Program/Grant: GIG Fund

The Point Theater, a youth theater for students between the ages of 4 and 18, plans to collaborate with a professional black set designer for two main stage shows, with set construction by Marian University theater students. This project provides practical experience for the college students and includes a workshop where the designer discusses his creative process with the youth actors.

Poets in their own words at indie bookstores; a Midwest Gig Trail that connects artists to community venues in a multi-beneficial way. the Poetics Lab will bring writers across state lines to workshop with & perform in front of audiences they usually wouldn't have access to due to financial strain & other barriers. We aim to lift writers & connect communities. Includes ASL & virtual accessibility.

Third Coast International Audio Festival (TCIAF) is seeking $4,000.00 to produce and screen an audio reel and an artist and curator panel in Chicago at the conclusion of our 2024-25 Third Coast Competition.

The Wieting Theatre is proud to bring Larry Yazzie to perform and inspire residents of his hometown with two energizing performances that will teach rich cultural traditions thru song and dance.

The Inner Harmony project is a series of visual art and movement meditation workshops for adults with mental and physical disabilities at Vista Center in Flint, Michigan. Participants work with two professional artists to explore artistic themes of inner harmony to transform responses into movement, and present a film performance that displays their visual art and movements with live piano music.

In October 2024, the Museum will host The Blind Swine Speakeasy, featuring two nights of music and cultural activities tied to local Prohibition-era history. The grant supports bluegrass singer EmiSunshine and swing musicians Gina DeGregorio and Paul Asaro. Guests can participate in educational activities designed to immerse them in the celebrations and challenges of 1920s and 30s rural life.

The Western Plains Opera brings Puccini's beloved opera, La Boheme, to the Ann Nicole Nelson stage on the campus of Minot State University. The production on September 6th & 7th, will include six international solo artists, along with local singers, a children's choir, the Minot Chamber Chorale, and a full orchestra.

The Franklin County Arts Council, a committee of the Windsor Theatre Development Corporation, will collaborate with Ballet Des Moines & Hampton-Dumont Community Schools to present portions of the ballet "Movimiento" featuring music of Colombian composer Juan Sebastian Ramirez Espinosa, Brazilian choreographer Mariana Oliviera & Katlyn Addison. Ballet Des Moines will also do local school outreach.

eMartin Dance will bring three professional Cambodian dance artists to Minnesota to foster connections across cultures and international communities through dance. While in MN they will engage in community workshops and perform at the 2024 Minnesota International Dance Festival produced by Dance Projects by ME.

Presented as part of our 100th Anniversary Season, the Juneteenth Festival of New Plays will offer playwriting and acting workshops facilitated by professional teaching artists, culminating in public performances of new works. The project will promote racial healing, remove economic barriers to the arts, and empower local artists with the tools to advance their artistic expression.