Art and Artists News from the United Arts Council of Greensboro News

UAC News

Piedmont Sensation Laurelyn Dossett To Be Honored at United Arts Councils Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration

GREENSBORO, N.C. – January 17, 2012 – On February 9th, the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro will commemorate 50 years of service and support to the arts at a special downtown celebration, recognizing many who have contributed to the success of the organization and Greensboro’s vibrant arts community – including singer/songwriter Laurelyn Dossett – who will be honored this year for her contributions to the arts and receive the Betty Cone Medal of Arts Award. The Arts Council will also honor Secretary Linda Carlilse from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and Executive Director Mary Regan from the North Carolina Arts Council. The evening will close with a special version of Gershwin’s 1924 original, Rhapsody in Blue, performed by members of the Greensboro Symphony under the direction of Associate Conductor/pianist Nate Beversluis.

Dossett may be best known locally for her work with Polecat Creek and original compositions for Triad Stage’s “Beautiful Star” and “Bloody Blackbeard” shows, among others. Her new work, “THE GATHERING: A WINTER’S TALE IN SIX SONGS” was commissioned by the North Carolina Symphony and premiered with Rhiannon Giddens, Mike Compton, Joe Newberry, and the Concert Singers of Cary on November 25 and 26, 2011. The accompanying recording received rave reviews including three stars from the Los Angeles Times who said, “They bring a breath of fresh, pine-scented air to an intensely crowded field.” Dossett, who has called the Piedmont and Greensboro her home for more than twenty years, is one of the most sought-after voices in creative collaborations. She was the 2010 recipient of the NC Arts Council Fellowship for songwriting. The UAC’s Betty Cone Medal of Arts Award was created by the Arts Council to memorialize the tremendous efforts of Greensboro’s own Betty Cone to foster and grow arts and culture in the Greensboro Community. The Award honors Dossett who has achieved clear excellence in the discipline of music.(Photo ©Abigail Seymour

“What a privilege to host this celebration and honor our community’s artistic assets as we commemorate our golden anniversary,” said UAC President and CEO, Thomas Philion. “Greensboro is a hotbed of the arts. Laurelyn joins the ranks of other renowned Greensboro artists like Jim Gallucci who has also received the Betty Cone Medal of Arts Award. It’s going to be a great event and launch to an incredible next fifty years.”

The Arts Council was incorporated in 1960, opened for business in the Chamber of Commerce offices in 1962, and in 1968 moved to the Banner House on North Elm Street. The growing Council moved to the historic Sternberger House on Summit Avenue in 1972 with help from the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation. From creating a public-private partnership building the Greensboro Cultural Center, now home to the UAC, to producing the decade-long City Stage festival through the nineties to saving the historic Carolina Theatre until it became independent in 2006, the Council has and continues to play an instrumental role in the life of Greensboro’s creative economy through four grant programs for nonprofit arts organizations, artists and teachers and the new 17 Days arts festival. Since 2000 alone, the Council has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants to arts organizations and projects – for many, the UAC is the largest single source of support available – and played a vital role in Greensboro’s economic development and quality of life.

“We’re just getting started,” said UAC Board Chair April Harris. “We are laying the groundwork for new initiatives that will grow and support arts and culture in Greensboro. Our 50th Anniversary Celebration will lay the foundation for the new Half-Century Fund to augment the United Arts Fund and later this spring, we’ll be launching a new crowd-funding mechanism. The United Arts Council is gaining momentum and on the forefront of growing our creative economy.”

The UAC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Elm Street Center in downtown Greensboro. Tickets are $125 per person and available at the organization’s website (UACarts.org) or by phone at 336-373-7523, ext. 242.

Arts in Business Award Call for Nominations

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro in partnership with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Guilford Merchants Association, and the North Carolina Entrepreneurship Center at UNC-G are accepting nominations for the Arts in Business Award. This year's winner will be recognized at the Chamber's Small Business Awards Luncheon during the Piedmont Triad Business Showcase on May 17, 2012 at the Greensboro Coliseum's Special Events Center.

The award recognizes an exceptional Greensboro business each year for their leadership, commitment and vision to support the arts by making an impact during the past year. This impact on the arts could be achieved through a variety of activities or through a single project of significant magnitude. Foundations, individual philanthropists, government agencies and arts organizations are not eligible to compete.

Nominations are due to the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro by 5pm on Monday, April 16, 2012. Organizations are encouraged to nominate their own business or another that fulfills the criteria.

United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro Announces Application Deadline for Regional Artist Grants

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (UAC) is accepting applications for the 2011-2012 Regional Artists Grant Investment program. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2011. UAC coordinates the Regional Artists Grant program on behalf of a consortium of five counties: Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham. Funding is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council and matched locally by participating Arts Councils.

Grant investments for Regional Artists are designed to support exceptionally talented visual, performing, literary and interdisciplinary artists at all stages of their careers to pursue projects that further their professional artistic development. Eligible artistic disciplines include music (both classical and contemporary), dance, visual arts (painting, photography, sculpture and pottery), film/video, drama and literature. Applicants must submit artistic work samples and provide a narrative case for support.

Regional Artists Grant Investments are open to artists living in Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham counties. To be eligible, an artist must be at least 18 years of age and cannot be a student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in their art form. Applications may be downloaded from the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro's web site at www.uacarts.org or by contacting the UAC at 336-373-7523, ext. 256.

Regional Artist Grant Investments provide important financial support and recognition for Triad area artists. In 2011, Regional Artist Grant Investments totaled $17,272 to 14 regional artists. This cooperative effort fosters relationships between arts organizations while also encouraging networking between Triad artists.

