News from February, 2010

February 3, 2010 -- Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) invites you to join other arts advocates at the Minnesota History Center and State Capitol on March 2, 2010 to talk about the arts, make new friends, and educate our legislators about the importance of the arts to Minnesota. Artists and arts supporters from across the state will join together and speak about the importance of the arts in our lives and communities.

Arts Advocacy Day Schedule March 2, 2010

7:30 a.m. Meet at the Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
8:00 a.m. Advocacy Class for new attendees
8:00 a.m. Registration & Coffee
8:30 a.m. Advocacy Seminar & Join your team
9:30 a.m. Walk or ride to Capitol
9:30-1:00 p.m. Legislator appointments

You and your team will be led by an experienced advocate who has participated in past Advocacy Days and knows what to do. Your team will visit a series of legislators during the course of the day, giving you plenty of time to get to know your teammates and the issues you are discussing.
By working together we show the strength of Minnesota's arts community. Your elected officials are your voice in government: let them know what you think!

Register Online by February 26th, 2010

Questions? Contact Mark Albers  at MCA: 651-251-0868

February 23, 2010 -- Work continues at a record pace to offer local libraries opportunities to experience the Minnesota Historical Society's (MHS) latest major exhibit, Minnesota's Greatest Generation.  The collaborative venture will produce a catalog of offerings including musical performances, oral history workshops, and intergenerational programming assistance.  The statewide Library Legacy activities, funded with Arts and Cultural Heritage (ACHF) includes a multi-pronged approach and draws on the resources of a variety of individuals and resources.

*Minnesota Regional Libraries and Minnesota Historical Society Legacy Partnership*gbrodeen@ gmail.com

Ginny Brodeen - CRPLSA/MHS Library Coordinator
Maren Levad - MHS Library Partnership Coordinator
Wendy Jones - MHS Head of Museum and Education Services
Susan Fedoruk - Fedoruk & Associates, Inc., Public Relations and Marketing

MHS Intergeneration Programs (IGP)

Maren Levad - IGP Library Partnership Coordinator

MHS History Day

Dan Ott - CRPLSA/Legacy History Day
Tim Hoogland - Co-Coordinator of History Day
JoEllen Haugo - MELSA/HCL: History Day

February 23, 2010 -- Last week, the SELCO Legacy Review Committee allocated a total of $66,083 for 18 Library Legacy projects. A wide variety of proposals were funded, including author talks, music and dance performances, theatre workshops and more!  For a complete list of recipients, project titles and grant amounts, check the SELCO website.

Just in time for Library Legislative Day!

The Minnesota Historical Societyand CRPLSA issued a joint press release on February 23, 2010 announcing a new partnership forged with Legacy funds and launching Minnesota's Greatest Generation in the Libraries.   Statewide media outlets were alerted to a collaboration that will bring proven programming to libraries throughout Minnesota.  Libraries are encouraged to add their logo to the press release and share with local newspapers, radio and television stations.

February 24, 2010 -- Evaluation is an integral component in the planning for Library Legacy programming. The CRPLSA/MHS project coordinators, Ginny Brodeen and Maren Levad, have crafted an evaluation template for the Family Day Kit.  Additional evaluation forms are in development and, while they will be similar to the Family Kit template, each evaluation will be tailored to different outcomes or project goals. Still to come will be evaluation forms for the intergenerational programming kits, the film series, MGG speakers, musicians and theatrical presentations.  There are also more intensive pre and post surveys for the workshops in development. The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF) adheres to an overarching principle that programming must be rooted "in principles that guarantee the greatest positive impact with as many Minnesotans as possible" and this includes those funds assigned to the Regional Library systems.  To this end, Library Legacy programming, projects and exhibits will include measurable outcomes. 

February 25, 2010 -- The wait is over!

The Minnesota Historical Society, in partnership with the CRPLSA, is proud to release the Minnesota's Greatest Generation in the Libraries Catalog.  With much anticipation, the catalog is the graphic presentation of the start of a beautiful partnership that will bring quality programs to libraries and communities - large and small - throughout Minnesota.  The offerings include music, theater, speakers, workshops, intergenerational programming materials and support for communities electing a "do-it-yourself" approach.

CRPLSA/MHS project coordinators, Ginny Brodeen and Maren Levad, will serve as the point of contact and booking agents for the Regional Library Systems and local libraries interested in scheduling just one or several programs described in the MGG in the Library Catalog.  The Regional Library Systems will distribute the Catalog to area libraries and encourage library staff and coordinating volunteers to start booking.  The kits (described on page 9) are being assembled and should arrive at the Regional Library offices by early April.

For more information contact: 

Ginny Brodeen  - CRPLSA/MHS Library Coordinator

Maren Levad  - MHS Library Partnership Coordinator