Doug Lamborn Stands Up for Christo and Jeanne-Claude

Did you hear the news? Last week, Congressman Doug Lamborn stepped up and publicly endorsed internationally-acclaimed artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Over the River project.
Click here for the KKTV story.

A quick disclaimer: The project falls a bit outside of COPPeR's boundaries (we define the Pikes Peak Region as El Paso and Teller counties) but to me it's a no-brainer that the project will provide myriad potential benefits to all of Southern Colorado, as well as for the entire state!

Artists and community leaders have been working for many years to try to change the perception that the arts are not part of our daily lives here in Colorado. With the attention that would arrive with Over The River, Colorado would earn its rightful position as one of the great arts destinations in the United States.

Meet your wrappers: Christo and Jeanne-Claude have an impeccable record of respecting the environment, being forthright with officials and government, valuing local residents and rural communities, and working tirelessly to address any and all concerns that arise during the planning stages of their work. Moreover, their commitment to fully financing the project means that they will bring tourists to the state without creating a negative impact on funding for localized artists and projects. Folks, that means we don't pay for it! We get all the benefit with none of the cost!

Like with all of their projects, the artists have put a tremendous amount of thought into how to execute the work. Their respect for the natural environment is tantamount to the success of the work, and they have done a tremendous job embracing environmentally-sound practices for their piece. The economic impact through increased tourism could bring estimated millions of dollars. The opportunity to spotlight Colorado’s breath-taking natural environment and its cultural assets on a global scale is unprecedented.

So naturally, Lamborn is getting some flak for his decision to support the project. If you would like to tell him you think he did a very good thing for the state of Colorado and the Pikes Peak region, please visit his website or give him a call at (719) 520-0055.

This Just In: Cultural Post at White House

"President Barack Obama has established a staff position in the White House to oversee arts and culture in the Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs under Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser, a White House official confirmed. Kareem Dale, right, a lawyer who last month was named special assistant to the president for disability policy, will hold the new position. Mr. Dale, who is partly blind, previously served as national disability director for the Obama campaign. He also served on the arts policy committee and the disability policy committee for Mr. Obama when he was a senator from Illinois. Bill Ivey, who served as the administration’s transition-team leader for the arts and humanities, said he was encouraged by the appointment and would meet with Mr. Dale next week. “It’s a big step forward in terms of connecting cultural and government with mainstream administration policy,” Mr. Ivey said in an interview on Friday. The White House declined to describe the position in detail, since Mr. Dale’s appointment has yet to be formally announced. Mr. Ivey, a former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, said he expected that the job would mainly involve coordinating the activities of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services “in relation to White House objectives.” Although there have been staff members assigned to culture under past presidents, they usually served in the first lady’s office, Mr. Ivey said."

Arts Bootcamps

Here at COPPeR, we are dedicated to ensuring a bright future for our local arts community. In response to the financial crisis that is rocking our world right now (and not in a good way), we launched a series of "arts boot camp" sessions. The sessions are designed to arm our community's arts leaders with the necessary tools to face the coming months and years of uncertainty. So far we've hosted two--one on budgeting and reforecasting and one on Programming and Collaboration. Feedback for both has been good. One participant described the sessions as "always informative with great people to meet!"

Two bootcamp sessions left! Click here to learn more and RSVP

SURVEY TIME
Additionally, we are keenly interested in tracking how economic events are affecting our local arts community. As we know, several small galleries and one large theater festival have already shuttered their doors. If you work for an arts organization, please take a moment to fill out this brief survey. All feedback gathered is COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS and will be used to help us state the case for the arts on a regional, statewide and national level. Your feedback really does help us and is needed.

During these uncertain times, we want to make sure that we all have the tools to make sure our local arts not only survive but THRIVE. It's my hope that in the great economic and societal reboot of 2009, creativity will at the forefront of what we do. The artists can be the leaders!

The Intern Speaks

Some of you may not know me, but I am the current intern at the COPPeR Office. My name is Brett Garman; I am a senior at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, graduating in May with a double major in Professional Writing and Media Management. Bettina asked if I would like to post something to the blog about my experience so far, and I jumped at the chance! Let me give you an idea of a typical day in the life of a COPPeR intern.

When I arrive in the morning, the first requirement is to check the intern email. I’m currently working on confirming all the information for the 2009-2010 COPPeR Pages Directory. Click here to download the 2007-2008 Edition. This directory is filled with area arts organizations that work to promote creativity and support art appreciation. It is a valuable tool for the community as there is no other publication like it. It's particularly helpful for newcomers to the community. Combine the COPPeR Pages and PeakRadar, and any new resident will find him or herself with lots and lots to do. The listings featured in the COPPeR Pages provide the public with contact information and descriptions to help connect individuals to opportunities to participate in the arts in El Paso and Teller counties. I know I consider myself a person who is aware of the culture in our city, yet I find myself overwhelmed, surprised and delighted to learn about so many arts organizations.

Every day I when work on the directory, I discover the existence of a new arts organization in Colorado Springs. For example, just today I found out that there is an organization called New Vue Productions, Inc. that uses multi-media projects to encourage teenagers to engage in arts practices. As a Media Management major with a strong interest in all things multi-media, this organization immediately gained my enthusiasm. Also, there are more venues and creative outlets for music, visual and performing arts, and culture than I had ever been aware of. Just this month I’ve been to a couple new locations to look around. They include Smokebrush Gallery and Foundation and ARTSpace at Hillside Community Center. Since beginning my work with COPPeR, my horizons in just the Colorado Springs area alone have greatly expanded.