United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro in collaboration with the Greensboro Partnership seeks nominations for the O. Henry Award

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (UAC) and the Greensboro Partnership is privileged to recognize an outstanding individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the cultural development of Greensboro throughout their lifetime. Nominees must reside, work or volunteer in the greater Greensboro area. Some past recipients of the O. Henry Award include Joe Bryan Jr., Allen Broach, Brenda Schluenes, Bonnie Cordes, Alice Pearce, Louis Patseavouris, Shirley Spears, Bernie and Bobbie Mann and Logie Meachum. Presentation of the O. Henry Award will take place at the Greensboro Partnership's annual meeting in late January, 2012.

Download nomination form now. Nominations must be received at the UAC office by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. Nominations may be emailed to alayman@uacARTs.org; mailed to the United Arts Council, Attention: Altina Layman, PO Box 877, Greensboro, NC 27402-0877; or hand delivered to our offices located in the Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St, Suite 201.

50th Anniversary Celebration set for Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Make plans now to join the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro for the exciting 50th Anniversary Celebration. Plans are underway to hold the event at the Empire Room in the Elm Street Center, downtown Greensboro. Donors and supporters can expect an elegant evening, complete with special guest(s) and entertainment. Official invitations will be mailed in early December for this special celebration.

UAC Announces 17 Days Festival with world-class theater, music, visual arts and more
September 22 through October 8

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (UAC), in collaboration with top artists, presenters, producing organizations, museums and venues, is pleased to announce a unique Greensboro festival - 17 Days - which will launch on September 22 and run through October 8, 2011.

17 Days, organized as ArtBeat Greensboro in 2008, began as a springtime city-wide arts festival to showcase and recognize Greensboro's excellent arts and cultural assets - from theater, music and dance to the visual arts. Under the new leadership of the UAC, ARtBeat Greensboro will move to the fall and carry a new name, 17 Days to build excitement for the new expanded dates and schedule. In addition to aligning the festival with the arts and entertainment high-season, new fall dates will expand the invitation list by more than 40,000 as students at local colleges return for the fall semester.

The lineup for 17 Days will include nearly 50 artistic entities featuring more than 85 events, performances, workshops and exhibits over three autumn weekends. Performances and events will take place in dozens of venues, both indoor and outdoor, including some of the South's most enchanting historic theatres, interesting galleries and intriguing locations.

One of the festival's highlights will be the World Premiere of a new orchestral work from Grammy Award Winner, composer and fiddle player Mark O'Connor (known for his work with Yo Yo Ma on Appalachia Waltz) commissioned for 17 Days thanks to a grant from American Express. Called Queen Anne's Revenge, the piece celebrates the recovery of Blackbeard's fabled frigate off North Carolina's Topsail Inlet. The commission premieres September 22-24 under the direction of internationally renowned violinist and conductor Dmitry Sitkovetsky and performed by the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra.

Other highlights include performances of the thriller, Dial M for Murder presented by award-winning Triad Stage, a full day of free artist studio tours, Oaktoberfest complete with locally brewed artisian Red Oak Bohemian Lager, a performance of the Avett Brothers a the new White Oak Ampitheatre, and plenty of sights and sounds at galleries and music spaces throughout the city.

Projected participating artistic entities include: African American Atelier, Center for Visual Artists, City Arts, The Music Center, The Drama Center, Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, Triad Stage, Elsewhere, Gateway Gardens, UNCG School of Music, CFGG's Public Art Endowment, UNCG Theatre, Cyrus Art Productions, Open Space Cafe Theatre, Greensboro Day School, Bel Canto, the Music Academy of NC, Weaver Academy, Sphinx Virtuoso Tour 2011, Carolina Theatre, ArtStock, and the White Oak Ampitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum. Those artistic entities who would like to participate in 17 Days should contact the United Arts Council with event information prior to June 30, 2011.

For more details and up-to-date information on 17 Days, call the United Arts Council at 336-373-7523.

Announcing Casa Azul!

Casa Azul is to promote a healthy community by bringing different cultures and ethnic groups together through art and cultural expression. Casa Azul seeks to inspire growth and self-sufficiency among Latinos in the region by offering to support and promote individual artists and encourage community projects, events and workshops.

Join Casa Azul on Thursday, June 9th, 6pm, at Studio B (520 S. Elm Street) to celebrate a new chapter of Latino art in Greensboro with the introduciton of Casa Azul.RSVP to Megan Finger (mfinger@uacarts.org) or call 336-373-7523, ext. 247. Meet the artists and the people behind this initiative, share your ideas with us, enjoy the music of Latin Rio and dance to our ryhthm! Special thanks to Studio B, Poblano's Restaurant, UAC, and Hispanics in Philanthropy. Space is limited, reserve your place now!

Make plans to attend June 2 Guilford County Commissioner's Meeting to Support Funding for the Arts

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (UAC) invites you to attend the June 2nd Guilford County Commissioner's meeting to show your support for the arts. Advocates are encouraged to speak on behalf of County support for the arts, but attendees are also welcome! If you are unable to attend, you may contact your County Commissioner by phone, email or postal mail. Click here for contact information.Meeting begins at 5:30 in the Old Guilford County Courthouse, 2nd floor, in the Commissioner's Meeting Room. Those interested in speaking need to arrive early and sign in on the speaker's sheet. Look for arts council representatives wearing the "arts create jobs" green name tags. We hope to see you there!

