The Local Current Project

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$243,547
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient
Minnesota Public Radio (MPR)
Recipient Type
Non-Profit Business/Entity
Status
Completed
Start Date
July 2012
End Date
September 2013
Project Overview

The Local Current is a multi-platform cultural barometer that explores the rich and diverse Minnesota music scene. Highlighting bands, events and venues throughout Minnesota, a dedicated reporter who regularly posts online and is featured on the air.

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$243,547
Number of full time equivalents funded
2.92
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

The Local Current Project will highlight and support the vibrant Minnesota music scene. With a variety of broadcast efforts that span the radio, internet, and stages of Minnesota, The Local Current will capitalize on the growing brand of MPR’s The Current to promote, report on, and amplify local artists, venues, and projects. Rooted in the rich past of Minnesota music, The Local Current seeks to celebrate the constantly evolving lineage of musical artistry that continues to thrive across the state. The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF) funding will be used to expand the existing Local Current brand, leveraging the trust and respect established through previous funding to increase audience participation in the arts, expand the amount and variety of artists represented, and increase opportunities for local artists to be heard by listeners. Additionally, ACHF funding will allow MPR to create and expand partnerships with local musicians, venues, presenting organizations, and writers to create more inclusive and comprehensive content that will provide more local voices on-air, online, and on stage.

Measurable Outcome(s)
  • Blog postings: 220
  • Page views: 700,000
  • Calendar entries: 500
  • On-air listenership: 17,000 on avg. weekly listenership
  • Number of digital stream: 105,000
  • Concert attendance: 1,800

For more information, please visit MPR's webstie on Legacy funding.

Recipient Board Members
Bradbury H Anderson, Vice Chairman, Best Buy Inc.; MaryAnn Baenninger, President, College of St. Benedict; Patrick J Denzer, LI Ventures, LLC; Janet M Dolan, President, Act III Enterprises; Elise Donohue; Ian Friendly; Executive Vice President & COO, US Retail, General Mills, Inc; Steve Fritze, Retired Executive Vice President & CFO, Ecolab, Inc.; Randall J Hogan, Chairman & CEO, Pentair, LTD.; Susan Kahn, Senior Vice President Communications, Target Corporation; Rick King, Chief Operating Officer-Technology; Thomson Reuters; Emery Koenig, Senior Vice President, Cargill, Incorporated; C Douglas Kranwinkle, Exec Vice President, General Counsel, Univision Communications, Inc; Karin L Larson, Retired Chair, Capital International Research, Inc.; William R McLaughlin, Retired President & CEO, Select Comfort; Marti Morfitt, CEO, River Rock Partners; Kate Mortenson; Dr Mary Nichols, Dean, College of Continuing Education, University of Minnesota; Richard B Payne, Jr, Vice Chairman, Corporate Banking, US Bancorp; James J Phelps, President, Northcrest Corporation;Robert Pohlad, The Pohlad Companies; James Prokopanko, President and CEO, The Mosaic Company; Paul Reyelts, Retired Executive Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, The Valspar Corporation; Steven M Rothschild, President, Invest in Outcomes; Robert Stephens, Founder, The Geek Squad; Samuel S M Wai, Treasurer, American Crystal Sugar Company
Project Manager
First Name
Nick
Last Name
Leitheiser
Organization Name
Minnesota Public Radio
Street Address
Minnesota Public Radio
City
St. Paul
State
MN
Zip Code
55101
Email
nleitheiser@mpr.org
Administered By
Administered by
Location

200 Administration Building
50 Sherburne Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651-201-2555