News & Announcements | New York State Council on the Arts

News From NYSCA

NYSCA Executive Director Heather Hitchens will Depart to Take on New Leadership Opportunity in the Cultural Sector
May 11, 2011

New York State Council on the Arts Chair Danny Simmons has accepted the resignation of Heather A. Hitchens, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), effective May 23, 2011. Upon leaving State service, Executive Director Hitchens will serve as head of the American Theatre Wing, an arts service organization and founder of the Tony Awards�.

�Heather is a tireless and passionate advocate for New York�s cultural organizations,� Chairman Simmons said. �Understanding the significant economic challenges of the day, Heather guided efforts to mobilize the arts and cultural community to meet these challenges and to amplify the positive impact of our State�s great cultural institutions on local communities and economies. Heather was also a leading voice in efforts to bring greater ethnic and geographic diversity to the Council. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work together.�

During Executive Director Hitchens� term, more than $123 million was invested in New York State�s cultural infrastructure in the form of grants to more than 2,000 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. Hitchens also lead the Council�s efforts to better integrate arts and culture with economic and community development through the Cultural Blueprints initiative in 2008 and, in 2009, transformed the Council�s Arts Education program, broadening its reach and opening the program to community-based organizations for the first time. Hitchens also oversaw a reorganization of the Council�s staff in 2010.

Executive Director Hitchens said, �I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the people of New York. While these have often been challenging times for the Council, I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish. New York State is home to some of the most innovative arts and cultural institutions in the world and these organizations are making important contributions in every corner of the State. I have been fortunate to have worked with Council and staff that is dedicated to ensuring that these organizations continue to thrive. �

Hitchens was appointed Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts by Governor Spitzer and assumed her post at the Council on August 1, 2007. Hitchens had previously served as President of the composer service organization Meet The Composer for nearly a decade.

News From NYSCA

News from NYSCA
January 25, 2011

FY12 Registration Now Open!

We are pleased to announce that Annual Registration for NYSCA's 2011-12 fiscal year (FY12) is now open! Updated application guidelines are now available at www.nysca.org.

There are changes in the guidelines for each discipline this year. Please review the application guidelines carefully before submitting your request.

As always, NYSCA's staff is available to assist you with any questions that arise during the application process. Please view the staff list for information on who to contact regarding questions about applications in your discipline area. Please note: Some staff contacts have changed for FY12.

Deadlines

February 22, 2011 - Registration Closes

April 1, 2011 - Application and Cultural Data Project Deadline

Cultural Data Project

Reminder: Beginning in FY12, NYSCA will require that ALL applicants including ongoing multi-year recipients submit two years of past financial data through the New York State Cultural Data Project (CDP). NYSCA strongly recommends that applicants start working to complete their CDP Data Profile well in advance of the April 1st deadline.

Free, online training sessions are offered monthly for organizations new to CDP. New User Trainings take place on the first Wednesday of every month. In addition, Reports Orientations � training sessions designed to help experienced users maximize their benefits with CDP � are also offered free of charge and held on the third Thursday of every month.

To register for a training session or learn more about the New York State Cultural Data Project, visit www.nysculturaldata.org.

Note for New York City Applicants: The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs will also require CDP use this year. See Additional Government Funding Opportunities below for more information

Important Reminders for FY12

Application Request Limits

Starting in FY2012 NYSCA's application request limit will be reduced to 3 from 4. The following categories are exempt from this limitation:

Individual Artists

Facilities (formerly Capital Projects, see below)

Apprenticeships (Folk Arts)

Independent Projects (Architecture, Planning & Design)

Long-Term Residencies (Dance)

Rehearsal Space (Dance)

Commissions (Dance)

Translation (Literature)

Decentralization (State & Local Partnerships)

Regrants/Partnerships (All Disciplines)

Fiscal sponsorship of individuals or organizations (All Disciplines)

General Operating Support Eligibility

Organizations will no longer be required to receive 3 years of Project Support before being able to apply for General Operating Support. As of FY2012, all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for General Operating Support. Consultation with the appropriate staff in advance of registration is required.