4/12/11 The Untied Arts Council in Partnership with Guilford County Schools Announce 2011 Arts Education Teacher of the Year: Brian McMath & Christina Caltagirone Recognized

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (UAC) and Guilford County Schools presented the 2011 Arts Education Teacher of the Year award on April 12.Winnerof the 2011 award was Brian McMath of Northwest Guilford High School; Christina Caltagirone of High Point Central High School was runner-up.

McMath and Caltagirone were recognized at the Guilford County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 12. McMath will also be recognized at OnStage! April 14 at the War Memorial Auditorium. The award celebratesteachers who provide outstanding arts education, encouraging students to develop their imaginations, communication skills, creative abilities, and more. McMath was presented with the 2011 Guilford County Arts Education Teacher award and $1,000 towards professional development. Finalist Caltagirone was presented an award for her achievement.

Director of Bands, Brian McMath, holds his Masters of Music in Music Education and BA in Music Education from UNC-Greensboro. McMath's accomplishments are many. In his 14 years of teaching, 13 of his previous students have gone on to teach music or acquire music degrees. He created Winter Guard and Winter Percussion ensembles with his varsity guard attaining semi-finalists at Winter Guard International World Championshps last year and ranked in the top 48 from the United States. In addition, McMath has worked to develop a leadership academy for high school band students at the Center for Creative Leadership. "Mr. MacMath combines the freedom of expression needed by an artist with the discipline and focus required for a teacher of young adults and teens. He balances these two competencies in a seamless and transparent manner and through this, teaches both children and parents the lessons of a lifetime," says Dr. Clemson Turregano from the Center of Creative Leadership.

High Point Central High School's Theatre Arts teacher, Christina Caltagirone makes a difference in her student's lives. "My goal is to give students experiences that build self confidence, create an awareness of the world around them, develop their oral and written communication skills and foster group work. It's this fact that makes arts education vital to every school community. When a quiet student gets onstage and surprises us all by trying harder than he/she has ever done before, I know I've made an impression," says Caltagirone. Her dedication to students, hard work, and resilience shine through as Caltagirone was recently voted Teacher of the Year by High Point Central's faculty and staff.

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro is honored to work in partnership with Guilford County Schools to recognize these exceptional educators. Nominations for the Arts Education Teacher of the Year are accepted each January.

3/2/11 Oreintation Sessions announced for UAC 2011-2012 Grant Cycle...Attendance Required for All Who Intend to Apply

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (UAC) announces UAC Grant Orientation Sessions for those planning to apply in the 2011-2012 grant cycle. Attendance at one of the two Orientation Sessions is required for all grant applicants seeking $1,500 or more in support.

Two Orientation Sessions will be held: March 16 at 10:00am andan afternoon session on March 16 at 3:30 pm, Greensboro Cultural Center's Board Room (first floor) located at 200 N. Davie Street in downtown Greensboro. All those planning to apply for support greater than $1,500 must attend one of these Orientation Sessions. Deadline to submit a grant application has been set for May 1.

Sessions are open to artists and nonprofit arts organizations who create and present the arts or an art form and who: reside in and deliver their product in the Greater Greensboro market;practice soundleadership and financial capabilities to execute their work;and measure/ reportoutcomes and results. Grant seekers will learn about the UAC's key areas of focus and the complete process for submitting a grant application and reporting requirements.

The United Arts Council's cultural grant investment programs are made possible through support from foundations, corporations, individuals, and the NC Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of NC and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information and to download grant applications, visit the UAC web site at www.uacARTSorg.

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the United Arts Council is Greensboro's largest single source of financial support for its creative community, the only umbrella arts resource - funding arts and culture, from nationally recognized arts organizations and programs - to emerging and community arts projects, as well as arts-in education initiatives. UAC places a high priority on access to the arts across all cultures, ages, and economic backgrounds.

2/3/11 Arts councils announce findings on Guilford County's creative economy

The united arts councils of Greensboro and High Point today jointly released the highlights of a first-ever Creative Vitality Index (CVI) for Guilford County. The CVI is a tool used nationally and regionally to measure the economic vitality of the arts and arts activity in a specified geographic region. The good news: Guilford County has a strong index value when considered in state and regional context.

The Guilford County Creative Vitality Index provides findings on the overall health of Guilford County's and the Piedmont Triad region's creative economy. This multi-level analysis shows the strengths and weaknesses within the County and identifies areas of opportunity and growth. With a strong concentration of creative jobs - from the national, regional and local perspective - Guilford County has the potential to grow this sector. In order to remain competitive in the regional and national marketplace, support of our creative community is vital.

The index tracks 2008 employment data from 36 selected occupational categories - including art directors, industrial designers, musicians, visual artists, editors, exhibit designers, dancers and authors - that are highly correlated with skill sets in creative thinking, originality and self-expression.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2008 GUILFORD COUNTY CVI STUDY:

In 2008, there were over 7,200 highly creative jobs in Guilford County
Guilford County's creative vitality index score was .95, against a national baseline score of 1.00, indicating a number of unique strengths when compared to the nation, as well as areas for potential growth
Compared to the nation, Guilford County shows consistent strengths in the areas of photography and book sales. Guilford County outperforms the nation 2-to-1 in the number of interior designers, as well as high concentrations of commercial and industrial designers, floral designers, radio and television announcers, set and exhibit designers and broadcast technicians
When compared to North Carolina, Guilford County shows strong numbers for performing arts participation, indicating a potential niche as a creative center for the state. Performing arts categories within the county outperform the state averages in those areas by 150%
When compared to the southern region of the United States and the state of North Carolina, Guilford County shows index values well above the averages for these two regions. Essentially, Guilford County is 50% above the average CVI input value for the State of North Carolina
Total revenues of arts-related nonprofit organizations in Guilford County totaled nearly $23 million in 2008

With 50 years of service, the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro and the High Point Area Arts Council are Guilford County's largest sources of financial support for our creative community, the only umbrella arts resources - funding arts and culture, from nationally recognized programs, community arts projects, and arts-in-education initiatives to mission support - with a high priority on access to the arts across all cultures, ages, and economic backgrounds throughout the County.

