Tucson Pima Arts Council

2013 LUMIES ARTS & BUSINESS AWARDS CELEBRATION SPOTLIGHT AN EXTRAORDINARY NOMINEE LINE UP

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:41:27 +0000

For Immediate Release :: May 17, 2013

PRESS RELEASE

Press Contact: Emily Düwel | 520.624.0595 x19 |

2013 LUMIES ARTS & BUSINESS AWARDS CELEBRATION SPOTLIGHT AN EXTRAORDINARY NOMINEE LINE UP

The Tucson Pima Arts Council is pleased to invite the public once again to its 2013 Lumies Arts & Business Awards on Friday, June 7th at El Casino Ballroom. Now in its 12th year, the Lumies—short for luminaries—shine a special light on the many extraordinary individuals and organizations that make our region an exceptionally vibrant center of arts and culture.

Everyone is invited to attend the Awards Celebration. Promised is an evening of great company, food and music, with journalist Ernesto Portillo Jr. serving as Emcee and Tom Walbank & the Ambassadors rounding out the evening with their signature Electric Delta Blues sound.

The list of Lumies nominations this year provides an unparalleled view of the rich artistic life of Southern Arizona. A plethora of exceptional candidates include—to name but a few:

•       Arizona Daily Star cartoonist and essayist David Fitzsimmons;
•       Mark McLemore, the host of Arizona Spotlight;
•       Joey Rodgers, former dancer and founder of a classical ballet school for youth on Tucson’s Southside, Dancing in the Streets AZ;
•       Dennis Bourret, longtime director of one of the nation’s top-ranked youth symphony orchestras, Tucson Junior Strings;
•       Julie Gallego, whose Ballet Folklórico San Juan helps to keep traditional Mexican dance alive;
•       Break-out Tucson Roots/Folk music talent Brian Lopez; and
•       Flam Chen and Many Mouths One Stomach, the united force behind the All Souls Procession.

Perhaps however this year’s most surprising entry is the artist Pollyana—whose identity remains shrouded in mystery yet whose artistic interventions have been a feature of Downtown Tucson for more than 20 years.

This year, the Lumies will also serve as an occasion to honor the accomplishments of TPAC’s Deputy Director, David Hoyt Johnson, who is due to retire at the end of June. In addition to fostering support for the arts, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Johnson has, for over a quarter of a century, done almost more than any other individual to nurture and shepherd our region’s award-winning public art program.

A singular and ever-popular event, the Lumies serves as a community-wide celebration of the arts. Nominations are first solicited from the public during an open call held in the early spring, with final winners being decided by a panel of artists and community members. Nominees and winners both are honored at the Awards Celebration, to which everyone is invited.

Come join the festivities! Tickets can be purchased online at 2013 Lumies Eventbrite.com.

For more information visit www.TucsonPimaArtsCouncil.org or call 520-624-0595 x10.

The Tucson Pima Arts Council extends its sincere gratitude to the following Sponsors for making the Lumies Arts & Business Awards possible: Arizona Public Media, Cox Communications, The Loft Cinema, KXCI Community Radio, UA Poetry Center, Center for Creative Photography, Rialto Theatre and Jim Click Automotive Team. Additional support is received from the City of Tucson, Pima County and the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

# #

ADDENDUM

List of 2013 Lumies Award Categories & Nominees

Artist Lifetime Achievement

1.      Gonzalo Espinosa, Sculpture Resource Center
2.      Julie Gallego, Ballet Folklórico San Juan
3.      Barclay Goldsmith, Borderlands Theater
4.      To-Ree-Nee Wolf Keiser McArdle, Public Artist and Performer

Established Artist

•       David Fitzsimmons, cartoonist and essayist
•       Mark McLemore, host of Arizona Spotlight
•       Becky Neideffer, pastel artist
•       Pollyanna, mystery public artist
•       Adam Rex, children’s book illustrator

Established Arts Organization

•       Flam Chen/Many Mouths One Stomach – All Souls Procession
•       Pan Left Productions
•       Rialto Theatre
•       UA Presents
•       University of Arizona Press

Arts Educator

•       Dennis Bourret, Tucson Junior Strings
•       Kimi Eisele, University of Arizona Poetry Center
•       Rome Hamner, Odaiko Sonora
•       Joseph Rodgers, Dancing in the Streets
•       Ann Simmons-Myers, Pima Community College

Arts Education Program

•       Live Theatre Workshop – Onstage Education Program
•       The Loft Cinema – Education Initiative
•       Tucson Museum of Art – Education Center
•       Tucson Youth Poetry Slam

