Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant
ACHF Arts Access
Our goal is to provide a series that inspires new thoughts and ideas through modern literature. We hope the reading impress audiences with the beauty of the language and how masterfully the writers evoke images, tell a story, or argue a point. Further, we seek to draw additional people to frequent the Art Center for exhibits, lectures and classes. Explorations that begin for those attending the readings can be extended through book purchases and writers workshops the following day.To assess where our programs have resulted in the intended outcomes we will rely on a short survey and on-site observations by our staff and volunteers. We will ask attendees to address the content of the readings and the impact the reading had on them. The survey also contains other questions pertinent to the series allowing us to be responsive to the needs and interests of our constituents. Our Spoken Word Committee, Bemidji Community Art Center board members and staff will make observations concerning logistics such as the audio system placement, seating arrangements and the number of people attending. Surveys will help us assess marketing strategy, keep track of new attendees, compile and respond to audience reactions and add to a list of possible writers for future presentations.
Direct observations of the readings’ effects on audiences and the passion/enthusiasm expressed in survey results were very gratifying. We could see that all the readings met or surpassed expectations. As one attendee at Joyce’s reading stated, “...it struck me this evening (as it has before) how important it is to HEAR the poem read to experience the emotional impact!” The readings offered many opportunities for listeners to gain insight, to enjoy imagery and even to reevaluate commonly held beliefs about aspects of our society. Quoting another audience member at Carol Ann’s reading, “...it has inspired me to be more observant, more appreciative of people and things and places in my life. Also, to be more expressive of my ‘intimate’ authentic voice.” Asked what did you enjoy most from Tom’s reading, as individual responded as follows, “The ‘discovery’ that someone else dares put into words what I have [suspected].”
Other, local or private