KEARNEY, Neb. (NCN) – One of the largest construction projects in Kearney took a massive step forward on Thursday.

Workers poured 1.5 million pounds of concrete to form the foundation of the Museum of Nebraska Art’s 23,000 square foot expansion.

MONA Marketing Coordinator Gina Garden says it’s a milestone moment in a process that started when the museum closed in November 2021.

“First it was the hole and it was like, ‘oh my gosh it’s actually happening.’ Now it’s actually concrete, who knew concrete would be so exciting? We’re all down here really looking forward to it,” Garden said. “Once this is done, you’ll really be able to see things start to take shape.”

The former entrance to the museum is the former post office built in 1911. The museum is trying to preserve as much of the original marble and wood as possible while undertaking a total renovation. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, so the expansion section is required to look different. They’re going for a contemporary look.

“We will have artwork storage down there, much better space for us to actually deal with the artwork, art prep rooms, then we’ll have additional gallery space on the main level as well on the second floor,” Garden said.

Other features of the remodel will include a community studio, common areas, event space and additional gallery space that can hold much of the museum’s 5,000 permanent works.

“I think before when most people came in, they would always say, ‘I had no idea. We didn’t realize what you had here.’ I think that’s going to be tenfold now,” Garden said.

The project carries a $36.5 million price tag, including a $5 million endowment. Garden says the museum has raised about 80% of the construction goal. The expansion is slated to be finished by early or mid summer next year.

“We are going to be able to do so much more than what we could before,” Garden said. “We’re really looking forward to changing the perception of what an art museum is. We want people to come in and enjoy it. Whether you’re traveling through, whether you live here, you can always come in and see something different.”

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The grand opening of Imagine Art Center at its new location at 63 South Main St. was fabulous. City of Porterville dignitaries, people from community organizations, and community members all gathered to enjoy the fruits of the Imagine Art Center team’s well deserved labors.

It seemed like everyone from the community came and enjoyed looking at the artwork, meeting friends, and discussing the benefits of art and music in the community.

Kristy Martin, Porterville Chamber of Commerce CEO, spoke about the advantages of having Imagine Art Center in the community and presented Rebecca Ybarra, IAC CEO and Founder with a certificate, after which Porterville Mayor Martha A. Flores presented Ybarra with a certificate of recognition and congratulated her on the wonderful “creative space that will contribute to the vitality and economics of the community.”

Ybarra thanked everyone for being at the grand opening, and said she didn’t do all of this alone. For the last 12 years, a team of 12 or 15 have put in millions of hours of work, she said, but especially since January to work on the new space. “We’ve worked our tails off to convert this building.

“Thank you again for coming, and please help yourselves to the refreshments.”

Everyone involved in Imagine Art Center gathered for a photograph and the ribbon cutting ceremony, after which guests enjoyed working at the clay station, joined in community painting, or just enjoyed talking with friends or family. People could also enter the drawing that featured 3 prizes, which were a 2 person ceramic class, 2 tickets to the Mother’s Day Paint a Pot Event, and a basket of Imagine Art goodies.

The large studio space features a ceramic studio, room for watercolor and acrylic painting classes, and there are new classes being added monthly. 

Ceramics instructor Paul Zito demonstrated throwing a pot while guests watched, and children worked with clay at one of the tables.

Imagine Art Center also has an Art Gallery and guest artists.

There is also a presentation of 1 of 4 paintings by local artist Cesar Martinez, with subjects centering around the local community.

The painting will be shown at Imagine Art Center and will be up for auction at the end of the year, said Shayla Locke, Imagine Art Center’s Sales and Marketing Manager.

“Imagine hopes to make this a true space for the community. We invite artists and teachers to come speak and use the space if they are interested in holding classes,” Locke said.

Maria Roman, who’s on the IAC Board of Directors said, “I feel blessed to be part of the Imagine Board of Directors. I’ve known Rebecca Ybarra Reyes since she was a student of Porterville College. I was her academic counselor. I am extremely proud of her and seeing her vision come true. Rebecca and her team are dedicated to providing guidance to the community regarding art.”

“I’m so happy for the kids,” said Carolina Luci. “This is what the town needs. This new space works so well for everyone, and everyone can see what is being worked on. Art and music education makes for a well-rounded person.”

“This is a great place. Rebecca has been working at this for a long time. She’s put such a huge amount of effort into Imagine Art Center, and her involvement in the community is really wonderful,” said Richard Eckhoff.

Lydia Eaton said Imagine was one of her favorite places. Her teenage daughter, a cousin, and friend were all enjoying working with clay.

READING, Pa. – Reading Pride Celebration and GoggleWorks Center for the Arts are calling for artists for their first LGBTQ+ Art Showcase.

The exhibition, in celebration of LGBT Pride Month, will be held on the second floor at the Schmidt Gallery from June 7 through July 16, and is open to all local LGBTQ+ artists in different media.

Organizers say the showcase aims to promote and celebrate the artistic talents of the local LGBTQ+ community of Berks and surrounding counties and to create a platform for their voices to be heard. The exhibition is open to all forms of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and mixed media.