Site Visits and Artistic Audits Continue to be Suspended

As has been the case in recent months and years, NYSCA continues to have extremely limited funds and, as a result, will continue to suspend staff travel and on-site visits in all parts of the state, as well as artistic audits, during FY2012. Applicants are encouraged to make telephone meetings with staff and to include as much information in their applications or as supplementary material as possible.

Capital Projects

For FY2012 "Capital Projects" has been renamed "Facilities" and now includes three categories: Design and Planning Studies, Capital Projects and Capital Fixtures and Equipment Purchase. For the latter two categories a copy of the site control documents - deed or lease - must be submitted at the time of registration. If you have specific questions you may reach either Kristin Herron at (212) 741-7848 (kherron@nysca.org) or Fabiana Chiu-Rinaldi at (212) 741-7847 (fchiu@nysca.org).

Additional Government Funding Opportunities

The National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced guideline changes and has set March 10 and August 11, 2011 for deadlines related to their Art Works funding program. Visit the NEA online at www.arts.gov for complete information.

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs deadline for the Fiscal 2012 Cultural Development Fund Application is Monday, February 7, 2011. The Fiscal 2012 Application will cover activities taking place between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012.

Requirements for the Application are similar to those for Fiscal 2011, including an FY09 DCA CDF Funder Report from the Cultural Data Project. All prospective applicants must register to access a Fiscal 2012 Online CDF Application. For more information on Registration, please visit http://bit.ly/h8pPO2. Application information and access to the online form can be found at http://bit.ly/eE54mV.

News From NYSCA

News from NYSCA
January 11, 2011

Happy New Year!

We are pleased to provide important updates about NYSCA and our FY2012 (2011-2012) Grantmaking Calendar and Process.

FY12 Registration and Application Deadlines

January 24, 2011 - Guidelines (all disciplines) Posted and Registration Opens

February 22, 2011 - Registration Closes

April 1, 2011 - Application and Cultural Data Project Deadline

**Note: Some staff contacts have changed. Please view the staff list for information on who to contact regarding questions about applications in your discipline area.

Cultural Data Project

REMINDER: Beginning in FY12, NYSCA will require that ALL applicants including ongoing multi-year recipients submit two years of past financial data through the New York State Cultural Data Project (CDP). NYSCA strongly recommends that applicants start working to complete their CDP Data Profile well in advance of the April 1st deadline.

To register for a training session or learn more about the New York State Cultural Data Project, visit www.nysculturaldata.org.

Outstanding Final Reports

Please be aware that incomplete and outstanding final reports render organizations ineligible to apply for FY2012 support. Please ensure that your organization�s final reports are up-to-date prior to registration.

Application Request Limits

Starting in FY2012 NYSCA's application request limit will be reduced to 3 from 4. The following categories are exempt from this limitation:

Individual Artists

Facilities (formerly Capital Projects, see below)

Apprenticeships (Folk Arts)

Independent Projects (Architecture, Planning & Design)

Long-Term Residencies (Dance)

Rehearsal Space (Dance)

Commissions (Dance)

Translation (Literature)

Decentralization (State & Local Partnerships)

Regrants/Partnerships (All Disciplines)

Fiscal sponsorship of individuals or organizations (All Disciplines)

General Operating Support Eligibility

Site Visits and Artistic Audits Continue to be Suspended

Capital Projects

News From NYSCA

Grant Application Guidelines FY2012

Grant Application Guidelines for all artistic disciplines will be available on the Council�s website, www.nysca.org, beginning in late January. NYSCA�s annual registration period for grant applicants will open in the weeks following. More information will be posted online and shared via email in the weeks ahead. Please stay tuned!

Calendar year 2011 marks the start of NYSCA�s 2011-2012 (FY12) year of grantmaking. Organizations that will be applying to NYSCA for the first time in FY12 are encouraged to get a head-start on the application process by visiting www.nysca.org and creating an Organization Profile. If you have any questions about NYSCA�s application process, please contact us at public.affairs@nysca.org.

Important Reminder: Cultural Data Project

REMINDER: Beginning in FY12, NYSCA will require that all applicants submit two years of past financial data through the New York State Cultural Data Project (CDP). NYSCA strongly recommends that applicants start working to complete their CDP Data Profile well in advance of any application deadlines.

