| Governor's Arts Awards
The 2016 Governor's Arts Awards was held March 22nd in La Vista. Over 500 attendees shared in a celebration of individuals and organizations that shape our state's artistic landscape. The ceremony, "Imagining the Future of the Arts," was led by Governor Pete Ricketts and emceed by Juli Burney. Entertainment was provided by Bassoons Across Nebraska. To view videos of the award recipients and photos from this year's event, please visit the NAC GAA webpage.
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Legislative Update
Nebraskans for the Arts has been tracking several several bills during the 2nd session of the Nebraska Legislature. This is the shorter session of the biennium meeting of our state senators, with many issues for our lawmakers to debate. We are pleased that the intent of several arts-related bills have been amended into others. LB957 is a bill that has been passed by the Legislature and presented to the Governor on March 24th. Language from LB715, which would continue matching public funds for the Nebraska Cultural Endowment; and LB789, which changes provisions in statute to enhance flexibility in managing the installation and maintenance of art in public buildings, were incorporated into LB957 by Appropriations Committee Amendment. LB1015, a bill to create a sales tax exemption for purchases of property by museums, was amended into LB774, the Revenue Committee's omnibus bill. This bill was placed on Select File, or 2nd stage consideration, on March 24th.
LB1018, funding for a grant program to encourage film production in Nebraska communities, did not make it out of committee. If you need more information about these or other bills, please contact us or check a bill's status on our E-Advocacy page. If you have a strong interest in these bills, the best adocacy is communicating with your state senators, which you can also do via our E-Advocacy page.
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Poetry Out Loud State Finals
Nebraska's Poetry Out Loud state competition took place March 12th at the Sheldon Art Museum in Lincoln. Maggie Harris, a 9th-grader from Thayer Central Community Schools in Hebron, won first place and will represent Nebraska at the national competition in Washington, DC, May 2-4. Her teacher is Anne Roesner Heitmann. First runner-up was 12th-grader Jesse Kruse from Hartington Cedar Catholic High School, and 2nd runner-up was Bailee Laws from Parkview Christian School in Lincoln. A treat for this year's students was their opportunity to visit with U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser.
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| Signers for the Arts Grants
Did you know that there is a grant program available to help your art event hire licensed ASL sign interpreters? The Nebraska Arts Council provides grants of up to $250 to Nebraska nonprofit organizations, subdivisions of government, and school or religious organizations with appropriate legal status. The deadline to apply is at least four weeks prior to the event date; funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are awarded. stipend. Application materials and guidelines are available at the Nebraska Arts Council website.
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| Check Out Our Members Film Streams
Film Streams is dedicated to enhancing the cultural environment through the presentation and discussion of film as an art form. Open seven days a week, our cinema, the Ruth Sokolof Theater in North Downtown Omaha, hosts four principal programs: First-Run Films of American independents, documentaries, and foreign films making their theatrical premieres in Omaha and the surrounding region; Repertory Selections, consisting of classic films, themed series, director retrospectives, and revivals celebrating the history and cultural spectrum of the art of film; Arts in Education has diverse offerings, including a monthly Student Night and field trip opportunities, teaching area students how to interpret films in a cultural context and analyze film as an art form; and Community Development, where Film Streams collaborates with nonprofits and community groups on film-based events that speak to their missions and programming, and to our own of presenting and discussing film as an art form. Complementing each of the aforementioned areas are Special Programs, including screenings with visiting filmmakers and guests, live musical performances to silent classics, and an annual Local Filmmakers Showcase celebrating the work of area artists. We recently announced our plans to restore and reopen the historic Dundee Theater, a development that will expand our programming and community impact through a second venue beloved by generations. Filmstreams.org Why Arts?
WhyArts? is dedicated to providing Omaha’s underserved populations with access to quality arts programming. Our participatory workshops in dance and movement, music and composition, the spoken word, storytelling, theatre, visual arts and the written word educate, entertain and inspire our audiences. We invite individuals to participate on their own level, breaking through the barrier of isolation that often exists between the underserved and the world they live in. We contract with professional artists who are financially paid for their time and the talent they bring to our work. This exposure to underserved audiences often helps these creative individuals define their own arts practices. The community at large benefits when residents of all ages and abilities experience the visual and performing arts. whyartsinc.org
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| Career Opportunties in the Arts Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is hiring a Residency Arts Technician. This person will work directly with artists-in-residence to provide educational and technical support as well as assist in material/service sourcing for the research and production of new artwork. Bemis opportunity Omaha Conservatory of Music is seeking a Community Engagement Manager to assist with the coordination and operation of their community engagement and outreach programs. OCM opportunity
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| Spotlight on Student Achievement in the Arts
Each month, Nebraskans for the Arts honors a Nebraska student who has made outstanding achievements in the visual or performing arts.
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March Student Spotlight
A growing number of studies present compelling evidence connecting student learning in the arts to a wide spectrum of academic and social benefits. Nebraskans for the Arts’ March Student Spotlight winner, Ivan Diaz, is an example of how the strong arts education provided in Nebraska can support student achievement. “Art has had a great impact on my life,” says Ivan. “As a visual learner, being able to use images I create has helped tremendously.” Ivan is an 8th grader at Park Middle School in Lincoln, NE. Recognitions he has received include being a Featured Artist at Park Middle School and a Superior Award for Visual Arts at the Fine Arts 2015 District. “Ivan is extremely talented and was a quiet leader in our class,” says his nominator, Nissa Sturgeon, Art Teacher at Park Middle School. “He is very modest and never behaves as if he is superior, despite the level of work he is capable of producing. Ivan worked constantly on art outside of class and would occasionally bring them in to share with his peers.” Other students ask Ivan for help and he is always willing to offer suggestions and tips to assist them. Last year, he taught a visiting University of Nebraska art class about a spray paint technique. As a 6th grader, Ivan was invited to work on a mural that is currently on display at the Lincoln Airport. “Art has impacted and improved many aspects of my life,” says Ivan. “Art has brought me closer to my family and friends and has even provided some job opportunities!”
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| Nominations Sought for NebraskARTS Award
Nominations for the 2016 NebraskARTS Award are now open and online. Consider honoring a Nebraska school or school district that supports and encourages achievement in the media arts, visual arts, dance, music, or theater. Nominations are due Friday, September 2nd.
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Nebraskans for the Arts relies on you, our supporters, to do the advocacy we do and keep the arts and creativity growing in Nebraska. Membership starts at only $25. DONATE NOW and help us share the importance of the arts for better schools and better communities.
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