“We are excited to celebrate the diversity and creativity of the LGBTQ+ local artists,” said RPC Executive Director Enrique Castro Jr. “During the past two years, we’ve partnered with GoggleWorks to host the Pride Film Series at the Albert & Eunice Boscov Theatre. This year we wanted to open an opportunity for the community to know our LGBTQ+ artists and support their art.”

The deadline for submission is May 1st, and artists are encouraged to submit their applications online. 

“Art can have a significant impact on a community by providing representation, visibility, and empowerment,” said Jesse Futter, marketing director at GoggleWorks. “As part of the LGBTQ+ community, I personally have seen how important art can be to provide a safe space for expression. We are excited to welcome Reading Pride into our gallery and provide the artists the space to explore their identities, experiences, and perspectives.”

The exhibition is open to all levels of artists, from emerging to established. RPC’s Art Committee will select pieces. Selected artists will be notified by May 15 and will be required to deliver their artwork to GoggleWorks at 201 Washington St. in Reading.

Bound with colorful cushions and twine, draped in chains of spheres, or sprouting a single leaf from their head, the characters that originate in Frode Bolhuis’s Almere studio embody the Dutch artist’s playful imagination and desire for experimentation. Part of an ongoing sculpture project, the expressive cast is currently comprised of 117 miniature figures made primarily of polymer clay with wood, fiber, and metal additions, each of which has a distinctive personality.

Bolhuis (previously) began the project with the intention of creating a new work each day, although he shares that in order to refine the characters’ features and fashion their garments, he’s more likely to complete two per week. While much of his process remains the same as when he began the project in February 2022, the artist is currently branching into textile design in collaboration with the studio Byborre and a loom in his studio. He shares about the evolution of the collection:

I don’t know if they get better but they continually find new forms, forms I didn’t know of before I started. It’s like I’m getting to know myself through the sculptures. It’s a wonderful paradox that the set form, size, and discipline give so much freedom. It really feels as if I can continue this forever and continually develop. It’s magic.

If you’re in Philadelphia, you can see a few of the artist’s works later this year as part of Hi-Fructose’s group exhibition at Arch Enemy Arts. Otherwise, find more of the whimsical personas on Instagram.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Dressed in Soft Cushions and Bulbous Garb, Colorful Personas Emerge from Frode Bolhuis’ Daily Sculpture Project appeared first on Colossal.

The Jaunt, the residency program inviting artists to travel and create a single work based on their experiences, is turning ten this year, and a group exhibition at Hashimoto Contemporary highlights original works and prints from the archive by nearly half of those who’ve participated in the project. Launched by Jeroen Smeets in 2013, The Jaunt has collaborated with nearly 100 artists working with various aesthetic impulses and mediums—this includes Liz Flores (previously), Collin van der Sluijs (previously), Vhils (previously), and Lisa Congdon (previously), to name a few—all of whom have visited destinations around the world and translated their encounters into silkscreen prints.

The celebratory exhibition, titled A Decade of The Jaunt, will be on view from April 22 to May 13 in Los Angeles, and check out our interview with Smeets for insight into the ongoing project.

David Heo, “Read” (2023)

Matthew Craven, “Lil’ Bloom” (2023)

Alexandre Farto (aka Vhils), “Pictorial Series #19” (2023)

We Are Out of Office, “Next Left” (2023)

Left: Louis Reith, “Untitled” (2015). Right: Charlie Edminston

Cody Hudson, “Ignoring Relevant Information” (2022)

Left: Jean Jullien, “The Cruiser” (2023). Right: Cleon Peterson, “The Shadow” (2023)

Sebastian Curi, “Out of the Blue”

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article A Group Show Celebrates Ten Years of The Jaunt, the Travel Project Sending Artists Around the World appeared first on Colossal.

By Leila Ugincius

Sethe Howell found herself researching flora and fauna native to Virginia. But as an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University, she wasn’t looking to discover bioactive compounds or broaden the foundations of biological science. She was gathering references and inspirations for her illustrated horror novel.

Howell has been drawing ever since she was old enough to pick up a pencil. In VCU’s School of the Arts, the communication arts major had narrowed down her interest to illustration and concept art for books, video games and tabletop games. But she never thought research would be a part of her trajectory until taking assistant professor Christopher Irving’s crowdfunding class, where she was required to develop a product for a Kickstarter campaign.

As she mulled over ideas, Howell thought of her high school friend McKennly McLain, a Bennington College student with whom she always wanted to collaborate. And with all the financing, mentoring and encouragement they needed, Howell and McLain developed “Red Cairn: A book of cryptic monsters!”

The illustrated horror book features strange entities — ranging from sentient plant life to robots wearing roadkill — that are lurking about the titular town of Red Cairn in rural Virginia. It is presented in a field guide format, including background history, observation notes and follow-ups. Howell illustrated and designed the book, which McLain wrote.

“The ‘Red Cairn’ project was difficult with a capital D,” Howell said. “When one thinks of art projects, it’s easy to assume that the project is exclusively about creating the picture. That is not true. There are many, many more considerations one has to make, especially when trying to publish a project.”

