RISE by Henley Festival’s Post

🎨 Big Sky is getting a brand-new hub for arts and culture! The Arts Council of Big Sky is transforming the former Choppers Grub and Pub building into a multi-functional arts center. This ambitious project will feature: ✔️ Expanded classrooms for art education ✔️ A music studio and recording space ✔️ A local FM radio station ✔️ An art gallery and community flex space ✔️ A rooftop patio This center will foster creativity, education, and collaboration, becoming a cornerstone for artists and community members alike. As this vision comes to life, the arts council is launching a capital campaign to support the transformation. Together, we can shape a thriving future for Big Sky’s arts community. 💡 Want to know more? Read our take here: https://bit.ly/4fm4RoO #ArtsAndCulture #BigSkyMT #CreativeCommunity #Collaboration

On this episode of Arts Engines, Aaron Dworkin speaks to Kathy Schuman, Vice-President & Artistic Director of the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, who talks about the importance of setting when presenting the arts. Space is an integral part of sound's formula. At Caramoor, you might witness an artist who has performed at Lincoln Center, but the mostly outdoor venues at Caramoor add a unique dimension to the music. I often joke that universities tend to have sub-par rehearsal spaces, so performing in a resonant space can make everything magical. Yet, that magic requires artists to adapt their sound to various spaces, ensuring their performance is as impactful as possible. This adaptability makes Kathy's job exciting as she plays matchmaker between sound and space. Kathy has observed several trends in arts programming: - Following the 2020 murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and other victims of police violence and white supremacy, there has been a push to diversify music, especially classical music, to represent all experiences. - There is growing excitement around "Under 40" artists who bring intersectional approaches to their work. - Programming is not universal; each space has its own set of assets, challenges, donors, audiences, and community context. This means avoiding the "Arts for Art's Sake" mentality and instead collaborating with various stakeholders. For example, Kathy might recruit a well-known musician for new music or have a new artist play a well-known repertoire to ensure audience connection while balancing experimentation for relevancy, niche audiences, and the unique personality of the space to learn what the community wants. During tough times, Kathy reminds herself that nothing will fall apart, such as when a concert is rained out. She also leans into her network for new ideas and problem-solving. #Arts #Culture #Music #ArtsEngines #Caramoor #PerformingArts #Programming #Space #NewYork #AaronDworkin #KathySchuman #Dance #Presenting #Sound #SayHerName #CommunityEngagement #RacialReckoning #Musicians #Artists #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Accessibility #Representation #Intersectional #Collaboration #Exploration #Networking

On this episode of Arts Engines with Aaron Dworkin, he speaks to Eduardo Delgado, Public Programs Director of the New World Symphony, who shares how the symphony harnesses evolving technology to realize its artistic vision of fostering meaningful connections with the community. For Eduardo, community engagement isn't just about outreach—it's about building genuine connections in public settings. By collaborating with trusted community leaders, the symphony seeks to bridge the gap and cultivate authentic relationships with the communities they serve. As Eduardo notes, trust is earned, not assumed, and partnerships must be approached with humility and mutual respect. One shining example of the New World Symphony's commitment to accessibility is the "Wallcast" program. What began as a modest endeavor with concerts on TV screens has blossomed into full-screen projections on building walls, offering free concerts in the park—a testament to their dedication to breaking down barriers and bringing music to all. But innovation doesn't stop there. Recognizing the need for inclusivity and diversity in their audience, the symphony pioneered the "Mobile Wallcast" initiative. By taking the concert experience to communities, they're ensuring that music transcends physical boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences across Miami. At its core, this is more than just about music—it's about understanding and embracing the spaces where art breathes and evolves. Partnerships, Eduardo emphasizes, must be reciprocal, honoring the excellence that exists in every corner of our communities. Yet, we must tread with care and mindfulness. The New World Symphony, like any other organization, must be committed to entering communities where their presence is welcome, ensuring that projects and programs are co-created and mutually beneficial. Change takes time—but the rewards are worth it. #Arts #Culture #Music #Programming #Community #CommunityEngagement #AudienceEngagement #NewWorldSymphony #Miami #Florida #Technology #Artistry #Collaboration #Accessibility #Innovation #Trust #Change

Minnesota expands no-strings cash grants for artists to reach more creatives–Springboard for the Arts increases its groundbreaking support programme for local artists https://ow.ly/Az8u50Ui3RO

The talent and creativity in these exhibitions is always inspiring.

