Power of Culture Blog
So Many Traditions, So Little Time
Reflections of a state folklorist
Ann Petruccelli Moon, Public Engagement Manager
The impacts of COVID-19 have delayed and cancelled countless events and plans. Our cultural sector has had to think creatively about how to stay connected to audiences when social distance is the charge of the day, and how to stay afloat when closed doors mean staggering financial struggle. While Mass Cultural Council is facing a delay of its own within the state’s FY21 budget process and therefore in its ability to disperse funds through traditional grant programs, the Agency’s robust menu of services continues. Here are some ways you can receive support from the Agency while we await further news on our allocation.
HireCulture.org provides cultural employment opportunities from across Massachusetts.
Creative Minds Out Loud is a podcast that amplifies the voices of arts and cultural leaders and artists while showcasing the vital work happening across Massachusetts’ vibrant nonprofit cultural sector.
Power of Culture blog chronicles the power of culture at work across the Commonwealth.
ArtSake provides resources for Massachusetts artists, including:
Artist News delivers highlights from ArtSake to your in-box monthly.
Guide for Developing Artist Space helps organizations and individuals think through the process of creating and preserving affordable artist spaces. The information can also be used to develop a variety of creative spaces such as maker space, incubator space, communal kitchens, and rehearsal space.
Individualized support including 1-on-1 and peer site visits, emergency hands-on interventions, ongoing contact and related network cultivation, financial literacy workshops, and virtual convenings/group gatherings are available from Agency staff. Contact Sara Glidden, Michael Ibrahim, Kalyn King, or Cheyenne Cohn-Postell for more information.
Safe Harbors Program, created in response to the pandemic, provided broad assistance to cultural nonprofit organizations in the form of webinars and online tools, empowering leaders to assess their organization’s current financial situation, and create an actionable roadmap for the future. See also related blog posts: Organizational Cash Flow Planning in a Crisis, Building Organizational Scenarios and Testing Budgets, and Managing in an Age of Crisis.
Access consulting is available from Charles Baldwin, including patron development, steward services for stakeholders, and/or to provide a candid space for institutional assessment.
Guide for Developing Artist Space helps organizations and individuals think through the process of creating and preserving affordable artist spaces. The information can also be used to develop a variety of creative spaces such as maker space, incubator space, communal kitchens, and rehearsal space.
Monthly Community Check-Ins are focused on topics ranging from community engagement to creative ways to hold programs during this time of social distancing. Check-In details are available on Agency Dates.
LCC Office Hours are held monthly for Local Cultural Councils and Cultural Districts to provide resources and an opportunity to ask questions and discuss strategies for the coming year. Details are available on Agency Dates.
Fall regional convenings will feature learning and networking opportunities for Local Cultural Councils, Cultural Districts, and cultural workers, along with technical assistance for Local Cultural Councils during their grant cycle, and a webinar series for Festival grantees. Details will be available on Agency Dates.
Community Initiative News delivers timely opportunities and resources to your in-box monthly.
Community Initiative Facebook page showcases local cultural programs and news.
Seen & Heard features news and resources for Creative Youth Development programs including opportunities, reopening information, and resources for social and racial justice.
Weekly online convenings with CYD practitioners from around the country offer collective support for youth and to solve the problems COVID-19 has created and made more visible. (Teaching artists and young people can also join calls to learn about creating arts education experiences online.) Email Erik Holmgren to participate.
Monthly STARS Cultural Partner forums discuss challenges, strategies, and successes (work and personal) as they navigate the challenges created by the COVID-19. Email Diane Daily to register.