These included social media outreach; researching real Virginia plants, animals and history; and gathering references and inspirations. In addition to making sure she and McLain were on the same page regarding their work, Howell had to reach out to editors and printing companies; make financial decisions regarding production, shipping and taxes; and update their Kickstarter page every week to keep their backers in the know.

“I can comfortably say that illustrating for ‘Red Cairn’ was only half of the work involved,” Howell said.

With guidance from her mentor Irving, who is no stranger to crowdfunding and all it takes from start to finish to publish a creation, Howell made her project come to life.

Here, student and mentor share thoughts on what they learned working together.

Sethe Howell

What attracted you to this project?

The idea for “Red Cairn” came about in Chris Irving’s Kickstarter class, particularly for a final project in which we had to come up with a product we wanted to get crowdfunded. As I brainstormed ideas, McKennly came to mind. McKennly and I have been great friends since high school, and we have wanted to combine our talents to create an illustrated novel for years. With mentorship from a Kickstarter expert and the potential for funding at stake, this was the perfect opportunity to do so. Chris then brought the UROP opportunity to my attention, and soon what started as a small-scale class assignment became an independent effort over the summer.

What did you get out of the experience?

As an undergraduate, receiving mentorship for big projects such as this is key to my growth as an artist. Once I’m out there, opportunities like this are going to be few and far between. Of course, I already have and will make mistakes — that’s unavoidable. However, a hugely important part of this research is that it has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and do things I’ve never done before: applying for a grant, producing a book and being featured in news articles, to name a few.

Putting oneself out there is scary. So seeing so much support for our creature feature that we’ve been working on for over a year, I cannot express how much it means to us.

I’ve grown so much from the experience. First and foremost, my art became a lot better in a short time with how much I was drawing — 10 finished illustrations for “Red Cairn” in the span of a little under three months, plus an extra for our biggest backer’s commission. Secondly, I’ve gotten much better at presenting my work and am less scared about using platforms such as Kickstarter to receive support or speaking to individuals who are interested in my project.

What’s one lesson you learned from Irving?

Chris Irving has been instrumental in the work behind “Red Cairn.” He’s made over 50 Kickstarter projects and offered his advice in creating our own — do’s and don’ts, what to avoid, how to use links and social media to get more eyes on our project, and more. He’s seen every step of “Red Cairn’s” creation and gave critiques on my drawings, title and layout designs, and McKennly’s writing. He also has a well-established network in the publishing field, which gave us extra opportunities when reaching out for support and to printing companies.

Christopher Irving

Why does this research matter?

Our students are alive at a time when they can fund their personal and creative projects through a platform like Kickstarter, and even produce them at a relatively low cost and in small numbers. I discovered how possible it was, for the first time, about 10 years ago. Showing our students just how attainable, and manageable, the entire process is this early on will prepare them to have control and production of their own creations as they embark on their own careers in content creation.

By empowering our students while they’re here with us now, it’ll help give them an edge later, when they go out and make their own names as individual creators. The vast scope and flexibility of the UROP fellowship allows students the ability to pursue projects and lines of study they couldn’t always find room for in the regular classroom.

How did Sethe help advance the project?

Sethe was in my crowdfunding class in Communication Arts when she first presented “Red Cairn” as a project to fund and create. My hope has always been for every student to walk out with an extra spring in their step when it comes to sharing their vision with others — and not needing anyone else’s permission for it.

In the case of a self-motivated student like Sethe, it’s giving her more tools at her disposal. The skills Sethe honed and learned in the process of creating “Red Cairn” will help in crafting the next project, and the one after that, and the one after that.

What’s one lesson you learned from Sethe?

I was instantly blown away with not only her vision but the effectiveness of her designs, as well as the sense of world-building both of them had already started. The first monster design was the old Victrola record player with spider legs, and I found it delightfully and fantastically repulsive, scary and perfect.

I am incredibly proud of all the hard work that went into “Red Cairn.” I’ve only seen a digital copy so far, and I anxiously await having the printed physical copy when the print run comes in. It’s going on my bookshelf along with “Dracula,” “Frankenstein” and “Coraline!”

CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) – Eleven members of the Eastern Michigan University gymnastics team have earned 2023 Academic All-MAC Team distinctions, the Mid-American Conference annouced today, April 21. 

The Academic All-MAC honor is for a student-athlete who has excelled in athletics and academics. To qualify, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport.

Leading the conference with 14 honorees is Northern Illinois University, followed by both Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan’s 11. Kent State and Western Michigan followed with 10 selections apiece while Bowling Green and Ball State took eight and six honors, respectively. 

