The Foundation of Retaining Creative Energy
strives to foster artistic development and enable creative
expression within Dane County, WI through the use of promotional
education and support. This foundation will provide an umbrella
organization in which several entities will be able to grow. These
entities will offer tools of promotion, encouragement, and support.
By providing these tools, it is the goal of the organization to make
Dane County an area in which artists can create and flourish in
their craft.
The following are programs and organizations that will fall under
the Foundation of Retaining Creative Energy.
Madison Area Open Art Studios www.maoas.com
Madison Area Open Art Studios is a weekend event which begins with an opening reception for the general public on a Friday evening in fall. Starting in 2006, this reception began being held at the Overture Center in Madison, WI. The location of the reception displays one piece of art work from each of the participating artists from Dane County. This allows the public to have an opportunity to see the artist work before making their choices on which art studios to visit. The Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend, the participating artists open their studios during designated times for the general public to come and see where they create. Maps, as well as artist manuals are created for the event which helps the art enthusiast choose and locate the different artists they want to visit. During the studio visit, the art enthusiast has the opportunity to dialog with the artist, see demonstrations of art being created, as well as purchase art direct from the artist. There is no commission on any of the art sold throughout the weekend and purchases are made direct between the artist and the art enthusiast.
Contessa Says
Contessa Says is an online magazine promoting and supporting the local creative talent of Madison, WI. The magazine was launched on January 26, 2006. Each week, the magazine covers what is happening in both the local music and art scenes here in Madison. Everything from what bands are playing to when the next art reception will be is discussed. In addition to music and art, other creative interests are supported such as comedy and theater through Contessa’s weekly highlights. Each week, events (big or small) are determined to be the best things in Madison to check out. These events range from large scale events such as the Madison Area Music Awards and Art Fair on the Square to concerts, plays, and art receptions put on by local individuals.
Leigh Artistic Promotions
Leigh Artistic Promotions will be a public relations agency specific to assisting musicians and visual artists in Dane County, WI. The agency will be launched in February of 2007. The agency will provide promotional aspects to clients including (but not limited to) press releases, show flyers, and media distribution.
Musician and Visual Art Start-Up Booklet
Two separate booklets will be composed and published in Dane County. One will target the music community and one will target the visual arts community. These booklets are yet to be developed but are projected to have a positive impact on not only the creative energy of Dane County, but on the promotion of tourism and the arts.
These booklets will offer information and advice on starting a music and/or art career in Dane County. They will be written to meet the audience needs of both emerging talent, as well as individuals that are moving to Dane County. Helpful tips on gaining exposure and shows, as well as promotional education will be provided. Listings of relevant vendors, venues, and media contacts will also be available in these booklets. References of other creative talent will be provided. This will in the future be built up as a stewardship program for emerging artists in whom they can receive guidance and advice from individuals who are already established.