Arts Administrator

•       Lynn Fleischman, Executive Director, The Drawing Studio
•       The late Mary Charlotte Thurtle, founder and former executive director, Pan Left Productions
•       Jessica Andrews, former Executive Director, Arizona Theatre Company
•       The late Liz Bustamante, former TPAC Administrator and web developer

Arts Patron

•       Catherine Morton
•       Helen and John Schaefer
•       Neelam Sethi
•       Rick Small, Stonewall Foundation
•       Herb Stratford

Emerging Artist

•       Julie Rustad
•       Brian Lopez
•       Luis Carlos Davis

Emerging Arts Organization

• Dancing In the Streets
• Romero House Potters

Large Business Partner

• Bookmans

Small Business Partner

•       Creative Machines
•       Downtown Kitchen/Janos Wilder
•       Gloo Factory
•       Monterey Court Studio Galleries & Café
•       Photographic Works
•       Sacred Machine Museum & Curiosity Shop
•       Pita Jungle

TPAC Seeks Finance Manager

admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:30 +0000

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

The Tucson Pima Arts Council is currently seeking a Financial Manager

The Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) is the designated art council for the City of Tucson and Pima County. TPAC’s mission is to “foster artistic expression, civic participation and the economic growth of our diverse community by supporting, promoting and advocating for arts and culture.” TPAC provides arts and cultural development services through direct funding, technical assistance, commissions and contracts to artists and arts organizations for select cultural projects.

Job Summary:

The Finance Manager is responsible for financial management of TPAC operations. This position will provide leadership and coordination in the administrative, business planning, accounting and budgeting efforts of TPAC.

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervisory Responsibility: Administrative Staff and Contract Services

Budget Accountability: FY 2012-13 budget of $1,035,902

Job Duties:

A. Financial Management and Reporting

Manage preparation of monthly financial reports. Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner.
Manage preparation of support material for meetings of the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee that relate to TPAC finances.
Manage annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors, review and analyze recommendations of independent financial auditors.
Prepare performance and program reports to the City of Tucson and Pima County, and other funders as required.
Prepare annual report to the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Prepare financial section of the TPAC annual report.
Ensure other filings are completed in a timely manner.

B. Accounting and Financial Controls

Oversee all financial and project/program contracts and grants accounting.
Develop and update accounting policies and procedures to meet both current and future business models.
Oversee the continuous improvement of accounting and financial processes with the goal to achieve best practices and optimal output.
Manage the financial system, ensuing maximum productivity to meet the needs of the organization now and in the future.
Ensure that contract billing and collection are completed in a timely manner and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.
Manage and oversee the payroll function, ensuring efficient systems, process and controls.
Ensure that the Arts Council is in compliance with all internal policies, generally accepted accounting principles, and relevant regulations.

C. Cash and Risk Management

Oversee the cash management function.
Manage ongoing banking relationships for maximum efficiency.
Develop cash flow forecasting and maintain a long-term cash forecast.
Oversee TPAC’s risk management program, ensuring compliance with agency policies.
Oversee the annual insurance renewal process and ensure appropriate coverage is maintained at all times.
Ensure appropriate legal review of contracts and solicit external legal advice as required.

D. Budgeting

Lead preparation of the annual agency planning and budgeting process in conjunction with the Executive Director.
Lead financial modeling and analysis to support the development of long-term strategic initiatives and business plans.
Administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor and report progress and changes.

E. Additional administrative responsibilities may include:

Assist the Executive Director with board and committee work as requested.
Assist with program planning, resource development and advocacy.

Qualifications:

Education: BA in business, non-profit administration, or related field; graduate degree in arts administration, business or public policy desirable.

Experience: At least three years nonprofit arts management or equivalent experience.

Asset skills: Knowledge of financial management practices, nonprofit management; experience working with public officials, financial managers and arts professionals; understanding of public process and public relations; excellent oral and written communication and computer skills.

Compensation and Terms: The Finance Manager will be a salaried three-quarter position with an annual salary range in the mid 50’s.

To Apply: Submit cover letter, resume and three references to info@tucsonpimaartscouncil.org. Please note Financial Manager in the subject heading. Deadline for applications is May 22, 2013.

TPAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:03:34 +0000

Grants Fund Arts-Based Projects That Engage Community

By Kathleen Allen

Reprinted from the Arizona Daily Star (April 28, 2013)

Building community can happen in many ways. A Tucson Pima Arts Council grant program has found that art is a key way to do such things as connect neighbors, raise awareness of water issues, teach tolerance, integrate refugees into the population and provide graffiti artists with outlets.

Since its creation four years ago, the program has awarded $400,000 to groups that use art to build and enhance connections throughout the Old Pueblo.

We take a look at a few of the nearly 50 organizations that have received the funds, and the projects they have developed.