Back at COPPeR, I sit at my glass-top desk, working with updating contacts and organization descriptions. I believe I’ve added about twenty new organizations to the already substantial list of more than 170 organizations! And, more are brought to our attention everyday. Then, I usually work with the Peak Radar mailing list and postings. Kevin has to come to my aid on a regular basis as I bother him with questions about technology.

The day always seems to fly by when I am in the office. I really enjoy working downtown, where I find the atmosphere busy, yet calming. I’m always comfortable in the COPPeR Office and while I’m outside running errands. The location also presents the opportunity for several individuals to come in to the office. I’ve met a few board members, all of whom are kind and outgoing. I’ve also had the chance to meet several artists, such as Tom McElroy and Daisy McConnell. Both of these artists have items in the office and gallery at this time, so getting the chance to meet them and place a face with the creativity they present is exciting. Everyone is so friendly, and often very funny! I definitely feel like getting the chance to complete my internship with such intriguing and nice personalities is spoiling me. A lot gets done, but there is also time for important discussion of music, art, and the Colorado Springs community with my two favorite coworkers.

On February 6th, I had the opportunity to stay late at COPPeR for the FAC Modern Art Gallery opening of Atomic Elroy’s Hometown. The event was a great success. People filled the office and gallery, and everyone was having a great time. That night has been one of my favorite moments with COPPeR. I met some of the board members and got to enjoy some great food from La’aus. The exhibit is still at the FAC Modern. I definitely recommend coming to see it if you haven’t already! Link to PeakRadar listing

Thankfully, slave labor and irrelevant tasks are seldom in my daily requirements. Bettina and Kevin are an absolute pleasure to be around, and the work environment is always enjoyable. I feel so privileged to have gotten the chance to intern at COPPeR. I’ll be sad when I have to go in May. Don’t worry though; I should be around for more gallery openings, volunteering, and random visits.

CFWT Closing

Yesterday we received the news that the Colorado Festival of World Theater is disbanding. Despite their efforts to narrow their programming, contract their budget, and expand their community relationships, the board made a decision to terminate the festival.

This morning's article in the Gazette.

The Festival brought theater legends to our region for five years, including Peter Shaffer, Stephen Sondheim and many others. My friends and I still have rigorous debates about the Truth In Translation show, the ambitious musical performance about the translator who worked for South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commissions.

Congratulations to the CFWT for five glorious seasons. And a big warm thanks to the staff-- Tim, Bobbie, Patty, Suzy--you made it all happen.

We're very sorry to see a big player in our arts community disband because of the economy.

Blog about the Pioneers Museum!

While virtually all City of Colorado Springs services are facing cuts, at COPPeR* we are particularly concerned about potential cuts facing Cultural Services. Facilities such as the beloved Starsmore Discovery Center and Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center will close, and the Pioneers Museum will have to reduce hours by approximately 50%. The Pioneers Museum also will lose the curator, exhibit designer, and museum guard positions, in addition to two other positions that already are or will soon be vacant and frozen. This will significantly impact its ability to operate as it has for so many years.

The Pioneers Museum is a beloved linchpin of the cultural community. We invite you to share the memories and experiences you have had at the museum by posting a comment on a special Pioneers Museum blog. Click here to see the blog and post your thoughts.

We also invite you to attend the 2009 Colorado Springs City Budget Reductions Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, from 7 to 9 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 107 North Nevada. The meeting will be an e-town hall format, which allows citizens to participate by phone, fax, e-mail or in person. The 2009 city budget reductions will be discussed and City Council will take input and questions from the public. The meeting will be broadcast live on SpringsTV, cable Channel 18. It will also be simulcast live on the internet at www.springsgov.com.

* COPPeR, a non-profit organization, does not receive funding from the city's Cultural Services Department, although the City is among COPPeR's supporters.

Creative Energy: a Pleasant surprise

We all know times are tough. They're tough for everyone. Initially when I heard the news about CCA's budget potentially being slashed, I was extremely disheartened. Then this week when the infestimal portion of President Obama's stimulus package for the National Endowment for the Arts came up on the chopping block, I became further discouraged. When, I thought to myself, will people begin to realize that arts jobs are real jobs that contribute to the economy? We are an industry, like any other. You wouldn't know it from reading the news, which featured slanderous tidbits like:

"The National Endowment for the Arts, for example, is in line for $50 million, increasing its total budget by a third. The unemployed can fill their days attending abstract-film festivals and sitar concerts." - National Review Editorial

"I just think putting people to work is more important than putting more art on the wall of some New York City gallery frequented by the elite art community." [U.S. Rep Jack] Kingston said. "Call me a sucker for the working man." - Congressional Quarterly report

So while I knew hosting a listening session to discuss the potential budet cuts to the CCA was the necessary thing to do, I was not sure what to expect. To be perfectly honest, I imagined the event was going to be, well, depressing.

For the first time in months, a conversation about a severe economic challenge became an inspiring, invigorating and motivating exchange of creative ideas. Thursday, it turns out, was a really good day. We started the day with a special session with representatives from Colorado Springs City Council, Manitou Springs City Council, the EDC, the Chamber, Colorado Springs Cultural Services and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Everyone there spoke eloquently and at length about the importance of embracing our arts and cultural community. Then about 50 people showed up for the lunch-time CCA listening session. Elaine Mariner and Maryo Ewell from the Colorado Council on the Arts were there to lead the discussion. Many CCA grantees were in the room, but there were also a number of concerned citizens.

As The Gazette accurately reported Friday, the session was energizing. I welcomed it, and the creative energy of all the people in the room.

Follow it up with Friday's night electrifying opening of Atomic Elroy's show, Hometown at the FAC Modern and COPPeR's open house, and this busy little bee was all abuzz with creativity. Here's hoping we can continue to carry that energy through the coming months.

We're going to need it.