Together, the united arts councils in Greensboro and High Point are targeting fundraising goals to raise $1.7 million for the arts in Guilford County through their 2011 United Arts Funds, grants and public funding. UAC and HPAAC are jointly marketing and promoting their annual campaigns to raise awareness and support for the arts throughout the county. This collaboration comes on the heels of other cooperative projects between the two councils including the joint research effort for the Creative Vitality Index, new online portals to a regional events calendar through the Everwondr Network, and numerous advocacy efforts to sustain support at both county and state levels.

2/1/11 Application deadline for Regional Artists Grants Announced

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (UAC) is accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Regional Artists Grant Investment program. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2011.

The UAC coordinates the Regional Artists Grant program on behalf of a consortium of five counties: Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham. Funding is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council and matched locally by participating Arts Councils.

Grant investments for Regional Artists are designed to support exceptionally talented visual, performing, literary and interdisciplinary artists at all stages of their careers to pursue projects that further their professional artistic development. Eligible artistic disciplines are music (both classical and contemporary), dance, visual arts (painting, photography, sculpture and pottery), film/video, drama and literature. Applicants must submit artistic work samples and provide a narrative case for support.

Regional Artists Grant Investments are open to artists living in Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham counties. To be eligible, an artist must be at least 18 years of age and cannot be a student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in their art form. Applications may be downloaded from the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro's web site at www.uacARTS.org or by contacting the UAC at 336-373-7523, ext. 256.

10/27/10 Attend the Community Meeting for Downtown Greenway Public Art Collaboration

Wednesday, October 27 from 12-2pm or 5-7pm, Carriage House at Blandwood Mansion, downtown

Sculptor Jim Gallucci and Lighting Designer Scott Richardson will meet with residents to discuss this public art project funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

A $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts has made possible the creative renovation of an abandoned railroad underpass that will be a key link between the recently completed first phase of the Downtown Greenway and the next section to be constructed of the 4 mile trail that will eventually encircle downtown Greensboro. This artistic collaboration will include innovative lighting, sculpture, graphics, and landscaping to create a unique outdoor public art space. The public is invited to attend a community meeting on October 27, 2010 from 12-2:00pm or 5-7:00pm at the Carriage House at Blandwood to learn about the project and to give their input to the artists involved in the project.

10/11/10 ExploreGreensboro.com Attracts the Attention of NBC!

After spending some time on the EverWondr events calendar, NBC's The Marriage Ref announced today that they will be bringing a national casting call to the Piedmont. They found our region by searching the Internet for "events in North Carolina," and found a number of the 30+ URLs associated with the EvrWonder Network. They were so impressed with the network's organization, design, detail and seamless ability to search multiple counties at once that they contacted us before several other Southeast contenders. Since then, Pursuit of Happiness (who created the EvrWonder Network), has worked to connect NBC directly with event organizers, community groups and other pro-Triad organizations to solidify their interest and ensure their visit will be a success. Currently, the only other locations holding casting events are New York, New Jersey and Tennessee (Nashville).

We're pleased the events network played such a pivotal role in attracting a national travel team to our region. We'd love it if this visit translates into a regional taping or longer term relationship with NBC. At a minimum, we expect their presence will provide a significant boost in awareness, interest and attendance to any and all events associated with them—particularly those listed on the network.

Casting Calls for "The Marriage Ref" will in Greensboro will be at Festival Italiano on October 17, 12-6 pm, in front of the Green Bean on the 300 Block of S. Elm Street (near Elm & McGee streets). Contact erinn@themarriageref.tv to schedule a casting time.

Thanks, again, for continuing to use, update and link directly to the site. It was your ongoing involvement with the network that helped create this opportunity for the Triad.

10/8/10 Get Ready for Downtown Greensboro in December!

Wondering what to do this holiday season? Look no further than "Downtown Greensboro in December" for a list of events and holiday happenings occuring between Thanksgiving and Christmas, right here in Downtown Greensboro. Thanks to the collaborative partnership of the United Arts Council, Downtown Greensboro, arts organizations and downtown merchants, Downtown in December will offer abundant opportunities to get in the holiday spirit! For a complete listing of Downtown in December events, visit www.DowntowninDecember.net. Postings will also be included on the Greensboro's new online community entertainment calendar at www.ExploreGreensboro.com, brought to you by the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, Greensboro Partnership, Greensboro Convention & Visitors' Bureau and Downtown Greensboro Inc.

10/6/10 Triad Stage Named One of the Top Ten Theatres To Emerge in Last 15 Years

The American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards®, awarded Triad Stage a $10,000 grant, honoring the company as one of the Top 10 Most Promising Theaters to have emerged in the last 15 years across the United States. Recipients of the inaugural National Theatre Company Grant include theatres in Arlington, Boise, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, Philadelphia and Portland.