Arts grants help them find their place

Last year, Nicole Lightner’s world opened up. She can thank the Tucson Pima Arts Council’s PLACE grants for that.

Lightner, now an 8th-grader at Pistor Middle School, was in a program that used dance and poetry to develop community. Safos Dance Theatre was awarded the grant for the program from the Tucson Pima Arts Council.

Denver poet Bobby LeFebre led the class, and students from Hiaki High School on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation were brought to Pistor to participate. The idea was to open communications and foster understanding between Latino and American Indian youth through poetry and dance.

“In poetry, people get to express themselves, and in that way you get to bond,” Lightner recalls.

“We had their thoughts and they had ours. It brings you closer.”

Safos received the PLACE – People, Land, Art, Culture and Engagement – grants with just that in mind.

The four-year-old PLACE grant program has doled out a total of $400,000 to arts organizations to carry out community-based programs. Every dollar of those grants has been funded by private organizations that believe in the power of arts to effect social change.

Roberto Bedoya, executive director of the Tucson Pima Arts Council, sees enormous value in Lightner’s experience.

The arts, he believes, can make a big difference in perceptions, understanding, even civility.

“The Tucson Arts Brigade works with the Boys and Girls Clubs in some of our tougher neighborhoods,” he says, ticking off other PLACE grantees whose work has made a difference.

“Borderlands Theater is not afraid to look at border issues. CODAC mental health worked with muralist David Tineo to create a mural that told the story of the differences in the neighborhood. The neighborhood got involved and it really brought people together.”

The PLACE initiative grew out of the Council’s 2008 Pima Cultural Plan.

“It was an extensive process with hundreds giving input into the future of the culture in Southern Arizona,” says Bedoya.

“We addressed what is distinctive about Tucson and our identity … what we can do to build projects that speak to our identity.”

The program was specifically designed for arts-based projects that engaged the community and dealt with issues of tolerance and/or civil society.

“Historically, there have always been community-arts projects,” Bedoya says. “The difference with the PLACE grants is the civic engagement. There are multiple stakeholders engaging with people to make art. In that, I believe we are a national leader.”

The program has attracted some big-name backers – The Kresge Foundation funded the first two years, the Nathan Cummings Foundation and Open Society Institute underwrote the grants in 2011, and Open Society funded the 2012 grants. Bedoya says this year’s funding has been tentatively approved by a private foundation.

The civic-arts projects “help us understand each other better,” says Bedoya. “And they create a sense of belonging. And that belonging is so important to having a sense of being a citizen of Tucson and the world.”

Here are three of the close to 50 organizations that have received PLACE grants.

The Finding Voice Project

Years funded: Fiscal years 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13

Amount: $21,500 total

Project: Finding Voice helps young refugees learn English, get acclimated to a new life and country, and make connections with others through writing and photography. It was founded and is led by photographer Josh Schacter and Catalina Magnet High School teacher Julie Kasper.

Details: Laxmi Dahal knows what it is to struggle.

In 2008, Dahal, now 20, came to this country from Nepal, his birthplace. After his family fled Bhutan they lived in a refugee camp in Nepal.

The camp was dusty. Crowded. Often unsafe. Refugees could not work. They were treated as outsiders and without respect.

When his family immigrated here, Dahal enrolled in Catalina Magnet High School.

“It was a new country, a new life,” recalls Dahal. “It was confusing. I didn’t know how school was, it was new people, a new culture. I didn’t even know where my classes were.”

He knew some English, but it was halting. He was assigned to Julie Kasper’s English as a Second Language class, where the Finding Voice project is a tool used to help refugees.

“It felt like home. … We shared our stories and voices. Being in a new country, when you hear from others who came from the same kind of experience … I learned so much.”

Today, Dahal is a student at Pima Community College, preparing to transfer to the University of Arizona.

“Finding Voice helped people to reach out,” he says, giving the program the bulk of the credit for his success. “They are doing wonderful work.”

The program began in 2006, when Kasper and Schacter thought connecting literacy development with photography might be effective.

“Now we’ve moved on to other forms of art,” says Schacter. “Theater, poetry, radio – all with the goal of literacy development for the English language, and to connect the refugee and immigrant youth to the community.”

Each year, students use words, film, photography and other art forms to tell their stories, or their perspectives, feelings, thoughts, concerns, hopes.

“We find we can use their stories as ways to create dialogues about stereotypes and misperceptions,” says Schacter.

Every year, the Finding Voice participants are expected to take on a project that involves the Tucson community. That expands the students’ worlds, and often the community’s understanding of the life and struggles of immigrants, says Schacter.

The program has received national recognition and the eternal gratitude of students like Dahal.

“We can talk about Finding Voice for the whole day and it would not be enough,” he says.

