WESTAF Update Notes #96 | March 2018
From Anthony Radich, Executive Director
This is the 96th in a continuing series of updates about the work of WESTAF.
Public Art Archive™ Collection Management System
In March of 2018, the public art field will have access to a collection-management system developed by the Public Art Archive in collaboration with technology partner CollectionSpace. The tool has been built specifically for public art collections and will accommodate the workflow of the public art process from commissioning through conservation. The system is designed to reduce staff time while increasing the flow of information to administrators, artists, and the public. A special benefit of the system is that it can be associated with the existing Public Art Archive site, which contains images and text data on more than 13,000 works of public art. In March, the Archive will move to a new platform that will be more robust and will have the capacity to link to an array of social media tools currently being developed for the site. For additional information, email Lori Goldstein.
State Arts Agency Performing Arts Directors to Convene in Denver
On March 19-20, WESTAF will host the performing-arts directors of state arts agencies and performing-arts consortia heads from across the West to learn about and discuss current trends in the field of touring and performing. This year, the agenda will include a presentation from Phamaly Theatre Company on how to support performers with disabilities, a conversation about the role and responsibilities of performing-arts presenters and artists in civic engagement, an overview of Arizona’s new Binational Arts Residency Program, and a panel discussion about issues specific to the West in the field of performing arts and touring. WESTAF supports these regular professional development meetings as a way to share knowledge among relevant leaders and advance the field. For more information, contact Seyan Lucero.
Additional Enhancements to GO Smart™
GO Smart, WESTAF’s time-saving and affordable online grants-management solution for arts organizations has recently upgraded its panel process. Panels continue to be easy to set up by grant administrators; however, administrators now have significantly more functionality to accommodate advanced panel processes. For example, administrators can now build multiple panels for each grant opportunity, create custom criteria and scoring, and assign specific grants to pre-selected panelists. Administrators can view the comprehensive panelist report at any time during the panelist review process and thus engage in an advance preview of panelists’ scores and comments about them. In addition, the GO Smart panelist interface has a fresh, modern look and is now mobile friendly. For more information, contact the GO Smart team.
WESTAF Staff at the AFTA Convention in Denver
WESTAF staff will be exhibiting at the Americans for the Arts (AFTA) annual convention in Denver, June 14-17. Staff will be available to answer questions about WESTAF’s technology programs, upcoming convenings, and current initiatives. Stop by our exhibitor table at the main convention or set up a time in advance to talk individually with a staff member about any of WESTAF’s projects. WESTAF will also host some get-togethers at various cultural sites for friends of WESTAF during their time in Denver. Invitations will be sent in May. For more information or to schedule a meeting, please email Leah Horn at Leah Horn.
Application Cycle Open for Summer IMTour Engagements
IMTour received an unprecedented number of grant applications over the last few months, thanks to a no-match grant special offer announced In December. IMTour funded opportunities for artists to perform in venues across the West, including an award for New Mexico-based roster artists Max Hatt and Edda Glass to play in their home state of Montana later this year. Grant funds are still available for presenters and artists across the West. Presenters should visit www.imtour.org to apply for grants or to book IMTour roster artists. Applications are reviewed on a rolling monthly basis; proposals must be submitted at least 12 weeks in advance of a performance. For more information about how to become a roster artist or to apply for grants, review the information packet here or email the IMTour team.