The American Theatre Wing sought theaters that, in the last fifteen years, “articulated a distinctive mission, cultivated an audience, and nurtured a community of artists in ways that strengthen the quality, diversity, and dynamism of American theatre.” In its first nine seasons, Triad Stage has produced over 60 MainStage productions, holiday shows, and special events. Selling over 300,000 tickets and gaining a loyal 3,000 Season Passholder base, Triad Stage has continued to thrive in a time where many regional theaters have closed their doors. The collapse of the textile industry, the events of September 11, 2001 (only months before the opening of the first season), and the recession of 2008, all shaped Triad Stage’s development. The desire to create theatre for the community—allowing the audience the pride of saying, “This theater is ours”—drove Triad Stage’s founders Preston Lane and Richard Whittington. “We are incredibly delighted by this recognition, but the real honor goes to our audiences, who continue to encourage and support us,” states Whittington. “Their belief in Triad Stage’s mission and work go to prove just how far an arts organization can come in such a short time when its community stands behind it.” With over 1,400 performances to date, Triad Stage continues to be a prominent fixture of Downtown Greensboro, recently recognized with the J. Edward Kitchen Leadership Award by Downtown Greensboro Inc., as well as the regional theatre community. Since the beginning, Triad Stage has consistently fostered a thriving artistic voice of its own, employing close to a thousand actors, directors, and designers in its first nine seasons.

9/28/10 Downtown Greensboro Investment Strategy Recommendations Announced

Please join your friends at Action Greensboro, Downtown Greensboro, Inc., the City of Greensboro, and Guilford County as they present the recommendations for the Downtown Greensboro Investment Strategy!

Tuesday, September 28
5:30 - 6:30pm (refreshments at 5:30, program at 6:00)
International Civil Rights Center & Museum, Lower Level

A year and a half in the making, recommendations for six priority projects were identified by downtown stakeholders, which are designed to:
- Increase tax value of properties and thereby increase tax revenue for Greensboro and Guilford County
- Attract providers of high-quality jobs
- Strengthen Greensboro's brand

The event, which is free and open to the public, is almost full, so you must act now! Please call 336-379-0060, extension 21 to make your reservation.

9/10/10Teacher Art Grants Available, Application Deadline October 8, 2010

Guidelines and Application Available at www.uacARTS.org

The United Arts Council announces guidelines and application details for the 2010-11 Teacher Art Grants program. The purpose of investment is to emphasize arts projects and programs in all subject areas of the schools; support the teaching of the NC Arts Curriculum; bring artists into the classroom; reach a large number of students; and encourage cooperative arts projects among schools, teachers, PTAs and other organizations

Deadline for submitting an application is set for 5:00 pm on Friday, October 8, 2010. This year's grant program will award $12,000 to K-12 schools in the Greater Greensboro area, an increase of 20 percent over last year's investment. Grants are available to public, charter, and private schools serving Greater Greensboro area students in grades K-12. Schools in High Point and Jamestown should contact the High Point Area Arts Council for potential funding at (336) 889-2787 or www.highpointarts.org.

Teachers, PTAs and/or schools are eligible to apply. PTAs must have a teacher representative for the project. Grants are not restricted to music or art teachers; any teacher may apply for a funding of a project that fits within school guidelines and addresses the goals and objectives of the arts curriculum by which each school is governed. Applications requesting funds for arts resources, programs and hiring of arts consultants or artists will be considered, provided the project involves direct student and teacher participation. Grants will range up to $1,500.

All those in Greater Greensboro who are interested in applying for the Teacher Art Grant program may download an application at www.uacARTS.org or call the UAC at 336-373-7523, ext. 256. All applications must be received into the UAC office by 5:00 pm on Friday, October 8, 2010. Teacher Art Grants are made possible through the generous support of the Michel Family Foundation, Greensboro Rotary Club and Cracker Barrel. Grant recipients in Greater Greensboro for the 2009-2010 school year included: McIver Education Center, Northern Guilford High School, Lindley Elementary School, Sumner Elementary School, General Greene Elementary School, Jones Elementary School, Reedy Fork Elementary School and Wiley Elementary School. Funding supported projects ranging from world music and drumming, to projects involving music and science, dance and history.

9/10/10Teacher Resource Guide to be Available on October 6

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro will publish the annual Teacher Resource Guide, available to area teachers as a tool to connect with local arts organizations regarding field trips, class-room visits, trunk shows, and more. The Guide can be used to implement curriculum studies with arts activities and experiences, which has been shown to improve overall test scores and drop out rates in students over time. For more information, contact Altina Layman at alayman@uacarts.org.

8/26/10 Opening Reception for Synthia SAINT JAMES Exhibit Sunday, August 29

African American Atelier Announces “Colorfully Bold: The Creative World of Synthia SAINT JAMES” art exhibit opening Sunday, August 29th at 3 p.m. at the African American Atelier, 200 North Davie Street in the Greensboro Cultural Center.

Synthia SAINT JAMES, international award winning artist and designer of the first United States Postal Stamp for the Kwanzaa holiday, has to date written and or illustrated 13 children’s picture books, 3 poetry and prose books, 4 children’s activity books, a cookbook, and a postcard book. In reviews her artwork has been described as “ebullient”, “bold”, “creates paintings that remind one of Matisse cutouts in their clear line and intense color” and “joyful”. “We are honored to bring the art of Synthia SAINT JAMES to the share with Greensboro and surrounding communities. We invite the community to join our Board of Directors and staff at the opening reception on Sunday, August 29th, 3 pm, and we encourage participation in the workshops,” said Alma Adams, Co-Founder, African American Atelier, and Curator for the Colorfully Bold: The Creative World of Synthia SAINT JAMES exhibit.

This project received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

The African American Atelier, Inc. is supported with an investment from the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. In addition, support is received from the County of Guilford.

8/11/10 A Special Evening with Rocco Landesman in Greensboro on September 11

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro is pleased to present cocktails and conversation with Rocco Landesman on September 11th in Greensboro. Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, will share stories of community transformations through the arts, and the positive changes, both economic and socially, that the arts can bring to our community. Four Greensboro organizations have been recipients of NEA grants, including the recent award for the Downtown Greenway as well as support to the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, Eastern Music Festival, Triad Stage and the Elsewhere Collaborative. Due to limited seating capacity, this event is by invitation only.