The Tucson Chinese Cultural Foundation

Year funded: Fiscal 2011-12

Amount: $8,600

Project: Beyond Groceries, uncovering the history of Tucson’s Chinese neighborhood grocers.

Details: “We spent three years or so exploring the history of the Chinese in Tucson, with particular emphasis on Chinese grocery stores,” recalls Robin Blackwood, the chair of the cultural center’s history committee.

The PLACE grant would help the committee bring a bit of that history back to the neighborhood.

“We did oral histories and collected artifacts and photos,” says Blackwood.

Last May, they had a “rolling history party,” bringing a busload of about 60 to the sites of former Chinese groceries in five different Tucson neighborhoods.

At each stop, neighbors streamed out of their houses to join in the fun, which included entertainment, food and even a film about the history of each market.

“We celebrated the Chinese grocers in Tucson and the diversity and tolerance of the neighborhoods that had nurtured them over those years,” says Blackwood.

Discovering more about the neighborhoods was one mission of the event.

“We had a story-telling corner, and we brought along a video camera and invited people to tell their stories about what they remembered. About 65 people over the five stops participated in that.”

Sonia Molina, whose father owns the one-time Chinese-owned La Primavera Market on South Ninth Avenue, was the contact for her neighborhood’s party.

“It was pretty cool,” she says. “There were lots of people from the neighborhood there. … It was like a big picnic.”

What the history committee uncovered wasn’t put away once the party was over. An exhibit with oral histories and details about the project’s discoveries is now at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road.

“Tucson has a very unique culture,” says Blackwood. “It has a special feel, which comes from small neighborhoods which have long and diverse histories, and we need to celebrate that to keep Tucson’s special flavor alive.”

New Articulations Dance

Years funded: Fiscal 2010-11, 2011-12

Amount: $15,500 total

Project: Flow, which used dance, workshops and other community events to address water issues in Tucson.

Details: A crash course in water issues began the project, says New Articulations’ Kimi Eisele. Then the company created workshops and dances designed to raise awareness and create a deeper understanding of them.

“We did some workshops with children at various community centers in town, looking at water issues through the body, and how the body and movement can help us understand the water cycle and water challenges.”

With the second grant, they continued to work with children through community centers, as well as a residency at Borton Elementary that focused on dance informed by the movement of water.

In their continuing quest to reach adults, New Articulations teamed up with Tucson-based Watershed Management Group.

Lisa Shipek, executive director of Watershed Management, was preparing to give a talk at a green infrastructure conference. Eisele proposed that she use dance-point, rather than power-point, for her talk. Shipek was game.

Nine dancers used movement to punctuate Shipek’s points to a crowd of about 200 engineers and scientists.

“It was a very technical crowd,” recalls Shipek. “But the talk received a standing ovation, and people were really moved by it.”

Other aspects of the Flow project included watershed tours, which took participants through walks along Arroyo Chico, the Santa Cruz, and at Navajo Wash. Eric Drew, a naturalist with Irontree, led the tours, explaining how water works through the landscape.

Occasionally, dancers would pop out to illustrate Drew’s points, and, at the end of the tours, participants were invited to translate what they learned through movement.

“We wanted to help them remember what they learned by embodying it,” said Eisele. “The idea was to have them be active participants in learning.”

The Flow project culminated in a New Articulations dance in the Santa Cruz River bed, which included water-themed performances.

“We can talk about Finding Voice for the whole day and it would not be enough.”

Laxmi Dahal, 20, refugee, Pima Community College student

Contact reporter Kathleen Allen at kallen@azstarnet.com or 573-4128.

Textural Connections: An Exploration of Texture and Form

admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:31:24 +0000

For Immediate Release :: April 12, 2013

Press Release

Press Contact: Emily Düwel | 520.624.0595 x19 | eduwel@tucsonpimaartscouncil.org

What: Textural Connections:
An Exploration of Texture and Form

Reception Date: Saturday, May 4, 5.30–7 PM
Opening Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Location: Pioneer Building, 100 N. Stone Avenue Lobby & TPAC Conference Room 109

Public Contact: 520-624-0595

From Sensuous Desert Landscape to Objects Wrapped in Twine: New Pioneer Building Exhibit Showcases Area Artists In Thrall to Texture

This third Pioneer Building exhibit of the season celebrates the interplay of texture and form in a wide range of media, including Western landscape painting, two- and three-dimensional formal abstraction and origami-influence collage.

Visitors will find much to surprise and delight the eye—from the dramatic contrast of light and shadow in the late Nancy Denzler’s, from the sensuous tactility of Katrina Lasko’s wall sculptures to Mary Ellen Palmeri’s charmingly innocent paper tableaux.

