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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Yes, thank you, indeed, Veronica, for taking such
careful notes. And for doing the work of organizing them so
coherently.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>One direct result of the meeting -- and an
apparently successful one -- is this very list-serve we are communicating on.
I've received a number of worthwhile notices, and so far we haven't fallen into
any argumentation. That's great.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Here's my question: Do folks want to continue these
"conversations"? If so, should they be organized around a theme, or should we
just go around the room again and see what the consensus topic happens to be
that night?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'd be happy to take a hand in pulling together the
next conversation, assuming someone would share the load. We would need a place
to hold it. (The mill was a great space, but I don't live there, so I can't very
well volunteer it.) And really, that's about all.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>My impulse is not to demand too much formal
organizing of people in order to make this happen. The Open Studio planning has
just begun (thank you, Sharon), and that might be a more important recipient of
people's organizing energy. But getting together to talk? That should be easy,
and we can see where it goes from there.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I don't want to speak for other people, so if
people have other suggestions about what to do about our conversations --
including dump them -- let's all put our ideas out there and see what takes hold
of people's imagination.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ed</FONT></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=jane.video@gmail.com href="mailto:jane.video@gmail.com">Jane
Hudson</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A
title=forum@berkshirevisualarts.org
href="mailto:forum@berkshirevisualarts.org">FORUM</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, March 05, 2007 3:03
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> [Forum] Meeting Notes</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>Veronica Bosley kindly provided these comprehensive notes from
the January meeting. There is a lot of content for further discussion.
<DIV>Thanks Veronica!!</DIV>
<DIV><BR class=khtml-block-placeholder></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN><FONT class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN
class=Apple-style-span style="FONT-SIZE: 21px">Meeting notes: submitted by
Veronica Bosley</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>�<O:P></O:P></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Recap of January Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
meeting abut Artists and Arts Community in the Berkshires</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>�<O:P></O:P></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN><FONT class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN
class=Apple-style-span style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">Intros/those in attendance at
meeting and associated occupations & organizations (please excuse any
misspellings):</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>�<O:P></O:P></DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Jonathan Secor: Director of Special Programs at
MCLA</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Dan Field: Artist, Owner of Widgitz</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Noman Thomas: Painter</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Howard Cruse: Cartoonist/Teacher</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Jason Morin: Digital Artist, owner of �</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Kurt Kolok: Owner, Kolok Gallery</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Josh Field: Artist/Graphic Designer</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Mia Singer: Artist</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Zhee Singer: Artist</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Gail Burns: Writer, Theatre Critic (<A
href="http://www.gailsez.com/">www.gailsez.com</A>)</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Mark Mulherrin: Artist, Teacher, Writer for
iBerkshires</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Sally Sussman: Visual Artist, Teacher</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Leanne Jewett: Writer, Business Owner</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Brian Jewett: Artist</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Sharon Carson: Painter</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Karen Kane: Painter, Writer</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Dianne Sullivan: Artist, Teacher</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Dot Rasbird: Business owner, Teacher, Artist</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>John Sherman: Designer, Theater</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Rachel Porter: Ceramicist, Teacher, SVC Coordinator</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Greg Scheckler: Artist, MCLA Professor</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Sandra Thomas: Director of Images Cinema, Willinet,
Cultural Council</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Debbie Pendell, painter, printmaker</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Barry Goldstein: Photographer, Teacher</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Glen Shalan: Owner of Stained Glass Studio, MASS MoCA
volunteer, Cultural Council, Music Community</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Susan Groves: Berkshire Community College � Visual Arts