With the advent of technology and modernisation, music and the arts have become even more critical for preserving identity, promoting unity, and fostering a culture of diversity, tolerance, and non-violence. Through our new Fine and Performing Arts Initiative, RYTHM Foundation seeks to empower the creative industry, leveraging art as a tool for community growth while simultaneously preserving cultural heritage! Read more: https://lnkd.in/gcfHPJHq #RiseWithRYTHM #ArtsandCulture #CulturalHeritage

A galvanising start to the week with some fantastic new qualitative research from Milk Crate Theatre that thoroughly articulates how the community engaged arts sector provides crucial spaces for community connection, resilience-building and escape. "Arts organisations supporting in the community-engaged arts practice offer valuable opportunities for connection, creativity, and personal growth for people facing disadvantage. These experiences can build resilience, improve mental health, and foster a sense of agency, helping to counteract the adverse effects of a collective crisis. Such organisations play an essential role in supporting vulnerable communities, underscoring the need for increased investment and funding for these interventions" 👏

On this Arts Engines episode, Aaron Dworkin interviews Jérémy Jolley, Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement at the Seattle Symphony, about how their approach to access is transforming relationships with the community. Space is sacred. Conversations around capitalism often highlight how third spaces—places between home and work where ideas flourish, connections deepen, and creativity thrives—are disappearing. For musicians and other arts professionals, these spaces are vital to their growth but frequently inaccessible due to financial barriers. So, how do we share art with the world if we lack the space to do so? The Seattle Symphony has embraced this challenge through its Community Stage Fund, launched during the pandemic. This program opens the doors of Benaroya Hall to local artists and organizations, granting access to spaces and equipment at little to no cost. This initiative reflects a growing trend: arts organizations reimagining their role as civic institutions. A symphony’s impact can go beyond performances to nurture relationships, foster trust, and empower communities. By sharing space generously, the Seattle Symphony has built connections that spark creativity and offer new pathways for engagement—whether it’s inspiring attendance at a concerto or cultivating lasting partnerships. As Jérémy Jolley noted, community engagement is sensitive work that requires listening. Yet, it’s through this intentional approach that the arts can honor the whole human experience. #Arts #Culture #Music #Seattle #CommunityEngagement #Education #Partnerships #GivingBack #Access #ResourceSharing #ArtsEngines

Day 2 of Thankfulness – Celebrating the Arts Today, I’m grateful for the transformative power of the arts in all forms. Art, music, and creative expression are unique in human experience, not only as reflections of culture but as bridges that connect us across time, place, and emotion. Through art, we share our stories, explore our identities, and even find healing in difficult times. The arts transcend boundaries, voicing emotions that words may struggle to capture. Whether it’s a song that lifts our spirits, a painting that inspires reflection, or a dance that stirs our soul, creative expression deepens our connections to one another and ourselves. Studies show that engaging with art can reduce stress, enhance empathy, and even stimulate brain function – a reminder that the benefits of creativity aren’t just for artists but for all of us. Celebrating the arts means honoring a universal language that invites us to imagine new perspectives and embrace shared humanity. As we give thanks today, let’s recognize and support the artists, musicians, and creators who pour their passion into shaping the world around us. After all, art isn’t just for consumption; it’s for connection. #CNJAssociates #GratitudeForTheArts #ThankfulNovember #CreativityHeals #ArtMatters #ConnectingThroughCreativity #MusicAsMedicine #PowerOfExpression

The heartbeat of American history and culture🎶🫀 A rhythm Loren Schoenberg knows deeply🎷 From his years of performing with legends to shaping future musicians at the The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Loren’s journey brings the richness of jazz to life.  Don’t miss this inspiring episode - catch up on our latest episodes through the link in the comments!🎙️ #musicquote #inspiringquote #motivationalquote