8/11/10 Greensboro Artist, Jim Gallucci, Immigrant Gate II in Raleigh Sept. 9

Immigrant Gate II, a sculpture created by Greensboro artist Jim Gallucci, will be officially unveiled at its new permanent home in Millbrook Exchange Park, in Raleigh NC, on September 9 at noon.

The artwork is part of an important series of gate works created by Gallucci: "This gate was designed in remembrance of my family coming to America, as Italian immigrants, in the 1930s. America represented new challenges and a better future for their family. The design embodies the American ideal with the stars and waving stripes, and the symbolism is instantly recognizable to anyone in the world."

The dedication will feature remarks by Mayor Charles Meeker and artist Jim Gallucci, along with a Naturalization Oath Ceremony, followed by light refreshments.

Photo courtesy of Pigeon

7/28/10 Dirty Fingernails Exhibit Opens on August 6 at Center for Visual Artists

Don't miss Greensboro's one-of-a-kind student art exhibit, Dirty Fingernails, for it's 5th year at the Center for Visual Artists (CVA). This exhibit will showcase over 300 young artists, ages 3-15, who attended summer art camps at CVA.

Opening Reception will be held during First Friday, August 6 from 6-9 pm. The celebration will continue on Saturday, August 7, from 12pm - 2pm, with an art-filled interactive activities for children, food, music, silent art auction, and sale of student works. All donations received during the celebration will support the CVA Scholarship Program for young artists needing financial assistance to attend art camp. The exhibit will be on display through August 27th.

For more information about Dirty Fingernails, please contact the Center for Visual Artists at (336) 333-7475 or visit their website at www.cvadirtyfingernails.org. CVA is located on the 2nd floor of the Greensboro Cultural Center.

7/28/10 Fundraising Presentation & Artist Workshop at Elsewhere July 28, 5-7pm

“Fundraising Tools for Artists” at Elsewhere Collaborative 606 and 608 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27406. For directions or more information please contact George Scheer, Collaborative Director at wanderingzoo@elsewhereelsewhere.org or by phone at 336.549.5555

7/27/10 National Arts Education Week Announced

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Con.Res. 275, legislation designating the second week of September as "Arts in Education Week." Authored and introduced by California Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), this resolution is the first Congressional expression of support celebrating all the disciplines comprising arts education.This is a very positive showing of support for arts education and comes at a key time when Congress is making plansto overhaul federal education policy.Take two minutes to send a message of support for arts education to your member of Congress!

The resolution seeks to support the attributes of arts education that are recognized as instrumental to developing a well-rounded education such as creativity, imagination, and cross-cultural understanding. H.Con.Res. 275 also highlights the critical link between those skills and preparing our children for gaining a competitive edge in the global economy.This is an important message for policy makers to acknowledge as they prepare to reauthorize federal education policy.To send a message to your member of Congress in support for arts education, please visit our E-Advocacy Center.

As a House resolution, the bill does not require signature by the President upon its passage.

7/15/10 NEA awards Downtown Greensboro presitgious grant

Action Greensboro announced that The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded the Downtown Greenway a grant of $100,000 as a part of its Mayor’s Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative (MICD 25). From over 200 applicants from across the country, the Downtown Greenway project was selected as one of 21 grants totaling $3 million.

The grant will support the restoration of an abandoned railroad underpass in a section of the Downtown Greenway to be known as Morehead Linear Park. This phase which is to be constructed beginning this fall starts at West Lee Street and the Freeman Mill Road ramp and runs north along Freeman Mill Road to Spring Garden Street.

The Downtown Greenway is a planned 4 mile urban walking and biking trail that will loop around downtown Greensboro, and will enhance the urban landscape with a green space that will encourage alternative transportation, promote fitness, and provide connectedness and well-being for our residents and visitors in an aesthetically pleasing environment. The loop itself provides a unique opportunity for Greensboro to have the only one of its kind in the state and one of the few in the country. In addition, with the connections to the extensive existing and planned trails systems in the city and the county, this loop will connect residents from all parts of the community and beyond.

The Downtown Greenway is a partnership between Action Greensboro and the City of Greensboro. The first ¼ mike section has been completed and is open to the public. It is expected that the trail will be designed and constructed over the next 5 years.

For additional information, updates and progress announcements, visit www.downtowngreenway.org.

7/13/2010 Twenty-one Arts Programs Receive Support

UAC Announces Investments in Cultural Partners - The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro (UAC) announces investments into the local creative community totaling $530,000 to twenty-one arts programs. The Cultural Partner Grant Investments are the first of four grant investment programs the UAC will administer in FY 2011. The new Multicultural Arts Investments will be announced in September, Teacher Art Grants announced in November and Regional Artist Grants announced in April, 2011.

This $530,000 UAC investment will support a wide variety of arts and culture programming, part of a creative community locally that has an estimated impact of $30.7 million. Among the recipients are nationally recognized Eastern Music Festival, Triad Stage, Green Hill Center for NC Art and the Elsewhere Collaborative. The Greensboro Symphony, Carolina Theatre, Community Theatre of Greensboro, Music Academy of NC, African American Atelier, Greensboro Ballet, City Arts Music Center, NC Dance Project, Weatherspoon Art Museum, Guilford College Gallery and Caldcleugh Multicultural Center received funding for their outstanding outreach and diverse programs while Greensboro Opera, Reasons 2 Rhyme, Bel Canto Company, Touring Theater of NC, Greensboro Historical Museum and the Vital Grace Project received funding for their quality artistic programs that encourage cultural tourism.