and Film</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Ed Sedarbaum: NBCC, politics, community organizer</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>John Leary: ?</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Veronica Bosley: Program Coordinator, Berkshire Cultural
Resource Center, MASS MoCA tour guide, Conference Coordinator at Williams
College</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Jane Hudson: Video Atist, Photographer, Teacher, Open
Studios Organizer</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Charles Bonenti, Arts Editor/Critic for Berkshire
Eagle</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Rob Cubie_____: Artist</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Rebecca DeWitt: Director of Northern Berkshire Community
Arts</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Hezzie Phillips: Director, Contemporary Artists
Center</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>John ____: Artist</DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal>Martha Rose, artists____: </DIV>
<DIV class=MsoNormal><SPAN><FONT class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN
class=Apple-style-span style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">Some of the issues of interest
raised during the introductions:</SPAN></FONT></SPAN><O:P></O:P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">How artists and the arts
community can work with the traditions and lifestyles of the already standing
general community in order to integrate ourselves?</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">If we have reached some kind of
critical mass (which most of us think we have) how can we make the Northern
Berkshires an arts destination instead of a community made up of individual
studios, galleries, etc.?</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">The arts community needs to
come up with a �business plan� with very specific goals and methods to reach
those goals in order for any of our ideas to go forward. How can we identify
certain goals and areas of interest and then effectively implement those
ideas?</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">How can we use local media
(t.v., radio, internet) to further our causes/spread word of our events?</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Is the current artist community
of the Northern Berkshires like new immigrants, with separate living areas,
separate culture, separate identity from that of the rest of the
community?</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">Thoughts on geography of the Berkshires in relation to
arts community:</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">�</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Traditionally the Berkshires
have been isolated from major cities, etc. Now that is changing due to
innovations in technology and communications so that artists can make a living
through internet sales/publicity. It makes it possible for a artists to
support themselves outside of major urban centers.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">Role of technology in relation to arts
community:</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">�</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">There was an overall consensus
that technology is now a major part of the arts economy and most artists
lives. </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Jason Morin will be designing
this year�s Open Studios webpage</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Kurt Kolok is currently writing
a blog featured on the webpage of the Kolok Gallery, and proposed that we get
a list of all arts-related blogs and get them together in one place. </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Ed Sedarbaum offered to send
rounds of e-mails where we can get a comprehensive list of people�s websites
who are involved with the local creative community</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">The local access stations will
soon have the technology to have streaming video and videos on download.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">�</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">�</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">Politics:</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Some people want to organize
the arts community around particular agendas or issues, as the community has
enough members to hold a significant amount of votes in the area</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Sandra Thomas from Images said
that she wants to organize groups of artists to go to the North Adams City
Council meetings. </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">People commented that in order
to be successful in politics or have political influence in the area artists
need to become more involved with community activities, events, politics � we
can not just decide to run for a position and win if we are not part of the
rest of the community</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Artists need to come together
and organize for a successful political campaign or to hold political power in
the area.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">People also noted that we need
to look at the context of the area�s politics � do city council members have
any political sway? How likely is it artists can break into the political
world, etc? Do we have any influence with city council members?</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">It was stated that we need to
actively support those in politics who are supporting us. People like Dan
Bosley or Ben Downing, who are supporters of many arts programs and
initiatives.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Maybe we should invite local
officials like Megan Whilden, from the Mayor�s Office in Pittsfield or other
local officials (especially those involved with arts and tourist industries)
to our meetings.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">It was concluded that the arts