The Eagles earning the honor this season are seniors Hadyn Crossen (Carmel, Ind.-Carmel), Hannah Hartung (Lincoln, Neb.-Lincoln East), Molly Parris (Hudson, Ohio-Hudson) and Mickayla Stuckey (Union City, Ind.-Indiana Connections Academy). Juniors Raisa Boris (Brooklyn Park, Minn.-Park Center), Anna Grace McCullough (Birmingham, Ala.-Briarwood Christian) and Sophia Rios (DeWitt, Mich.-DeWitt) were also tabbed to the team along with sophomores Cassie Bergin (Islip Terrace, N.Y.-East Islip), Ella Chemotti (Canton, Mich.-Canton), Alana Fisher (Athens, Ala.-Alabama Connections Academy) and Emma Lewis (Grand Rapids, Mich.-Forest Hills Central). 

To stay up-to-date on all things EMU Gymnastics, visit EMUEagles.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @EMUGym.

2022-23 MAC Gymnastics Academic All-MAC Team

Northern Illinois (14)
Alyssa Al-Ashari, Junior, Nursing, 3.90
Alana Anderson, Sophomore, Psychology, 3.73
Jenna Blair, Sophomore, Health Sciences/Pre-Physical Therapy, 3.54
Emma Brkljacic, Sophomore, Health Sciences, 3.65
Jacklyn Dolitsky, Senior, Physical Education, 3.93
Kendall George, Junior, Journalism, 3.97
Natalie Hamp, Senior, Kinesiology, 3.99
Olivia Lynd, Junior, Marketing, 3.97
Emmalise Nock, Sophomore, Chemistry-Biochemistry, 3.23
Ciara Ryan, Senior, Business Administration (Master’s), 3.93
Brookelyn Sears, Senior, Art Studio – Design & Media Arts, 3.68
Isabella Sissi, Sophomore, Marketing, 3.78
Ellery Werner, Sophomore, International Politics, 3.81
Isabelle West, Junior, Health Sciences/Pre-Physical Therapy, 3.96

Eastern Michigan (11)
Cassie Bergin, Sophomore, Biology, 3.71
Raisa Boris, Junior, Elem Ed Early Childhood Comp, 3.89
Ella Chemotti, Sophomore, Elem Early Child Teach & Learn, 3.99
Hadyn Crossen, Senior, Marketing, 3.94
Alana Fisher, Sophomore, Digital Media Production, 3.44
Hannah Hartung, Senior, Aviation Management Technology, 3.77
Emma Lewis, Sophomore, Exploratory, 3.8
Anna Grace McCullough, Junior, Exercise Science, 3.81
Molly Parris, Senior, Elem Ed Language Arts Comp, 3.94
Sophia Rios, Junior, Mechanical Engineering-Intent, 3.75
Mickayla Stuckey, Senior, Communication, 3.69

Central Michigan (11)
Luciana Alvarado-Reid, Freshman, 3.71
Hallie Hornbacher, R-Sophomore, 3.70
Elizabeth Cesarone, Junior, 3.65
Avah Bootz, Sophomore, 3.75
Audriana Hammond, Senior, 3.94
Hannah DeMers, Senior, 3.87
Ashley Veglucci, Senior, 3.92
Adriana Bustelo, 3.70
Aleysia Kolyvanova, Senior, 3.53
Lia Kmieciak, Sophomore, 3.91
Quinn Skrupa, Sophomore, 3.42

Kent State (10)
Olivia Amodei, Senior, Public Health, 3.855
Rachel DeCavitch, Senior, Communications, 3.601
Karlie Franz, Senior, Pyschology, 3.768
Kyndall Gilbert, Junior, Biological Sciences, 3.577
Alyssa Guns, Sophomore, Finance, 3.838
Sarah Haxton, Junior, Nursing, 3.642
Cami Klein, Graduate Student, Exercise Science, 3.955
Brynne Tsipis, Sophomore, Hospitality and Event Management, 3.867
Grace Wehry, Sophomore, Biotechnology, 3.815
Kennedy Weinpert, Junior, Exercise Sciences, 3.821
 
Western Michigan (10)
Ronnie Binstock, Senior, Sport Management, 3.75
Halle Faulkner, Sophomore, Exercise Science, 3.69
Amanda Gruber, Senior, Biomedical Sciences, 4.00
Sarah Moravansky, Junior, Biomedical Sciences, 3.74
Payton Murphy, Senior, Nursing, 3.98
Dani Petrousek, Junior, English, 3.37
Donnakathryn Roy, Senior, Sport Management, 3.97
Abby Singh, Sophomore, Biomedical Sciences, 3.87
Gigi Singh, Sophomore, Nursing, 3.68
Cassie St. Clair, Business, 3.66
 
Bowling Green (8)
Lauren Bannister, Jr., Health Science, 3.909
Lexi Bornhorn, So., Pre-Nursing, 3.894
Emily Castiglia, So., Sport Management, 3.860
Katelyn Goldstrom, Sr., Human Movement, Sport & Leisure Studies, 3.666
Lily Harsch, Sr., Exercise Science, 4.000
Taylor Jensen, Sr., Architecture/Environmental Design, 4.000
Katrina Mendez Abolnik, So., Marketing, 3.625
Dahlia Solorzano-Caruso, Sr., Interior Design, 3.882

Ball State (6)
Grace Evans, Junior, Biology, 3.509
Hannah Ruthberg, Junior, Business Administration, 3.971
Grace Sumner, Sophomore, Biology, 4.000
Megan Teter, Senior, Chemistry, 3.722
Lauren Volpe, Senior, Athletic Coaching Education, 4.000
Taylor Waldo, Senior, Business Administration, 3.541

CLEVELAND – Ten student-athletes from the Kent State gymnastics team have been named to the 2023 Academic All-Mid-American Conference team, the league announced Friday.