"This year's grantees embody the variety and depth of Greensboro's creative community. The United Arts Council is pleased to provide support to these organizations that will bring the arts to more than 500,000 individuals, generate cultural tourism and enhance the education of our children," commented UAC Board Chair, April Harris.

Cultural Partner Grant Investments are open to organizations and individual artists. The UAC is a private granting organization that makes investment decisions based on an objective process including application review by a panel of qualified arts professionals and UAC board members. Funding decisions are based on the quality of the artistic product and each applicant's demonstration of how their work promotes one or more of the UAC's strategic focus areas: serving and engaging our diverse community; positioning Greensboro as a cultural destination; and/or fostering education of our children through the arts. A complete listing of programs receiving support follows.

The UAC received 41 applications with a total funding request of $1.5 million, similar to applications received last year. Due to a challenging economy, despite growth in the overall number of donors by nearly 300, funding for the Cultural Partner Grant Investment program is down by $100,000 from 2009-2010 due to three major factors: a reduction in public support from Guilford County by $33,333; a movement of $30,000 in support from the NC Arts Council to the Multicultural Arts Investment program; and a shortfall in the 2010 UAC campaign. The new investment program, the Multicultural Arts Investment, has an application deadline of July 30, 2010.

"We worked very hard to keep the grant pool at the highest funding rate possible, despite our challenges," said Interim President/CEO Altina Layman. "Like many nonprofit organizations across the nation, we've experienced a difficult fundraising environment due to the economy. Though average gifts were down, we did see an increase in the number of donors. We believe this increase is a vote of confidence for the direction the UAC is moving in."

UAC FY 11 Cultural Partner Grant Investments (in alphabetical order)
African American Atelier...$16,000
To support five exhibitions, four artist workshops for adult learners and year-round education outreach programs at 11 schools and one community center, ten Saturday Enrichment workshops for youth, and three week Summer Arts Camp

Bel Canto Company...$9,500
To Support the three concerts for their subscription concert series: [By] Request, Rejoice!, and Rytmus. Funding will be used to pay artist fees, to purchase new music, and to promote the program of work to markets outside of Guilford County.

Caldcleugh Multicultural Center...$2,350
To fund lighting and sound equipment rental and student transportation for a project to introduce and educate African American youth in grades 4-12 in technical theatre. This project will incorporate lighting and sound technology workshops for the participants and an opportunity for the participant to light a performance for We Are One at Caldcleugh Center.

Carolina Theatre...$36,000
To support programming at the Carolina Theatre that will attract and engage Greensboro's diverse populations.

City Arts Music Center...$12,500
Purchase of percussion equipment to start the Greensboro Youth Percussion Ensemble.

Community Theatre of Greensboro...$29,000
To support CTG's Acting Up After School, a summer theatre camp experience and after school classes for children in grades K-8 who live in Partnership Village and to support CTG's Centerstage production of 1, The Musical. Centerstage is an audition-only performance troupe for students in grades 6-12.

Eastern Music Festival...$90,500
To support the annual five week music festival and summer study for musicians 14-22 by providing financial assistance toward professional musician and faculty salaries.

Elsewhere Collaborative...$20,000
To support the Living Museum, International Artist Residency, educational programming and weekly events, including ETC Collective programming with the aim of building national recognition for Greensboro as a national center for experimental arts.

Green Hill Center for NC Art...$51,000
To support exhibitions during the coming year that appeal to a large audience base, are thoughtful, evocative, of the highest caliber, and are not replicated in other venues within the state or region. To provide education programming that encourages intellectual engagement at every level, from the preschool child to the life-long learner and stimulates thinking and engagement with art, artists and the creative process. To support the development of a comprehensive communications plan to position Green Hill Center as an important statewide contemporary art organization.

Greensboro Ballet...$13,500
To support Build a Ballet, an education program that involves all students from an entire high school in the creation and production of an original ballet work.

Greensboro Historical Museum...$6,500
Support for the performance of James Evans, the story of a Cone Mills worker in the '20s and '30s, and related workshops to Guilford County Schools art students at the middle and high school level at the Greensboro Historical Museum.

Greensboro Opera...$15,000
To support the production of Mozart's The Magic Flute the Opera

Greensboro Symphony Orchestra...$81,000
To support the service fees for the professional musicians of the orchestra which perform for the Masterworks, POPS and Chamber series throughout the year.

Guilford College Art Gallery...$3,000
To support four exhibitions and visiting artists who will examine the theme of Green and Beyond in various ways: Bryant Holsenbeck will create, with community assistance, and installation made entirely from recycled materials and will discuss her year-long commitment to living without using disposable plastic. Susan Mullally will exhibit photographs of homeless individuals and the objects they keep and discuss ideas of spiritual and economic sustainability. Patrick Dougherty will have an exhibition and create a monumental outdoor public sculpture made from locally harvested tree saplings. Subhankar Banerjee will display his photographs of the National Arctic Wildlife Refuge and will speak about the effects of climate change and industrial development on the Alaskan Arctic.

Music Academy of NC...$22,500
To support educational programs for children and young adults in the Greater Greensboro area.

NC Dance Project...$4,000
To support artist fees, outreach classes, and meet-and-great reception with the artists.

Reasons 2 Rhyme (Josephus Thompson III)...$13,500
To support Reasons 2 Rhyme, a spoken word poetry series at various venues around Greensboro. Three MoSoul Poetry Festival events, three Poetry Cafés, Boundless, and Freedom Slam are the events in the series.

