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Creative Placemaking in Merced
October 5, 2011
The National endowment for the Arts (NEA) wants to know...
Do YOU want to apply for an NEA grant in the next year?
If so, please email Staci so that the Arts Council can advocate for an in-person workshop from the NEA on how to apply for grants. Not sure what kinds of grants are available? Check out arts.gov for a list of available opportunities.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN ARTS ORGANIZATION TO APPLY FOR NEA FUNDING. K12 schools, universities, community outreach and development groups...the list goes on...are eligible to apply.
At the very least, in early January, the Arts Counicl will set up a phone conference with the NEA to help us write the Our Town proposal. If you'd like to be a part of that grant, keep your eye on this email blast for regular updates.
September 28, 2011
In May 2011, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) made its first visit to the Central Valley ever. Of its three stops, the Merced Multicultural Arts Center was one of them. NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman stopped in to introduce the idea of creative placemaking.
His visit sparked consensus among a small group of arts enthusiasts that creative placemaking is a powerful way to improve a community's quality of life. But we also realized that creative placemaking can mean a lot of things and develop in many different ways. In order for the Arts Council to start this initiative, we needed community consensus on what the term means for Merced.
With that in mind, Jackie Ryle facilitated a discussion about what creative placemaking means for Merced. During that meeting, we also talked about the possibility of applying for an NEA grant, called Our Town. Among other things, and Our Town grant could fund a more complex look into what Mercedians want creative placemaking to do for them, and how we can go about doing just that.
If you are interested in this idea, check out the NEA's link on creative placemaking. Also, open the PDF on the Arts Council's website to see what some local people have already had to say about it. This process is about working together at a level bigger than just one sliver of the population (the arts sector), but also with government, business, social services, residents, and many others.
This will only be successful if people outside of the usual arts scene participate. Please help the Arts Council by inviting those people check out this site.
Download Creative Placemaking Notes (PDF)
Regular updates will appear In the Arts Council's weekly eblast, which you can sign up for on our website.
What the NEA says about creative placemaking
"In creative placemaking, partners from public, private, non-profit, and community sectors strategically shape the physical and social character of a neighborhood, town, city, or region around arts and cultural activities. Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired."
Parties for the Arts
The Merced County Arts Council is very pleased to present its very first Parties for the Arts to the public! Look through the first array of dinners, tours, bicycle trips, and more that give you an opportunity to enjoy some special places in Merced County.
Party goers will help us raise the funds that are needed to support the beautiful Merced Multicultural Arts Center and the educational programs of the Merced County Arts Council. Though this is the first, it is definitely not the last. Next year we plan to have the booklet available in February to include some very special places that are beautiful in the Spring!
We want to say thank you to all the hosts, hostesses, volunteers, board members, donors, artists, cooks, bakers, drivers, sailors, sellers and buyers whose contributions work together to make all of these parties such fun for both the hosts and the participants!
Browse this collection of parties and choose as many as you can! You will have fun meeting our delightful hosts and other arts supporters. Thanks for “Partying for the Arts 2011!"
Kathryn Hansen, Chairman Judy Crow, MCAC Volunteer
Susan Lee, MCAC Board Secretary Lara Ortez, MCAC Board
How It Works
Our Parties for the Arts 2011 book contains 5 parties.
You can print and mail the reservation form, or also the Arts Council at (209) 388-1090 to make reservations or to request additional information regarding parties. Many of the parties are limited in the number of reservations that can be taken; to avoid disappointment, make your reservations early. If the party you have selected is full, you may be placed on the waiting list, or you may select another party.
We ask that you include the full name and phone number of each person for whom you are making and paying for a reservation to insure accurate lists for our hosts.
Reservations are accepted and filled in the order payment is received. You will receive an e-mail confirmation upon our receipt of payment. Specific directions and information will be mailed to approximately 10 days prior to your party.
See the reservation form, a PDF below, to reserve your party today!
Download Party Information (PDF)
Download Party Reservations Form (PDF)
Thank you for supporting Parties for the Arts. Your generosity helps us to continue to inspire and nurture the arts in Merced County. We want our parties to be fun and memorable experiences, and we will be glad to assist you with any needs or questions you may have.
Got community?
We're looking for new ideas and even more volunteers this year! Something you want to see at the Arts Center? Let us know! Want to get more involved in your community? We'd love to hear more about what you're interests are. Just jot down a few notes in this questionnaire (Word Doc) and email, mail or drop it off anytime. Thank you!
The Arts Council thrives on the commitment of countless volunteers. From data entry to writing news articles, from photographing events to staffing information booths, our volunteers do it all. we are always looking for new people to join this amazing team!
You can find out what kind of opportunities we have in a couple of different ways.
For the internet-savvy types, go to http://www.handsoncentralcal.org/, and type "arts council" and "95340" in the upper right corner of the screen. You'll be directed to 1-800 Volunteer's website, and find our volunteer opportunities there.
Rather talk to a real person? Contact Tamra at (209) 388-1090 or TamraPartin@gmail.com to plan a time to come to the Arts Center and meet with her.
Arts Merced Annual Report
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