Kent State is one of four schools in the conference with double-digit honorees on the Academic All-MAC team. Western Michigan had the most student-athletes recognized with 14.

The Academic All-MAC honor is for a student-athlete who has excelled in athletics and academics.  To qualify, a student must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the regular season meets.  First-year students and junior college transfers in their first year of residence are not eligible for the award.  Outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments for the current season are only considered.

2022-23 MAC Gymnastics Academic All-MAC Team

Ball State
Grace Evans, Junior, Biology, 3.509
Hannah Ruthberg, Junior, Business Administration, 3.971
Grace Sumner, Sophomore, Biology, 4.000
Megan Teter, Senior, Chemistry, 3.722
Lauren Volpe, Senior, Athletic Coaching Education, 4.000 
Taylor Waldo, Senior, Business Administration, 3.541
 
Bowling Green
Lauren Bannister, Jr., Health Science, 3.909
Lexi Bornhorn, So., Pre-Nursing, 3.894
Emily Castiglia, So., Sport Management, 3.860
Katelyn Goldstrom, Sr., Human Movement, Sport & Leisure Studies, 3.666
Lily Harsch, Sr., Exercise Science, 4.000
Taylor Jensen, Sr., Architecture/Environmental Design, 4.000
Katrina Mendez Abolnik, So., Marketing, 3.625
Dahlia Solorzano-Caruso, Sr., Interior Design, 3.882
 
Central Michigan
Luciana Alvarado-Reid, Freshman, 3.71
Hallie Hornbacher, R-Sophomore, 3.70
Elizabeth Cesarone, Junior, 3.65
Avah Bootz, Sophomore, 3.75
Audriana Hammond, Senior, 3.94
Hannah DeMers, Senior, 3.87
Ashley Veglucci, Senior, 3.92
Adriana Bustelo, 3.70
Aleysia Kolyvanova, Senior, 3.53
Lia Kmieciak, Sophomore, 3.91
Quinn Skrupa, Sophomore, 3.42
 
Eastern Michigan
Cassie Bergin, Sophomore, Biology, 3.71
Raisa Boris, Junior, Elem Ed Early Childhood Comp, 3.89
Ella Chemotti, Sophomore, Elem Early Child Teach & Learn, 3.99
Hadyn Crossen, Senior, Marketing, 3.94
Alana Fisher, Sophomore, Digital Media Production, 3.44
Hannah Hartung, Senior, Aviation Management Technology, 3.77
Emma Lewis, Sophomore, Exploratory, 3.8
Anna Grace McCullough, Junior, Exercise Science, 3.81
Molly Parris, Senior, Elem Ed Language Arts Comp, 3.94
Sophia Rios, Junior, Mechanical Engineering-Intent, 3.75
Mickayla Stuckey, Senior, Communication, 3.69

Kent State
Olivia Amodei, Senior, Public Health, 3.855
Rachel DeCavitch, Senior, Communications, 3.601
Karlie Franz, Senior, Pyschology, 3.768
Kyndall Gilbert, Junior, Biological Sciences, 3.577
Alyssa Guns, Sophomore, Finance, 3.838
Sarah Haxton, Junior, Nursing, 3.642
Cami Klein, Graduate Student, Exercise Science, 3.955
Brynne Tsipis, Sophomore, Hospitality and Event Management, 3.867 
Grace Wehry, Sophomore, Biotechnology, 3.815
Kennedy Weinpert, Junior, Exercise Sciences, 3.821 
 
Northern Illinois
Alyssa Al-Ashari, Junior, Nursing, 3.90
Alana Anderson, Sophomore, Psychology, 3.73
Jenna Blair, Sophomore, Health Sciences/Pre-Physical Therapy, 3.54
Emma Brkljacic, Sophomore, Health Sciences, 3.65
Jacklyn Dolitsky, Senior, Physical Education, 3.93
Kendall George, Junior, Journalism, 3.97
Natalie Hamp, Senior, Kinesiology, 3.99
Olivia Lynd, Junior, Marketing, 3.97
Emmalise Nock, Sophomore, Chemistry-Biochemistry, 3.23
Ciara Ryan, Senior, Business Administration (Master’s), 3.93
Brookelyn Sears, Senior, Art Studio – Design & Media Arts, 3.68
Isabella Sissi, Sophomore, Marketing, 3.78
Ellery Werner, Sophomore, International Politics, 3.81
Isabelle West, Junior, Health Sciences/Pre-Physical Therapy, 3.96
 
Western Michigan
Ronnie Binstock, Senior, Sport Management, 3.75
Halle Faulkner, Sophomore, Exercise Science, 3.69 
Amanda Gruber, Senior, Biomedical Sciences, 4.00 
Sarah Moravansky, Junior, Biomedical Sciences, 3.74 
Payton Murphy, Senior, Nursing, 3.98 
Dani Petrousek, Junior, English, 3.37
Donnakathryn Roy, Senior, Sport Management, 3.97 
Abby Singh, Sophomore, Biomedical Sciences, 3.87 
Gigi Singh, Sophomore, Nursing, 3.68
Cassie St. Clair, Business, 3.66

FOLLOW THE FLASHES

For more information on the Kent State gymnastics team, follow Kent State Gymnastics on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and visit kentstatesports.com for additional information.