community needs to become involved with the local community, we need to get
people with connections in various local institutions, etc.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">MASS MoCA:</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">People mentioned that the arts
community is paternalistic, and MASS MoCA is the type of world-class arts
institution that should be having a �trickle-down� effect.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">It was suggested that MASS MoCA
should be more supportive of local artists by having a gallery or some sort of
space dedicated to the exhibition of local artwork.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">There seemed to be a general
consensus that MASS MoCA could be doing more to support the local arts
community and the creative economy � particularly in relation to smaller
non-profits and individual artists.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Some people suggested that we
should entirely forget about MASS MoCA and try to operate autonomously, and
others argued that this is impossible, as the arts community is located here
because of MASS MoCA and other similar, large institutions.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">How artists can become more connected (public forums
and physical locations):</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">ArtStart (<A
href="http://www.berkshireartstart.org/">www.berkshireartstart.org</A>) Offers
open forum for artists, announcements, arts calendars</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�Drinking Liberally� � North
Adams Chapter (<A
href="http://www.drinkingliberally.org/">www.drinkingliberally.org</A>), a
place to get together and talk politics over a few drinks.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Going to local bars or other
public spaces that the rest of the community frequents ie: Freightyard
Pub.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Organizing �mixers� where arts
community can get to know one another � Jonathan Secor offered Gallery 51 as a
site for one of these gatherings. The gallery also has openings the last
Thursday of every month.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Ed Sedarbaum mentioned a
monthly �Second-Sunday Potluck for the Creatively Afflicted� -- he will invite
everyone on the artist list-serve.<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">�</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN><FONT
class=Apple-style-span size=6><SPAN class=Apple-style-span
style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">Misc:</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">Howard Cruse is going to start
a Zine called the �North County Perk� and will be looking for cartooning,
writing, etc. You can get info on this at <A
href="http://www.howardcruse.com/">www.howardcruse.com</A> , and Howard�s
e-mail address is on there as well.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<O:P></O:P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt">�<SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P>
<HR>
<P></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="tab-stops: 327.75pt"><SPAN></SPAN><O:P></O:P></P>
<DIV><BR>
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class=Apple-interchange-newline></SPAN></DIV><BR></DIV>
<P>
<HR>
<P></P>Veronica Bosley kindly provided these comprehensive notes from
the <BR>January meeting. There is a lot of content for further
discussion.<BR>Thanks Veronica!!<BR><BR>Meeting notes: submitted by Veronica
Bosley<BR><BR>Recap of January Northern Berkshire Community Coalition meeting
abut <BR>Artists and Arts Community in the
Berkshires<BR><BR>Intros/those in attendance at meeting and associated
occupations & <BR>organizations (please excuse any
misspellings):<BR><BR>Jonathan Secor: Director of Special Programs at
MCLA<BR>Dan Field: Artist, Owner of Widgitz<BR>Noman Thomas: Painter<BR>Howard
Cruse: Cartoonist/Teacher<BR>Jason Morin: Digital Artist, owner of …<BR>Kurt
Kolok: Owner, Kolok Gallery<BR>Josh Field: Artist/Graphic Designer<BR>Mia
Singer: Artist<BR>Zhee Singer: Artist<BR>Gail Burns: Writer, Theatre Critic
(www.gailsez.com)<BR>Mark Mulherrin: Artist, Teacher, Writer for
iBerkshires<BR>Sally Sussman: Visual Artist, Teacher<BR>Leanne Jewett: Writer,
Business Owner<BR>Brian Jewett: Artist<BR>Sharon Carson: Painter<BR>Karen
Kane: Painter, Writer<BR>Dianne Sullivan: Artist, Teacher<BR>Dot Rasbird:
Business owner, Teacher, Artist<BR>John Sherman: Designer, Theater<BR>Rachel
Porter: Ceramicist, Teacher, SVC Coordinator<BR>Greg Scheckler: Artist, MCLA
Professor<BR>Sandra Thomas: Director of Images Cinema, Willinet, Cultural
Council<BR>Debbie Pendell, painter, printmaker<BR>Barry Goldstein:
Photographer, Teacher<BR>Glen Shalan: Owner of Stained Glass Studio, MASS MoCA
volunteer, <BR>Cultural Council, Music Community<BR>Susan Groves:
Berkshire Community College – Visual Arts and Film<BR>Ed Sedarbaum: NBCC,
politics, community organizer<BR>John Leary: ?<BR>Veronica Bosley: Program
Coordinator, Berkshire Cultural Resource <BR>Center, MASS MoCA tour
guide, Conference Coordinator at Williams College<BR>Jane Hudson: Video Atist,
Photographer, Teacher, Open Studios Organizer<BR>Charles Bonenti, Arts
Editor/Critic for Berkshire Eagle<BR>Rob Cubie_____: Artist<BR>Rebecca DeWitt:
Director of Northern Berkshire Community Arts<BR>Hezzie Phillips: Director,
Contemporary Artists Center<BR>John ____: Artist<BR>Martha Rose,
artists____:<BR>Some of the issues of interest raised during the
introductions:<BR><BR><BR>How artists and the arts community can work with the
traditions and <BR>lifestyles of the already standing general community
in order to <BR>integrate ourselves?<BR><BR><BR><BR>If we have reached
some kind of critical mass (which most of us think <BR>we have) how can
we make the Northern Berkshires an arts destination <BR>instead of a
community made up of individual studios, galleries, etc.?<BR><BR><BR><BR>The