The public is invited to a Public Reception in celebration of the artists on Saturday, May 4, from 5.30 to 7 PM.

The exhibit opens Wednesday, April 24, and remains on view through mid-July in the Pioneer Building Lobby and Suite 109,

The Tucson Pima Arts Council is delighted to announce the names of the 46 Nominees for its 2013 Lumies Arts & Business Awards.

admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:40:58 +0000

For Immediate Release :: April 12, 2013

Press Release

Tickets: Available for online purchase starting April 18th
Date: Friday, June 7^th. General Reception starts at 6.30 p.m.
Location: El Casino Ballroom, 437 E 26th St. Tucson, AZ 85713

2013 Lumies Awards Celebration Spotlights

Southern Arizona’s Extraordinary Arts and Culture

The Tucson Pima Arts Council is delighted to announce the names of the 46 Nominees for its 2013 Lumies Arts & Business Awards. Now in its 12^th year, the Lumies—short for luminaries—shine a special light on the many extraordinary individuals and organizations that make our metropolis an exceptionally vibrant center of arts and culture.

This singular and ever-popular event serves as a community-wide celebration of the arts. Nominations are first solicited from the public during an open call held in the early spring. Everyone is then invited to join the festivities: This year the Awards Celebration will be held once again at the legendary El Casino Ballroom, on the evening of Friday, June 7^th. (See event details below.)

2013 LUMIE NOMINEES

The list of Lumies nominations provides an unparalleled view of the rich artistic life of Southern Arizona. Heading this year’s remarkable list are candidates for the Artist Lifetime Achievement award: Barclay Goldsmith, Founding Director of the groundbreaking Borderlands Theater; Director and Choreographer Julie Gallego, whose Ballet Folklórico San Juan rivets audiences with performances of traditional Mexican dance; and two award-winning artists who have individually devoted years to working with youth and beautifying our public spaces, namely, the muralist and public artist Gonzalo Espinosa and the performer and public artist To-Ree-Nee Wolf Keiser McArdle.

No less impressive is the list of nominees for the Established Arts Organization award. This group of cultural ‘heavy hitters’ includes UA Presents, Rialto Theater, Pan Left Productions, the University of Arizona Press and Flam Chen/Many Mouths One Stomach, which produces the All Souls Procession.

A brand new Lumies awards category, Established Artist, will recognize a mid-career artist for her or his innovation and commitment. Nominees in this field are the cartoonist and essayist David Fitzsimmons, children’s illustrator Adam Rex, pastel artist Becky Neideffer, Arizona Spotlight host Mark McLemore and the mystery public artist known as Pollyanna.

A second new Lumies category, Arts Administrator, will recognize an individual whose capable efforts have led the arts to flourish in our region. Nominees include Jessica Andrews, retired executive director of Arizona Theater Company, and Lynn Fleischman, Executive Director of The Drawing Studio. In addition, two individuals whose deaths left a tragic hole in the arts community have received posthumous nominations: Mary Charlotte Thurtle, former executive director of Pan Left Productions, and Liz Bustamente, former TPAC administrator and artists’ champion.

The arts also rely on those whose broad vision is matched by their generosity. Candidates for the Arts Patron award include Catherene Morton, Helen and John Schaeffer, Neelam Sethi, Rick Small/Stonewall Foundation and Herb Stratford. Among the many institutions to benefit from their separate gifts are the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Arizona Theater Company, Beowulf Theater, Fox Theater, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and U of A Poetry Center.

Arts learning enriches the lives of young and old alike. Nominated for their extraordinary skills as Arts Educators are choreographer/dancer Joseph Rodgers of Dancing in the Streets, art faculty/photographer Ann Simmons-Myers from Pima Community College, founder/teacher Rome Hamner of the Japanese drumming ensemble Odaiko Sonora, teaching artist Kimi Eisele of the U of A Poetry Center and Dennis Bourret, Director of Tucson Junior Strings.

Nominated in the related Arts Education Program award category are Live Theatre Workshop for its Onstage Education Program, the Loft Cinema for its Education Initiative, Tucson Museum of Art for its Education Center and the Tucson Youth Poetry Slam for its school outreach efforts.

TPAC also recognizes the critical support extended by area businesses to the arts, whether through donations or by providing opportunities and services. Nominees under the Large Business Partner category include Bookman’s . Small Business Partner nominees include Monterrey Court, Janos Wilder/Downtown Kitchen, Photographic Works, Creative Machines, Gloo Factory and Sacred Machine Museum & Curiosity Shop, Pita Jungle.

Lastly, there are two categories that reward the verve of fresh talent and newly started organizations. Emerging Artist nominees include filmmaker Luis Carlos Davis, musician Brian Lopez and illustrator Julie Rustad. Nominations for Emerging Arts Organization include the south-side youth ballet program Dancing in the Streets and the ceramics school Romero House Potters.