In entertainment marketing, give and take is an effective strategy that gets customers interested in businesses through free offers and bonuses. Being part of a wider online economy, consumers across the world are exposed to these marketing tactics and benefit from them.

Here are more details about the art of give and take, how it works, and why it’s so effective in today’s competitive internet.

Good Faith Offers

When a business has something to offer, marketing becomes the next great challenge. With so many businesses on the internet nowadays, it’s hard for companies to stand out and gather a customer base.

Sometimes, a product can sell itself. You see this with businesses of all sizes, even larger ones like Amazon that offer free Prime memberships and the benefits that come with that. In other sectors, like iGaming, these offers repeat as seen with daily free spins with bonus rounds for many online casinos. This creates a try-before-you-buy experience where those that want to can stick around or come back for free spins later. Either way, the business projects its brand to more people than it would have in the past.

These kinds of offers existed before the Internet, but now, with so many products and services being wholly digital, it costs nothing to offer free samples. There isn’t any stock or product lost like there would be if a supermarket offered you a free product. This helps a business’s bottom line, which can also free them to reward consumers even further through giveaways, lotteries, and other competitions. It’s the surest way to market an online business, especially digital services.

Why Give And Take Works

So why does it work? At its core, it’s a transaction. The business is showing that they respect your time, so they are willing to give you something for free if it means you spend more time with them, with no guarantee that they get your money. They are giving you something so you give them a chance of impressing you.

While it is a good faith offer that most businesses will make good on, it’s still a transaction like any other sale and can prime them for future transactions. Just because money isn’t changing hands, that doesn’t mean something isn’t being traded when a customer takes up a marketing offer.

The best brands that use these tactics need to be good at them, especially if there is a cost to offering free goods. If they didn’t get results, they’d go out of business fast. When done right, give and take is a high-risk, high-reward marketing strategy that quickly offsets any costs when it does work.

Businesses Need To Stand Out

The internet levelled out the playing field. While big brands still dominate, a smaller business with great SEO or a viral marketing campaign can beat them at their own game. However, it levelled out that playing field by expanding it, so customers are faced with an endless choice of who to do business with. It’s more competitive than ever, so businesses need to stand out.

We are close to 2 billion websites online in total, with an estimated 550,000 going online every day. Not all of those are businesses but not all of them are personal blogs either. For marketers jumping into a rapidly expanding online world, the strategy is simple – find as many customers as possible and get them on board with generous offers that beat the competitor sites.

Festival of Making Community Interest Company is expanding its core team following a successful period of organisational development and fundraising. As a new Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, we now have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Marketing and Audience Development Manager to join our small and dynamic team. 

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Marketing and Audience Development Manager to further develop the company’s brand identity, engagement and publicity activities with the aim of making our programme and annual festival more accessible to more diverse participants and audiences. Within the role you will support the organisation in robust reporting procedures, monitoring who participants and audiences are and their experiences of engaging with us.

By joining Festival of Making CIC, you will be part of a team creating opportunities for tens of thousands of people to take part in high quality artistic and making experiences that engage the cultural industries with the industrial sector and regional communities. You will provide an integral role within the Festival Team, working closely internally with the Social Media, Digital & Marketing Coordinator, Producing Team and Directors and externally with partners and stakeholders to strategically develop our reach across existing and potential audiences. You will have experience of developing and implementing strategies and analysing what success looks like, along with an eagerness to have a hands-on approach to delivering campaigns and communications across the organisation’s activities. 

ABOUT US 

We are a Community Interest Company based in Blackburn with a satellite office in Morecambe, Lancashire. We deliver a portfolio of work including The National Festival of Making annual weekend; Artistic Commissions including the Art in Manufacturing Residency Programme; year round cultural projects and creative education work. 

Our core aim is to create a unique celebration of UK making, from the kitchen table to the factory floor – with artists and makers at the centre of the vision. We deliver a programme that combines Art, Manufacturing, Making and Communities – commissioning national and international artists to create original works, a participatory festival and a programme of events that engage local audiences, culture seeking visitors and industry professionals.

Collaboration and partnership building is at the heart of the organisation and supports our aim to create diverse and multi-generational programming embedded in the communities we work. We demonstrate how ‘Making’ can have positive effects on community cohesion, health & wellbeing and employability. 

