Tuesday, September 15, 2009

You're invited to pre-Summit workshop on arts-based development in the West

This e-mail invitation comes from wyomingarts' colleague Randy Oestman:

Greetings Everyone,

I'm hoping you might be able to spread the word on this Pre-Summit Workshop I am putting together. Anyone may attend free regardless of attending the WAC Arts Summit.

Pre-Summit Workshop
"Creating and Sustaining Arts Based Development in the Rural West"
Facilitated by Dan Wecks
Wednesday September 23, 2009
Location: Cheyenne Depot Museum
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This Workshop is free to all, but attendees must RSVP!

More than ever communities across Wyoming are realizing the importance of Community Development and the Arts with may of the same questions being raised. Where do we start? How do we determine and communicate the importance of arts and creativity? What are possible projects? How do we attract participants? How do we fund this project and make it sustainable?

This will be an open discussion exploring successful and unsuccessful examples of Community Development and Arts projects from smaller communities with an opportunity to glean information from a very successful Community Development Leader. This meeting will also provide an opportunity for community leaders with similar visions to network and connect for assistance in making things happen throughout Wyoming.

Dan Wecks has a broad background of experience including government, non-profit, and private business. Before deciding to follow his heart to do what mattered to him, he was President of a large real estate and development company. He was elected to the Manitou City Council and later as its Mayor. During this time he became the Executive Director of the Business of Art Center, a business incubator for artists and arts organizations in Manitou Springs.. Dan’s twin loves are assisting arts/community organizations, schools and government in looking to creative solutions to community issues and helping build Strength Based organizations through the development of their people.

In recognition of challenging economic times, the Wyoming Arts Council is offering travel stipends to Wyoming artists, arts organization representatives and community leaders interested in attending the Arts Summit Sept. 24-25 at Little America in Cheyenne.

Thank you!

Cheers,

Randy Oestman
Wyoming Arts Council
Community Development and the Arts Specialist
307.777.7109