(imPulse) successfully reached its intended audiences and expanded further. Each performance was deeply rooted in the community and additional opportunities came to the forefront as the projects developed with our community partners. The fall performance increased our reach to child and family audiences in St. Paul through the collaboration with ComMUSICation. Our summer performance with In the Heart of the Beast connected MPLS(imPulse) with new audiences in the south Minneapolis viewing the performance on stage, but also allowed the neighborhood to watched from their front doors as the choir marched by on their way to the river to release their lanterns. The additional pre-concert activity of creating lanterns for the performance was an unexpected outcome that allowed MPLS(imPulse) to make a meaningful connection with the community.