arts community needs to come up with a “business plan” with <BR>very
specific goals and methods to reach those goals in order for any <BR>of
our ideas to go forward. How can we identify certain goals and <BR>areas
of interest and then effectively implement those ideas?<BR><BR><BR><BR>How can
we use local media (t.v., radio, internet) to further our
<BR>causes/spread word of our events?<BR><BR><BR><BR>Is the current artist
community of the Northern Berkshires like new <BR>immigrants, with
separate living areas, separate culture, separate <BR>identity from that
of the rest of the community?<BR><BR><BR><BR>Thoughts on geography of the
Berkshires in relation to arts community:<BR><BR><BR><BR>Traditionally the
Berkshires have been isolated from major cities, <BR>etc. Now that is
changing due to innovations in technology and <BR>communications so that
artists can make a living through internet <BR>sales/publicity. It makes
it possible for a artists to support <BR>themselves outside of major
urban centers.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Role of technology in relation to arts
community:<BR><BR><BR><BR>There was an overall consensus that technology is
now a major part of <BR>the arts economy and most artists
lives.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Jason Morin will be designing this year’s Open Studios
webpage<BR><BR><BR><BR>Kurt Kolok is currently writing a blog featured on the
webpage of the <BR>Kolok Gallery, and proposed that we get a list of all
arts-related <BR>blogs and get them together in one
place.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Ed Sedarbaum offered to send rounds of e-mails where we
can get a <BR>comprehensive list of people’s websites who are involved
with the <BR>local creative community<BR><BR><BR><BR>The local access
stations will soon have the technology to have <BR>streaming video and
videos on
download.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>Politics:<BR><BR><BR><BR>Some people
want to organize the arts community around particular <BR>agendas or
issues, as the community has enough members to hold a <BR>significant
amount of votes in the area<BR><BR><BR><BR>Sandra Thomas from Images said that
she wants to organize groups of <BR>artists to go to the North Adams
City Council meetings.<BR><BR><BR><BR>People commented that in order to be
successful in politics or have <BR>political influence in the area
artists need to become more involved <BR>with community activities,
events, politics – we can not just decide <BR>to run for a position and
win if we are not part of the rest of the
<BR>community<BR><BR><BR><BR>Artists need to come together and organize for a
successful political <BR>campaign or to hold political power in the
area.<BR><BR><BR><BR>People also noted that we need to look at the context of
the area’s <BR>politics – do city council members have any political
sway? How <BR>likely is it artists can break into the political world,
etc? Do we <BR>have any influence with city council
members?<BR><BR><BR><BR>It was stated that we need to actively support those
in politics who <BR>are supporting us. People like Dan Bosley or Ben
Downing, who are <BR>supporters of many arts programs and
initiatives.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Maybe we should invite local officials like Megan
Whilden, from the <BR>Mayor’s Office in Pittsfield or other local
officials (especially <BR>those involved with arts and tourist
industries) to our meetings.<BR><BR><BR><BR>It was concluded that the arts
community needs to become involved <BR>with the local community, we need
to get people with connections in <BR>various local institutions,
etc.<BR><BR><BR><BR>MASS MoCA:<BR><BR><BR><BR>People mentioned that the arts
community is paternalistic, and MASS <BR>MoCA is the type of world-class
arts institution that should be <BR>having a “trickle-down”
effect.<BR><BR><BR><BR>It was suggested that MASS MoCA should be more
supportive of local <BR>artists by having a gallery or some sort of
space dedicated to the <BR>exhibition of local
artwork.<BR><BR><BR><BR>There seemed to be a general consensus that MASS MoCA
could be doing <BR>more to support the local arts community and the
creative economy – <BR>particularly in relation to smaller non-profits
and individual artists.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Some people suggested that we should
entirely forget about MASS MoCA <BR>and try to operate autonomously, and
others argued that this is <BR>impossible, as the arts community is
located here because of MASS <BR>MoCA and other similar, large
institutions.<BR><BR><BR><BR>How artists can become more connected (public
forums and physical <BR>locations):<BR><BR><BR><BR>ArtStart
(www.berkshireartstart.org) Offers open forum for artists,
<BR>announcements, arts calendars<BR><BR><BR><BR>“Drinking Liberally” – North
Adams Chapter <BR>(www.drinkingliberally.org), a place to get together
and talk <BR>politics over a few drinks.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Going to local
bars or other public spaces that the rest of the <BR>community frequents
ie: Freightyard Pub.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Organizing “mixers” where arts community
can get to know one <BR>another – Jonathan Secor offered Gallery 51 as a
site for one of <BR>these gatherings. The gallery also has openings the
last Thursday of <BR>every month.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Ed Sedarbaum mentioned
a monthly “Second-Sunday Potluck for the <BR>Creatively Afflicted” -- he
will invite everyone on the artist list-
<BR>serve.<BR><BR><BR><BR>Misc:<BR><BR><BR><BR>Howard Cruse is going to start
a Zine called the “North County <BR>Perk” and will be looking for
cartooning, writing, etc. You can get <BR>info on this at
www.howardcruse.com , and Howard’s e-mail address is <BR>on there as
well.<BR><BR><BR><BR> <BR>http://officialjeffandjane.com<BR><BR><BR>
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