In 2022, the National Festival of Making weekend returned to Blackburn after a 2 year hiatus with over 50 exhibitions, performances, workshops, talks and markets across 22 locations in the town centre attracting 30,000 people. Alongside the annual festival, we are committed to working year-round to deliver projects, commissions and an education programme, with a new business plan that sees this work expanding over the next 3 – 5 years.

BACKGROUND  

The company was launched in 2016 after a period of Research & Development and partnership building. Since then, the organisation has become embedded in Blackburn and the wider regions’ cultural community whilst attracting national artists, audiences and significant media profiles. The organisation has recently secured Arts Council England National Portfolio Status, allowing us to work more strategically year round to deliver against the Arts Council England Investment Principles, alongside increasing the ambition and scale of our work and the number of people who support us to make this happen.

WEBSITE

www.festivalofmaking.co.uk
www.artinmanufacturing.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram: @thefestivalofmaking
Facebook: @festofmaking
Twitter: @festofmaking

ABOUT THE ROLE AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Job Title: Marketing and Audience Development Manager
Employer: Festival of Making CIC (Also known as The National Festival of Making)
Responsible to: Director
Key Working Relationships: Digital and Marketing Coordinator, Producing Teams, Directors, Freelancers / suppliers including Designers, Distributors and PR Agency.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part time – 22.5 hours per week
Time Off In Lieu (TOIL): as per company policy and statutory sick pay entitlement. 
Holiday Entitlement: 23 days per annum, plus Bank Holidays – pro rata
Notice Period: Two months
Probationary Period: Six months
Salary Range: £30,000 to £32,000 Pro Rata (depending on experience).
Pension: Pension Scheme, Employer contributions 3% gross salary
Location: Flexible working with an office base in Blackburn and a satellite office in Morecambe, Lancashire. Due to the fast paced nature of our business, being in the same space on a regular basis, and interacting across the different parts of the company, means that the team is actively engaged in the work we are delivering. For that reason, we encourage a hybrid of office and home working as the norm. 
References: All offers of employment are subject to receipt of satisfactory references and DBS check

Application Deadline: Wednesday 10th May 2023 at 12 noon
Interviews: Monday 15th May 2023 (by Zoom)
Start Date: As soon as possible depending on availability / notice period

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit the following as either Word or PDF documents. If you would prefer to submit in an alternative format, contact recruitment@festivalofmaking.co.uk to discuss how we can support this.

1. CV – 2 sides A4 max
2. Completed Diversity Monitoring Form – this should be completed online through this link Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form. This is so it is filed separately from your application and can’t be linked. This information is provided and stored anonymously and separately to your application. It allows us to understand and report to our funders about who is applying to our jobs.
3. Covering letter (2 sides A4 max) outlining how you meet the criteria in the Job Description and Personal Specification, with examples from your previous work.
4. Details of two professional referees with current knowledge of your experience and abilities – these will not be contacted until after you have been successful and accepted a job offer.

Please send the above to recruitment@festivalofmaking.co.uk marked in the subject line with the job title you are applying for.

Please contact the above email address if you would like to discuss this opportunity with one of our team.

MARKETING AND AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Main objectives

• Develop and implement strategic marketing plans that address the CIC’s audience development aims and ambitions 
• To oversee and manage the delivery of successful promotional campaigns inclusive of print & digital marketing, and PR to support the promotion of the CIC’s Festival and wider programme
• To help meet the artistic and business objectives set out in the company’s Activity Plan through audience and stakeholder development
• Be responsible for the reporting and monitoring of audiences with a long term approach to ensure we are reaching and engaging people who fully represent the diversity of the UK as a whole
• Work closely with the Directors and Board in developing new business opportunities, stakeholder relationships and communities; while maintaining existing ones. Also working with the company’s Creative Team on wider engagement of stakeholders with projects

KEY DUTIES

Strategy

• To take responsibility in planning, managing and implementing marketing strategies with an overarching aim to effectively meet current, and developing audience segments, participation and Creative Case for Diversity targets
• Create new strategies and delivery plans to continue to engage existing; and identify new hyperlocal, regional and national audiences we are not yet reaching 
• To take responsibility for delivering marketing and audience development against the goals identified within the Festival of Making CIC’s funding agreement as an Arts Council England National Portfolio funded organisation
• Create systems and procedures to effectively monitor progress in relation to the Audience Development Plan, reporting to Directors and Board Members along with producing mandatory reporting for our funders such as the Arts Council England Annual Return and the quarterly reporting requirements of Arts Council England and other funders
• Use available Toolkits to develop robust Evaluation Systems with the Creative and Producing Teams to ensure we are capturing relevant data to learn about our participants and audiences, who they are, their feedback of experience and how we can develop our programmes and engagement with them going forward
• Work closely, where relevant, with external consultants with specialisms in evaluation strategy and data collection
• Provide relevant and comprehensive reports including data analysis to be reported to the Festival of Making Board of Directors
• Be involved in policy development where appropriate