The final selection of winners will be made by a panel composed of arts professionals and community members. While only one winner will be chosen per category, the Lumies will honor all of the nominees, whose extraordinary range of talent and depth of commitment have profoundly enhanced our communities and our lives.

THE 2013 LUMIES AWARDS CELEBRATION
A Gala Evening of Fun, Food, Music and More

The Lumies Awards Celebration is an evening of great food, music and company—including artists, industry and government leaders and those who love the arts.

A VIP Reception for Nominees and Sponsors starts at 5.30 p.m., followed by the General Reception at 6.30 PM that features a buffet of delectable eats and cash bar.

At 7.30 PM, acclaimed journalist Ernesto Portillo Jr. will take to the stage to honor this year’s Lumines Award Nominees and announce the Winners. In line with longstanding tradition, each winner will be presented with an iridescent award created by master glass artist Tom Philabaum.

After the Ceremony, the immensely popular Tom Walbank & the Ambassadors will rock the dance floor with their inspired Electric Delta Blues sound.

Everyone is invited! Tickets go on sale starting April 18^th at Eventbrite . For more information call 520-624-0595 x14.

The Tucson Pima Arts Council extends its sincere gratitude to the following Sponsors for making the Lumies Arts & Business Awards possible: Arizona Public Media, Cox Communications, The Loft Cinema, Old Pueblo Printers and the Historic Rialto Theater. Additional support is received from the City of Tucson, Pima County and the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

# #

ADDENDUM
List of Lumies Award Categories and Nominees

Artist Lifetime Achievement

Gonzalo Espinosa, Sculpture Resource Center
Julie Gallego, Ballet Folklórico San Juan
Barclay Goldsmith, Borderlands Theater
To-Ree-Nee Wolf Keiser McArdle, Public Artist and Performer

Established Artist

David Fitzsimmons, cartoonist and essayist
Mark McLemore, host of Arizona Spotlight
Becky Neideffer, pastel artist
Pollyanna, mystery public artist
Adam Rex, children’s book illustrator

Established Arts Organization

Flam Chen/Many Mouths One Stomach – All Souls Procession
Pan Left Productions
Rialto Theatre
UA Presents
University of Arizona Press

Arts Educator

Dennis Bourret, Tucson Junior Strings
Kimi Eisele, University of Arizona Poetry Center
Rome Hamner, Odaiko Sonora
Joseph Rodgers, Dancing in the Streets
Ann Simmons-Myers, Pima Community College

Arts Education Program

Live Theatre Workshop – Onstage Education Program
The Loft Cinema – Education Initiative
Tucson Museum of Art – Education Center
Tucson Youth Poetry Slam

Arts Administrator

Lynn Fleischman, Executive Director, The Drawing Studio
The late Mary Charlotte Thurtle, founder and former executive director, Pan Left Productions
Jessica Andrews, former Executive Director, Arizona Theatre Company
The late Liz (Elizabeth) Bustamante, former TPAC Administrator and champion of the arts

Arts Patron

Catherine Morton
Helen and John Schaefer
Neelam Sethi
Rick Small, Stonewall Foundation
Herb Stratford

Emerging Artist

Julie Rustad
Brian Lopez
Luis Carlos Davis

Emerging Arts Organization

Dancing In the Streets
Romero House Potters

Large Business Partner

Bookmans

Small Business Partner

Creative Machines
Downtown Kitchen/Janos Wilder
Gloo Factory
Monterey Court Studio Galleries & Café
Photographic Works
Sacred Machine Museum & Curiosity Shop
Pita Jungle

Incorporating the Arts Into Urban Development

admin — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:54:06 +0000

Innovation and Intersections

By Kyle Mittan and Stephanie Casanova. Reprinted from the Tucson Weekly - City Section (March 21, 2013).

A talk hosted by the Tucson Pima Arts Council aims to prove that an intersection exists between urban and economic development and the arts.

The council has invited Deborah Cullinan, executive director of San Francisco’s Intersection for the Arts, to give a lecture about how art, social justice and community change tend to remain interrelated in communities throughout the country. Most recently, Cullinan has helped spearhead an effort with San Francisco’s 5M Project to blend creativity with urban development to make for more inclusive economic opportunities.

With her expertise in this particular area, Cullinan said she is glad to see that the interest in emphasizing the intersection of creativity and urban development has expanded to other cities, adding that she has seen the expansion from coast to coast.

“It’s really interesting because I had no idea how often I would be asked to share this story,” she said. “I think there’s something to this; it’s the right idea at the right time, and it’s the way the world has changed around the economy.”