Free, online training sessions are offered monthly for organizations new to CDP that would like to learn more. New User Trainings take place on the first Wednesday of every month. In addition, Reports Orientations�training sessions designed to help experienced users maximize their benefits with CDP�are also offered free of charge and held on the third Thursday of every month.

To register for a training session or learn more about the New York State Cultural Data Project, visit www.nysculturaldata.org.

Upcoming Council Meetings

Wednesday, December 15, 2010
10am - 11am

Review Application Guidelines and Annual Calendar

Monday, January 31, 2011
2pm - 4pm

Approve FY12 Panelists

A Message from NYSCA Chairman Danny Simmons

Dear Friends,

As chairman of the New York State Council on the Arts, I'm writing in response to recent emails sent to NYSCA constituents concerning our agency's reorganization of staff. At a time of shrinking resources when we need to rally together as an arts community, I am concerned by the misinformation in those messages, and I want to set the record straight.

1. Extraordinary Challenges & Responsible Solutions

NYSCA's reorganization was carefully considered and planned by executive director Heather Hitchens and the agency's leadership in consultation with me, my fellow NYSCA Council members, and agency staff for one reason: to maintain and strategically advance our support of arts organizations across disciplines throughout New York State, while simultaneously responding to diminishing resources: the loss of 13 NYSCA staff through early retirement incentives and other impending statewide personnel actions.

Make no mistake, this 30% reduction in NYSCA staff, combined with the State's ongoing hiring freeze, presented extraordinary challenges that required responsible solutions. The reductions in staff jeopardized seven areas of support: Arts Education; Architecture, Planning & Design; Capital Projects; Decentralization; Individual Artists; State & Local Partnerships; and Visual Arts. The redeployment of personnel will not only allow us to preserve those discipline areas, but will also allow us to build cross-disciplinary expertise and creative collaboration within the agency. This will strengthen the agency by protecting it from further loss of expertise through the over-reliance of expertise coming from a handful of individuals.

2. Preserving Our Core Values & Policies

There have been no sweeping changes to NYSCA's core values or major policies during this process. All applications will continue to be assigned to individual qualified staff. All proposals, including service organization proposals, will continue to be reviewed by discipline-specific panels. All disciplines will continue to receive our vital support and experienced oversight.

Furthermore, NYSCA's most core value of relying upon and respecting the expertise of the arts community throughout the State will be protected as greater emphasis will be placed on peer review. This, combined with the rating system that was implemented several years ago as a result of ongoing discussions with the Comptroller's office, will create more transparency, not less.

We will continue to recruit diverse members of New York's professional arts community as panelists. We will expand staff expertise across disciplines. And, we will encourage our staff, partners and constituents to think outside the box as we move forward, not backward, in supporting the arts in a tough economy.

3. Championing the Arts Across NY State

The Council is an energetic body that takes pride in its role in championing the arts across the State. Like most State agencies we are faced with the challenges of diminished resources and greater need. We nonetheless remain committed to all the discipline areas that the Council has historically supported, and to searching for new and better ways to serve the field in good times and bad.

4. Moving Forward

The Council is fully supportive of Ms. Hitchens and the NYSCA staff as they implement this plan, and with her, we will monitor its results. The goal of these changes, as always, will be two-fold. NYSCA will be managed to maximize its internal capacity and to leverage the positive impact of its funds as they are deployed across disciplines and throughout the State. We will soon be in touch about registration, guidelines, and upcoming Council meetings. In the interim, feel free to contact us directly at public.affairs@nysca.org with any questions or thoughts. We look forward to your continued partnership as we move forward.

Best,
Danny

Danny Simmons
Chairman, New York State Council on the Arts

The New York State Council on the Arts and the New York Council of Nonprofits Partner to Provide Support to Cultural Organizations

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is pleased to announce a partnership with the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON) designed to provide a comprehensive array of technical and affiliation assistance, training and other business support services to over 1,200 arts and cultural organizations across New York State.

