Arts Tour Minnesota

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$52,936
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Minnesota State University-Mankato AKA Good Thunder Reading Series
Recipient Type
State Government
Status
Completed
Start Date
June 2016
End Date
May 2017
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
Blue Earth
Brown
Faribault
Hennepin
Le Sueur
Martin
Nicollet
Olmsted
Sibley
Waseca
Watonwan
Blue Earth
Brown
Faribault
Hennepin
Le Sueur
Martin
Nicollet
Olmsted
Sibley
Waseca
Watonwan
Project Overview
Arts Tour Minnesota
Project Details
The Good Thunder Reading Series will promote literature and inspire creativity by bringing seven writers from diverse backgrounds and literary traditions to Mankato to participate in a series of readings, talks, and workshops.
Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications
Ardell Brede: Mayor of Rochester, elected 2002.; Peggy Burnet: Businesswoman, art collector, and community volunteer. Chair of the Nominating Committee, Smithsonian National Board. Trustee, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Vice Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Michael Charron: Dean of the School of the Arts, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Chair, Minnesota State Arts Board.; Rebecca Davis-Lee: Touring pianist, piano and music theory teacher; Sean Dowse, Executive director, Sheldon Theatre. Board member for Minnesota Music Coalition, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, and Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, Treasurer, Minnesota State Arts Board.; David Glenn: Executive director of the Minnesota Project, ceramic artist; Thomas Moss: Consultant to nonprofits and government agencies; Janice Sivertson: Gallery owner and visual artist; Dobson West: Senior advisor, Spell Capital Partners Fund
Advisory Group Members and Qualifications
Andrea Cheney: Interim managing director, Bedlam Theatre; Ann Fee: Executive director, Arts Center of Saint Peter; teaching artist, writer, editor, and instructor; Jamil Jude: Freelance theater director and producer; Jennie Knoebel: Executive director, Austin Area Commission for the Arts; Stacy Richardson: Writer, editor, and music promoter; Christopher Taykalo: Marketing and development manager, Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus
Conflict of Interest Disclosed
Yes
Conflict of Interest Contact
Executive director Sue Gens (651) 215-1600
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2015 Special Session, chapter 2, article 4, section 2, subdivision 3
Appropriation Language

ACHF Arts Access

2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$52,936
Other Funds Leveraged
$21,849
Direct expenses
$74,785
Administration costs
$15,000
Number of full time equivalents funded
1
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Audiences will have an increased understanding of the writing process. We will distribute hard-copy surveys that ask audiences to rate the impact attending craft talks/workshops had on their level of understanding. 2: Increase awareness of literature’s scope by providing audiences in southern Minnesota with access to writers from diverse backgrounds/literary traditions. We will solicit interviews from audience members to learn the impact readings have on increasing awareness of literature’s scope. We will also post online surveys for each reading.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Audiences at the Good Thunder Reading Series craft talks and workshops increased their understanding of the writing process. Hard copy surveys were distributed after workshops and craft talks. Using a Likert Scale, participants rated the events overall quality; the level that attending inspired creativity; and the level their understanding of the writing process increased and/or was enhanced. Surveys collected audience demographics and included space for feedback on program strengths, areas for improvement, and suggestions. Audience tallies showed the number of Minnesotans who received a high quality arts experience. 2: Audiences at readings increased their awareness of literature's scope. Hard copy surveys were distributed after readings. Using a Likert scale, participants rated the events overall quality; the level it increased and/or enhanced awareness of literature's diverse voices/literary traditions; and the level it engaged audiences. Surveys provided audience demographics; headcounts showed the number of Minnesotans who received a high quality arts experience. Interviews gave insight into attendees’ experience, suggestions for improvement and for future visiting writers.

Description of Funds
Source of Additional Funds

Other, local or private

Recipient Board Members
Matt Sewell, Jorge Evans, Wilbur Frink, Jacque Arnold, Vickie Apel
Project Manager
First Name
Diana
Last Name
Joseph
Organization Name
Minnesota State University-Mankato AKA Good Thunder Reading Series
Street Address
230 Armstrong Hall
City
Mankato
State
MN
Zip Code
56001
Phone
(507) 389-5144
Email
diana.joseph@mnsu.edu
Administered By
Administered by
Location

Griggs Midway Building, Suite 304,
540 Fairview Avenue North,
St. Paul, MN 55104

Phone
(651) 539-2650 or toll-free (800) 866-2787
Email the Agency