From: Sam Black of ARAC Duluth and Anne Katz of Arts Wisconsin

The 5th season of Arts Wisconsin’s Rural Arts Management Institute 2011-2012 begins in October 2011. The resources, networking, and contacts gained from this experience are outstanding and invaluable, according to past participants. There are very few programs like this available for rural arts leaders — comprehensive learning communities that provide a foundation of knowledge and an enduring network of peers, friends and colleagues.

So please help us spread the word for the upcoming session to your creative contacts in Wisconsin and Minnesota who could really benefit from this experience. Please send them the info below and encourage them to participate. Send them my way with their questions and I’ll be happy to talk to them.

More info about the program is below, as well as online, and a flier with complete info and registration information is attached.

Thanks for sharing the info and feel free to keep in touch with questions, thoughts, comments and ideas.

Best wishes!
Anne Katz
Executive Director
Arts Wisconsin

Rural Arts Management Institute 2011-2012

What is it?
The Rural Arts Management Institute is a training and educational program and learning community meant specifically for artists, organizational representatives, and creative people making the arts happen in rural communities throughout the Upper Midwest.

Why should you participate?
If you are a rural arts manager, administrator or entrepreneur, the Institute will help you increase your personal and organizational effectiveness and sustainability, understand the complexities involved, and develop comprehensive leadership skills to succeed now and in the future!

How does it work?
Six monthly sessions will provide participants with the necessary background information, skills, information, and connections needed to develop and manage entrepreneurial, successful, and sustainable arts, cultural and creative programs in rural communities. The Institute provides training in thoughtful management theory and practical, applicable leadership experience, and helps them learn to manage entrepreneurial, successful, and sustainable arts, cultural and creative organizations in rural communities.

The Institute is directed by LaMoine MacLaughlin, Director of the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts in rural Amery, WI, and will feature distinguished guest lecturers from Wisconsin and neighboring states. Participants will receive a certificate from Arts Wisconsin recognizing successful participation and completion of the program.

2011-12 dates and session details (subject to change depending on participants’ schedules):

Session #1, October 14-15, 2011: Understanding Community: Investigating what you bring to the unique challenges and opportunities relating to developing an arts organization in a rural community.

Session #2, November 11-12, 2011: Building An Organization: Learning about organizational development, legal and tax issues and working with boards.

Session #3, January 13-14, 2012: From Planning Into Practice: Developing and evaluating programs.

Session #4, February 10-11, 2012: Finding The Funding: Budgets, fund-raising and proposal development.

Session #5, May 9-10, 2012: Spreading The Word: Marketing, participant recruitment and advocacy.

Session #6, April 13-14, 2012: On Your Way: Completion of an Institute implementation plan and follow-up networks and resources.
All sessions will take place at the Northern Lakes Center. All sessions begin with lunch at 12 noon, Friday and conclude at 12 noon, Saturday. Enrollment in the Institute is limited to fifteen participants.

Costs/scholarships: The total cost for the six sessions of the Rural Arts Management Institute is $600, including lodging, food and materials for all sessions.

Partial scholarships and flexible payment plans are available. Contact Anne Katz, 608 255 8316 | akatz @ artswisconsin.org for information.

The Institute is made possible with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Wisconsin Arts Board, Xcel Energy Foundation, and the Kohler Foundation.

Feel free to contact Bob DeArmond or Sam Black at the ARAC office as well: 218-722-0952, 800-569-8134