Despite this new trend in analyzing the convergence between the arts and urban development, Cullinan said that not much has changed — that the correlation has existed for a long time, which is why it’s important to continue. Doing so, she added will improve commerce, as well as a city’s economy overall.

“I think that there has been an inherent intersection between the arts and urban development and change forever,” Cullinan said. “It’s just been inequitable.”

Although talks like these have a very particular focus, Cullinan added that hundreds have turned out for them, and that they draw people from various different areas and platforms. The talk is free to attend, and no registration is required.

— K.M.

Click here to link to original article.

A Career in Public Art

admin — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:22:58 +0000

For Immediate Release :: February 26, 2013 Press Release
Press Contact: Emily Düwel | 520.624.0595 x 19 |

‘A Career in Public Art’

Free Artists Professional Development Workshop
Features Public Artist Barbara Grygutis,
Southwestern Arts Administrators and Local Public Artists

Date/Time: Sat. March 16, 9 AM-5 PM

Location: Temple of Music and Art Cabaret Theatre, 330 S. Scott Ave.

Public Contact: info@tucsonpimaartscouncil.org or (520) 624-0595 x10
REGISTRATION IN NOW CLOSED!
Cost: Free

The Tucson Pima Arts Council invites artists and interested members of the public to attend a free day-long workshop on developing a career in public art.

Tucson-based artist Barbara Grygutis will share highlights and insights as one of the nation’s foremost public artists. She will be joined by respected public arts administrators from Albuquerque and El Paso, as well as local artists who have successfully completed public art commissions.

The Workshop will cover all the ins and outs of a successful public art practice—from drafting compelling project proposals to learning to work in teams with community and government stakeholders to making the jump from a successful local career to the national stage.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Temple of Music and Art Cabaret Theatre, located at 330 S. Scott Avenue in Downtown Tucson.

There is no cost to attend and lunch will be provided. Seating is limited, however, so participants are encouraged to register online early at: www.TucsonPimaArtsCouncil.org. REGISTRATION IN NOW CLOSED

This workshop is made possible, in part, through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Arts Council’s PLACE (People, Land, Art, Culture and Engagement) Initiative.

To learn more call (520) 624-0595 x10.

‘New Works’ Showcase

admin — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:00:46 +0000

For Immediate Release :: February 26, 2013 (revised 3/6/13)

Press Release

Press Contact: Emily Duwel | 520.624.0595 x 19 |

‘New Works’ Artists Showcase

A Presentation of Innovative Artworks in Diverse Media
by TPAC ‘New Works’ Grant Recipients

Date/Time: Tuesday, March 19, 6-9 PM
Location: TPAC, 100 N. Stone Ave., Suite 109 and Adjoining Lobby
Public Contact: (520) 624-0595 x10
Website: www.TucsonPimaArtsCouncil.org
Cost: Free

The Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) invites the public to an evening showcase of innovative arts projects that currently in the making, as part of TPAC’s ‘New Works’ grant initiative. Participating artists will present work in a wide range of media. As a sample of what is in store,

Kimi Eisele will read from her novel in the making, The Lightest Object in the Universe;
Kathleen Velo will share underwater photographic works that explore Tucson’s manmade and natural waterways;
TC Tolbert will screen an excerpt from his video-poetry series, Speech Acts;
Noah Saterstrom will share slides from his Hand-Painted Food Signs Archive;
Shloka Mangharam will read from her ‘blended-genre’ novel The Long Walk of Ita Gnattyhat;
Leslie Ann Epperson will screen a video sample from her documentary on the All Souls Procession, entitled Many Bones, One Heart.
Michael Fenlason will show scenes from his evolving theatre piece on the lives of Tucson’s diverse residents.
Denise Uyehara will share work in progress from her interactive “build-your-own-prison” performance/installation.
Lisa O’Neil will read segments from her non-fiction essay collection for the Dictionary Project.
Barbea Williams will perform a section from Dance with Games, String and Rhythms, an interactive dance piece that explores cultural traditions.
Logan Phillips and Adam Cooper-Terán will present an excerpt from Sonoran Strange, a performance piece exploring the many ironies of their homeland through spoken word and video projection.

The Showcase will be held in the TPAC Conference Room and adjoining Lobby, located in the Pioneer Building Lobby, 100 N. Stone Ave., in Downtown Tucson.

The New Works Artists Project Grant program is supported in part by a partnership between TPAC and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. Its intention is to support individual artists in the creation of work that demonstrates both innovation and the highest standards of excellence.

To learn more, visit www.TucsonPimaArtsCouncil.org or call (520) 624-0595 x10.