�We are proud to partner with NYCON to provide our grantees and applicants with vital capacity building services that will assist them in running the business side of their nonprofit,� stated Heather Hitchens, NYSCA�s Executive Director. �In addition to the role our arts and cultural institutions play in creating a rich quality of life, it�s also been noted that the creative industries employ nearly 200,000 New Yorkers. It is important that the investments we make today yield results in increased organizational capacity, ongoing professional development, continuity of leadership, and improvement of professional conditions for leaders within cultural organizations.�

Doug Sauer, NYCON�s CEO noted, �These are extremely difficult financial times for arts and cultural organizations. It is extremely important that they get the knowledgeable and skilled advice and direct assistance that they need in the most timely and efficient manner. Our exciting partnership with NYSCA offers these opportunities at the right time and in a way that was not previously available.�

This historic partnership will assist arts and cultural groups in several ways. First, by providing nonprofits funded by NYSCA membership in NYCON and thus allowing immediate access to an array of free trainings, organizational development tools and templates, cost saving group purchasing programs, employee benefits, liability insurance, and affordable legal, financial, governance and other organizational technical assistance. Secondly, upon referral from NYSCA, NYCON will be providing direct technical assistance, consultation and customized training to individual nonprofits. In addition, NYCON will be providing free webinars and other training opportunities specifically for NYSCA funded nonprofits and over 30 scholarships will be provided for Camp Finance, the premier nonprofit financial management conference in the state.

About the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON)

NYCON, as the Empire State�s association of nonprofits, works to improve the quality of life in communities through thorough strengthening of the effectiveness, efficiencies and viability of charitable nonprofits. With offices throughout the state serving our thousands of members, NYCON specializes in bringing nonprofits the information, expert technical assistance, training, and cost-saving business opportunities they need to achieve their mission and goals. To learn more about NYCON, visit www.nycon.org.

Upcoming Cultural Data Project (CDP) Events In New York City

As you know, the New York State Cultural Data Project (CDP) launched in June, 2009. This fall, the New York State Cultural Data Project will offer two types of FREE CDP training sessions. Demonstrations and Discussions for new users will continue throughout the weeks ahead. In addition, CDP Reports Orientations, designed for organizations that have already submitted one or more years of data, will also be offered.

As your organization looks to the months ahead, NYSCA encourages you to begin completing a CDP Data Profile and to take advantage of these free training sessions. NYSCA will require all applicants to submit a CDP Funders� Report as part of all FY2012 (calendar year 2011) applications.

Demonstrations and Discussions

Demonstrations and Discussions are recommended if your organization is new to CDP or if you need a refresher on data entry. This training session will provide an overview of the history and goals of the New York State CDP as well as an introduction to the types of data collected. The Demonstrations and Discussions will walk participants through the process of entering data, applying to participating funders and generating reports.

Manhattan (Midtown)
New York City Center
October 4, 2010
10:00 am

Brooklyn
Brooklyn Academy of Music
October 5, 2010
10:00 am

Staten Island
Borough President�s Office
October 6, 2010
10:00 am

Queens
Materials for the Arts
October 7, 2010
10:00 am

Manhattan (Upper)
Dwyer Cultural Center
October 8, 2010
10:00 am

Join a Demonstration and Discussion from your home or office. Attend a training ONLINE via webinar!

WEBINAR
October 13, 2010
10:00 am

To register for a Demonstration and Discussion, click on one of the �register� buttons above, or visit www.nysculturaldata.org and click on "Attend a free New York State CDP training session." If you plan to attend multiple trainings, please be sure to register for each. Space is limited. Refreshments will be served.

Feel free to contact the New York State CDP Help Desk at help@nysculturaldata.org or 1-888-NYSCDP-1 (1-888-697-2371) with any questions you may have.

CDP Reports Orientations

For organizations that have already submitted at least one Data Profile to CDP, Reports Orientations are available. The training will provide more information about the 77 trend and comparison reports available to your organization, at no-cost, as well as tips for integrating use of these reports in your financial management, planning and evaluation.

Manhattan (Midtown)
New York City Center
October 4, 2010
1:00 pm

Brooklyn
Brooklyn Academy of Music
October 5, 2010
1:00 pm

Staten Island
Borough President�s Office
October 6, 2010
1:00 pm

Queens
Materials for the Arts
October 7, 2010
1:00 pm

Manhattan (Upper)
Dwyer Cultural Center
October 8, 2010
1:00 pm

Join a Reports Orientation from your home or office. Attend a training ONLINE via webinar!

