ON LEARNING TOGETHERThe opportunity of new terrain
MAY 2021
We all hope we're on the trailing tail of those COVID charts, tapering off in a transitional period. But what are we transitioning to? Certainly it's not back to any sort of 'normal.' Instead, we might just be building over coming years to a new strength in our community, a more just and equitable society, and a shared understanding that the future requires all of our contributions.
The cool thing is that none of us know exactly how to do this. And even better, we've shaken off some of the assumptions that might have prevented collective progress in the past. It's a real opportunity. We can roll up our sleeves and get to work together, grasping new ways of investing in and growing our community, LEARNING TOGETHER.
At the Roanoke Arts Commission, we're watching our arts organizations once again offering live events, but in new ways. We're assessing the shifts and outcomes of last year's funding for arts activities. We're planning a budget for the coming year. And we're reflecting on the innovation we're capable of.
On top of this, the community is about to receive some historic Federal investments. There's new terrain underfoot. We can approach it together, but we may first have to put down our old maps in order to draw new ones.
Check out these new maps by RCPS students.
Pictured above: Artwork from the Roanoke City Public Schools project inspired by the WE ARE ART Rap Cypher.
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Free ART-TRAIN program offered for ARTISTS
The Art-Train Individual Artist Training is for artists who are interested in building on their existing skills to collaborate in and with their communities through their local agencies, non-profits, and arts councils. Artists will deepen practices around creative problem solving, equitable community engagement, and creating arts-based strategies to address recovery efforts.
While the training program is free for artists on dates occuring throughout the spring and summer, there is also a fee-based version for arts organizations. The Roanoke Arts Commission will be participating in this initiative of Springboard for the Arts to better support our community. If you are interested in advancing the conversation about these strategies in our community, contact [email protected]
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ARTIST SOUGHT FOR BUS SHELTER PROJECT APPLICATIONS DUE WEDNESDAY (5/19) AT 2 PMThe City of Roanoke seeks artists to provide permanent works of art to be incorporated into four (4) new bus shelters in the Melrose-Orange Target Area (MOTA).
Proposals are due by 2 PM on May 19, 2021.
In partnership with Valley Metro, the City will install uniform bus shelters with custom details such as shelter panels and potential treatment of the underlying concrete pad. With the addition of artistic elements, the finished shelters should help communicate the neighborhood themes of “diversity, visibility, and possibility,” continuing the work of a stakeholder-driven process to bridge communities, celebrate diversity and history, and inspire residents to seek and realize opportunities for the future. The elements shall be designed through an inclusive, participatory process engaging neighbors, local business and property owners, and local students.
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CLEAN STREET Jingle Winners Announced
We challenged the community to inspire us as stewards of our streams and streets, and boy, did you deliver! Congratulations to all of our contestants. We had a great time listening.
Our five winners will receive a $100 Downtown Roanoke gift card and the opportunity for their jingles to be played in the Roanoke City Market Building and at Center in the Square. All other entrants will receive a $25 Downtown Roanoke gift card, and everybody gets a Clean Streets SWAG bag from Roanoke Stormwater and Clean Valley Council.
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Roanoke City Elementary Students Inspired by WE ARE ART Rap CypherRoanoke City Public Schools students have created works of art inspired by a recent Roanoke City Libraries and the Roanoke Arts Commission video. In person and virtual art students chose lyrics from the WE ARE ART Rap Cypher that resonated with them and sparked their imaginations to create unique artworks. Students chose to draw, paint, or collage to create their pieces.
The project was coordinated by art teachers at two participating schools: Christina Gramm at Fairview Elementary and Christina Simpson at Westside Elementary.
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SCULPTURE SOUGHT FOR HEALING CEREMONIES
Proposals Due May 31
The Carilion Clinic Foundation invites artists to submit a proposal for a portable sculpture/vessel to be utilized as a focus for ceremonies of healing in various healthcare and community settings. The sculpture must be interactive, durable, and one-of-a-kind. The chosen work will be of a scale and material suitable for easy transport to locations throughout Carilion Clinic’s service region and for temporary use during events, which may occur in outdoor settings.
Get the full call here
Learn more about the Healing Arts at Carilion Clinic here
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A RETURN TO LIVE, IN-PERSON EVENTS
We're excited to welcome back live events. Last week Roanoke Valley Children's Choir and Opera Roanoke collaborated for the Sing Spectacular at Salem Stadium, featuring 170 voices (pictured above). And more events are on the way:
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2ND ANNUAL PLEIN AIR ROANOKEMay 17-21
Get excited for live art making out and about in the Star City. What's plein air painting? How can you get involved? Learn all about it here.
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CALLS FOR ARTISTSUpcoming- Watch for the July 15 Rollout of the Color your Corner Signal Boxes!
IN THE GALLERIES
IN THE REGION
FUNDING and RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES
It never fails. As soon as the email's sent we think of 15 more things we could have told you about. Help us stay current by emailing updates to [email protected]Grab the latest below, and read more about projects, opportunities, and calls on roanokearts.org. |
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