Touring Theatre of NC...$7,440
To produce and present three different programs in the UpStage Cabaret at Triad Stage. These productions consist of the following: two productions from Touring Theatre's pilot project entitled "Page to Stage" which will consist of professionally, but minimally staged productions drawn from the richly diverse wealth of Southern literature and a re-run of 2010's Letters from Leokadia.

Triad Stage...$90,500
To support professional artist salaries for the 2010-2011 season of Triad Stage. Season will include The Glass Menagerie, Educating Rita, Steel Magnolias, The Sunset Limited, Masquerade, and A Christmas Carol.

Vital Grace Project (Duane Cyrus)...$3,210
To support the Vital Grace Project which will bring several highly accomplished professional African-American dance artists to Greensboro to present a series of dance workshops and performances. The goal for Vital Grace Project is to present and build awareness for arts and cultural offerings geared towards voicing the African-American experiences.

Weatherspoon Art Museum...$3,000
To support an artist residency with Stacy Lynn Waddell, serving 4th and 5th grade students who are part of an underserved Greensboro community. The residency will comprise a week long program with approximately 30 students; a visit to the museum for those students; a culminating event for students, families, teachers, and peers; and a teacher workshop integrating art and social studies.

6/17/2010 New Multicultural Arts Investment program

The United Arts Council announces a new investment program targeted at Greensboro's African American, Asian American, Latino and Native American populations. For more information on this new grant program, click here.

6/17/2010 UAC Announces New Interactive Community Calendar... ExploreGreensboro.com!

The United Arts Council is pleased to announce the newest, interactive community calendar for arts and culture events in Greensboro and the Triad...www.ExploreGreensboro.com.

With the help of funding from the Piedmont Triad Partnerships Dept. of Labor WIRED grant, the UAC worked to establish this new online community calendar to serve residents and visitors with information about Greensboro's vibrant arts scene. Arts organizations and others who provide community programming may post their events for free on the site. Users have complete control over how they view events - and have lots of options for saving events to their planners, e-viting their friends, postin on their Facebook pages, sending a tweet and more. An application for the popular smart phones will be available at the end of July which will enable users of the site to access events, maps and special offers. For more information, contact Altina Layman at alayman@uacarts.org

6/17/2010 Art Can! Feed the Hungry...Fun Fourth Public Art Project to Aid Greensboro Urban Ministry's Food Bank

Art Can! is a new Fun Fourth attraction, sponsored by the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, to create a temporary public art installation made of canned foods items. Architects Shermin Ata of Shermin Ata Architects with Micah Martin and Emily Hinton of Moser Mayer Phoenix Architects have joined forces to design a U.S. Flag public art installation constructed out of Campbell Soup cans. Fun Fourth attendees will be able to watch the installation as well as construct their own designs made out of donated canned goods.

       "We're pleased to bring our creative community together to help stock and replenish the Greensboro Urban Ministry Food Bank at a time when folks generally aren't thinking about feeding the hungry. It's a wonderful example of how Art Can! make a difference," said UAC Interim President and CEO Altina Layman.
       Want to help? Canned food donations will be accepted for the project at the Freedom Run and Walk on June 26th, 1776 performances at the Carolina Theatre on July 1 and 2nd and Kickoff Block Party on July 2nd. Donations will also be accepted at the Parade and Street Festival on Saturday, July 3rd in designated areas marked by balloon columns. Construction will take place on July 3rd mid-morning to early afternoon in the parking lot off of Davie Street, near Summit Station Eatery.
       Prior to June 26th, donations may be dropped off at the following downtown locations: Carolina Theatre, Action Greensboro and the Greensboro Cultural Center between 11am - 5pm Monday-Friday. On July 4th, donations may be made at the News & Record Pops Concert and Gate City Fireworks Spectacular at Grimlsely High School Stadium.

5/21/2010 UAC Announces New President/CEO: Thomas Philion Returns to Greensboro

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro is pleased to announce the new President/CEO for the nonprofit arts organization. Concluding a six-month national search for a successor to former President/CEO Jeanie Duncan, UAC Board Members have selected Thomas Philion, former President/CEO for the Eastern Music Festival and more recently, President/Executive Director of the Seattle Symphony in Seattle, Washington. Philion assumes his new post July 15th.
       "We are thrilled that Tom has accepted the position. Tom has an outstanding track record of success -- both here and in Seattle -- and I have no doubt that he will hit the ground running. Tom excels at essentials like building relationships with funders and developing collaborations among many different community groups. However, Tom goes far beyond the essentials in everything that he does, and that is what we are most excited about. He brings a high level of creativity and innovation to every project and every task. He is not afraid to take chances. He is also very straightforward about his enthusiasm for the arts, and people respond to that. Tom is exactly the right person at the right time, and we believe he will take the arts community in Greater Greensboro to a new level. I look forward to working with him," said UAC Board Chair, April Harris.
       Philion has more than 30 years of experience as an arts administrator and performer. He has earned the respect of leaders across the country for his innovative approach to the challenges facing the arts industry. Philion is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and has served on the boards of KING-FM and Benaroya Hall (Seattle), United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, Piedmont Blues Preservation Society and the League of American Orchestras. He was also a Salzburg Fellow in 1993.
       "I'm honored that the Arts Council has asked me to return to Greensboro for this new challenge -- working on behalf of the many great arts institutions, performers, artists and arts enthusiasts who are committed to making Greensboro and North Carolina such a wonderful place to live and work," noted Philion. "The creative community is one of Greensboro's greatest assets, and I know we can work together to find the right partners and resources to leverage those assets and let the world know what we have here."

United Arts Council of Greensboro