Delivery

• To work alongside our Creative Team and Digital & Marketing Coordinator to deliver a creative and co-ordinated approach to targeting audiences and participants that are currently underserved in our sector and reach those who more widely seek out cultural experiences
• Develop mechanisms to connect and promote the breadth of our work within community settings, that complement our community and education work
• Communicate with the communities we want to build relationships with, working alongside our partners including but not limited to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Educators, Community Groups, Private and Third Sector organisations to gain audience feedback, consulting them on messaging, tactic and design to continually refine and improve our marketing campaigns
• To help maintain and develop the National Festival of Making brand across all marketing channels both on and offline, and ensure that all standard information is accurate and up-to-date
• As the programme expands, develop the brand identity to successfully market the work we do and projects we deliver
• To work closely with the Social Media, Digital and Marketing Coordinator and Producers to develop and deliver rich engaging digital content that is audience and channel focused to accompany predetermined strategic marketing plans specific to our audiences
• To work collaboratively with the Social Media, Digital and Marketing Coordinator, including setting objectives, targets and priorities and coordinate workload allocation

Marketing Management

• Develop, implement and monitor marketing activity timeline
• Oversee ordering of promotional print across flyers, banners etc, with a keen eye for ensuring environmental sustainability 
• Develop and oversee marketing campaigns for Open Call and Job opportunities, ensuring opportunities are featured within most effective listings and reaching a wide range of people

Design Management

• Work collaboratively with the Directors and Producing Team to brief and manage media and creative agencies, and our external design agency, to create compelling campaign messaging and visual identities to attract our target audiences and segments
• With the support of the Marketing & Digital Coordinator and wider team, lead on the compilation of Festival programmes from design brief to print delivery and digital release
• Lead development of design briefs across Festival of Making CIC online and print marketing 

PR Management

• Manage and monitor marketing, PR and advertising budgets 
• Work with external PR and internal team to create and facilitate PR activity

Partnerships and Stakeholders

• Develop partnerships that will maximise our brand and audience ambitions
• Build and maintain new and existing sector partnerships in support of cross-sector promotion, including but not limited to industrial partnerships connected to the Festival’s Art in Manufacturing residency partners
• Connect to, and maintain partnerships with regional place and marketing campaigns that support the goals of Festival of Making CIC, and where the Festival of Making CIC can inform strategic growth
• Working within the framework of the EDI Policy, build external community partnerships to enhance diverse engagement and ensure marketing material is responsive to the diverse audiences the organisation serves, with a willingness and interest in developing new marketing tools to best encourage wider participation

General

• Working with the Finance Manager and Social Media, Digital and Marketing Coordinator to control spending and adjust budgets and re-forecast as appropriate
• Writing, editing and proofreading promotional copy for print and online platforms
• Maintain a working knowledge of Festival of Making CIC’s policies with particular focus on upholding and integrating the EDI Policy
• Ensure FoM CIC policies as outlined in the Staff Handbook are reflected in all aspects of your work where appropriate and relevant
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the status of the role and in keeping with its overall purpose
• Attend training where required and relevant
• All team members will act as advocates for the Festival of Making CIC, championing the organisation’s work within the wider cultural industries and other sectors

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Experience of strategic marketing and audience development ideally in an arts context
• Experience managing marketing budgets along with target setting
• Significant copywriting experience and ability to demonstrate tone of voice across programmes
• Excellent writing and editing skills for both internal and external communications
• Ability to write and contribute to evaluation reports and case studies for funders 
• Knowledge and experience of analytics, participant and audience surveys and analysis to determine strategy development
• Experience of analysing data and compiling reports
• Commitment to championing representation and inclusion at every level of the organisation with a proven ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Excellent communication and networking skills
• Up to date knowledge of all Microsoft Office Applications and Google Drive shared document working
• A strong collaborator and team player
• Open to new ideas and new ways of working
• Experience managing relationships with communities, external agencies and suppliers

Desirable

• Interest and knowledge in the arts, culture, festival and making industries
• Knowledge of, or ability to develop understanding of Lancashire and the North’s cultural sector
• A commitment to sustainability and understanding of the climate change agenda
• Enthusiasm for training, mentoring and support of emerging talent
• Knowledge of, or ability to develop understanding of, Arts Council England’s Creative Case for Diversity

PLEASE NOTE

This job description reflects the requirements of the Festival of Making CIC in April 2023. The CIC reserves the right to make such changes as are necessary after any changes required have been discussed with the post-holder.

FURTHER DETAILS & APPLICATION GUIDANCE 

We are keen for applicants to have a passion for arts and culture and have worked in either the arts or a charitable, not for profit or third sector organisation previously.

We are committed to the Arts Council England’s Creative Case for Diversity and recognise the inequalities within the sector. Festival of Making CIC recognises how diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who reflect the diverse nature of the local communities we serve, particularly in Blackburn, Lancashire and who are likely to be underrepresented in our workforce. These include people from Black, South Asian and global majority ethnic backgrounds, people living with a disability and people who identify as LGBTQI+. 

If you require any access support during the application process or if selected for an interview related to this role, or require further information (including access support), please contact recruitment@festivalofmaking.co.uk

Appointments are for an initial 6 months probationary period before any contract is made permanent.

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