Art, Artists & Money, with Doug Nelson

admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:05:36 +0000

For Immediate Release :: February 25, 2013 Press Release
Press Contact: Emily Duwel | 520.624.0595 x 19 |

‘Art, Artists & Money’

A Public Talk Given by

Author & Finance Advisor Doug Nelson

Date/Time: Friday, March 8, 2013 @ 3:30 p.m.

Location: TPAC Conference Room, 100 N. Stone Ave., Suite 109

Public Contact: 624-0595 x10 or info@tucsonpimaartscouncil.org

Website: www.TucsonPimaArtsCouncil.org

Cost: Free

In conjunction with a visit to Tucson to participate in the Tucson Festival of Books, Doug Nelson, author of Art, Artists, & Money, will make a presentation at the Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) to help artists better understand their financial options. Literary, media, performing, and visual artists are all encouraged to attend this free presentation on Friday, March 8, 2013, at 3:30 p.m. in the TPAC Conference Room, which is located in the Pioneer Building, 100 N. Stone Ave., Suite 109, across the street from the Main Library in downtown Tucson.

Recognized for his skills throughout the wealth management industry, Doug has been named regularly as a top advisor by publications such as Barron’s, Bloomberg Magazine and Worth. In addition to work as an advisor, he also serves as treasurer of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and has recently been named as the first non-attorney to the board of directors of New Mexico Lawyers for the Arts.

Doug wrote Art, Artists & Money to address some of the specific issues that artists face when it comes to managing with their financial well-being. According to Doug, “the solutions are much simpler than you think.”

You can read about the book by visiting the link: http://artartistsmoney.com/. To learn more, visit www.TucsonPimaArtsCouncil.org or call (520) 624-0595 x10.

TPAC Seeks Your Nominees for the 2013 Lumies Arts & Business Awards

admin — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:58:30 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Emily Düwel, 520-624-0595 x19

TPAC Seeks Your Nominees for the 2013
Lumies Arts & Business Awards

The Tucson Pima Arts Council wants to identify the individuals, groups and businesses that bring the arts into the lives of southern Arizonans. Now in its 12th year, the Lumies Arts and Business Awards offer everyone the chance to recognize and celebrate the arts luminaries who contribute to Tucson and Pima County’s creative vitality.

“The Lumies are our way of recognizing the many ways in which the arts enrich and lend meaning to all of our lives. It as well as profoundly express who we are as a creatively vibrant and culturally diverse community,” says Roberto Bedoya, TPAC Executive Director.

“The arts flourish in southern Arizona,” he goes on to explain, “because of the contribution of many extraordinary individuals and organizations—from artists, performers, writers and teachers to the organizers, administrators and businesses that provide vital support. Let’s celebrate this gift by nominating a candidate that deserves to be spotlighted as a luminary that gives much to our community.”

Are you a local music fan? Do you have season tickets to the theater? What about an art, music or dance teacher who inspires your child? Or a museum that offers sanctuary from the tumult of daily life? There are 11 nomination categories to choose from: Artist Lifetime Achievement, Established Artist, Emerging Artist, Established Arts Organization, Emerging Arts Organization, Arts Education Program, Arts Educator, Arts Administrator, Arts Patron, Large Business Partner and Small Business Partner.

Online nomination forms will be available on TPAC’s website from February 1 through March 22.

The names of Lumies nominees will be made public in April. Lumies winners will be announced during the June 7th Awards Ceremony at El Casino Ballroom, to which everyone is invited.

To submit a Lumies nomination or to learn more about the Lumies Arts & Business Awards, visit:
2013 Lumies Nomination Form

To learn more about Lumies sponsorship opportunities, please call Daniela Ontiveros, Project Events Coordinator, at (520) 624-0595 x14.

Tucson Pima Arts Council

2013 LUMIES ARTS & BUSINESS AWARDS CELEBRATION SPOTLIGHT AN EXTRAORDINARY NOMINEE LINE UP

List of 2013 Lumies Award Categories & Nominees

TPAC Seeks Finance Manager

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Grants Fund Arts-Based Projects That Engage Community

Arts grants help them find their place

Textural Connections: An Exploration of Texture and Form

The Tucson Pima Arts Council is delighted to announce the names of the 46 Nominees for its 2013 Lumies Arts & Business Awards.

2013 Lumies Awards Celebration Spotlights Southern Arizona’s Extraordinary Arts and Culture

Incorporating the Arts Into Urban Development

A Career in Public Art

‘New Works’ Showcase

‘New Works’ Artists Showcase

Art, Artists & Money, with Doug Nelson

TPAC Seeks Your Nominees for the 2013 Lumies Arts & Business Awards

2013 Lumies Awards Celebration Spotlights

Southern Arizona’s Extraordinary Arts and Culture