WEBINAR
September 30, 2010
10:00 am

WEBINAR
October 13, 2010
1:00 pm

To register for a Reports Orientation, click on one of the �register� buttons above, or visit www.nysculturaldata.org and click on "Attend a free New York State CDP training session." If you plan to attend multiple trainings, please be sure to register for each. Space is limited. Refreshments will be served.

Feel free to contact the New York State CDP Help Desk at help@nysculturaldata.org or 1-888-NYSCDP-1 (1-888-697-2371) with any questions you may have.

Musical Instrument Revolving Loan Fund

The Musical Instrument Revolving Loan Fund (MIRLF) is a low-interest loan program designed to stimulate the artistic growth of musicians and ensembles by making high quality musical instruments available to nonprofit music organizations and member musicians. Financed directly by the New York State Legislature and administered by NYSCA, the project makes loans for instruments to eligible nonprofit organizations at an annual finance charge of 3% over a period of up to eight years. Only organizations already funded by NYSCA may apply. Individuals may not apply.

Eligibility Requirements

The applicant organization must:

Have received funding from NYSCA for at least three consecutive years prior to the application for MIRLF;

Be of high professional caliber and have as its sole purpose the creation, production, and performance of musical events; or, in the case of organization not primarily involved in music (for example, an arts center, multi-media organization, arts council, museum, other cultural organization) has a proven track record of musical performances undertaken on a year-round basis;

Have a year-round administrator;

Have an active Board of Directors; and

Have a proven track record of fiscal stability.

If the applicant is a music presenter, it must have an ongoing series of at least a dozen musical events annually.

Examples of requests to the MIRLF are (but are not limited to):

An orchestra seeking to purchase a harp, percussion instrument (s) and carrying case for same;

A music presenter in need of a piano or percussion or electronic musical instrument.

An organization may apply for up to the entire cost of the instrument; a down payment is desirable but not essential.

Application Procedure

The applicant organization sends a letter signed by an officer of the board, specifying the particular instrument(s) to be acquired and, if appropriate, for which musician(s); the cost of the instrument(s); where the purchase is being made; and what sort of insurance would be provided. Most importantly, the applicant must describe how the instrument(s) would benefit the ensemble and/or the player(s) and what the basic fiscal strategy and timeframe will be for loan payments. After receipt and examination of applicant letters and materials, the NYSCA Music Program staff and advisory panel will review each request and make a recommendation to the Council for a final decision. Additional background information that might be helpful to the panel would be welcome. Please keep materials as brief and clear as possible.

Applications and inquiries should be addressed to:

New York State Council on the Arts
175 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014-4604
Attention: Music Program

Application Deadline: March 1, 2011.

Loan recipients will be notified in July 2011. Loan notification will be made by NYSCA; contracts and purchases will be issued through the Theatre Development Fund, Inc.

Individuals may not apply. They must apply through the nonprofit corporation of which they are a member.

NYSCA�s Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011

A number of our applicants have indicated that they are confused regarding the status of NYSCA's fiscal year 2010-2011 budget. In light of this, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with the facts about the budgeting process, the status of the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget, and where NYSCA is in its grantmaking cycle.

NYSCA's annual budget is determined through legislation as part of New York State's Executive Budget. Over the last few months, there has been much debate regarding the 2010-2011 Executive Budget.

Governor David Paterson's original Executive Budget proposal recommended $35.15 million for NYSCA grants. This proposal was announced in January, 2010.

On April 27, 2010, Governor Paterson announced an additional savings plan intended to supplement the original Executive Budget proposal. Under this additional plan, NYSCA's grantmaking budget for fiscal year 2010-11 would have totaled $25.2 million, a nearly 40% reduction from fiscal year 2009-2010 levels.

On June 28, 2010, both houses of the New York State Legislature passed a modified version of Governor Paterson's original Executive Budget, but did not take up the Governor's additional savings plan. On July 2, 2010, Governor Paterson signed the original version of the budget into law, allocating $35.15 million to NYSCA for grantmaking, with no additional restoration. This final enacted budget represents a nearly 15% reduction from fiscal year 2009-2010.

NYSCA concluded its grantmaking process for fiscal year 2010-2011 at the June 30, 2010 meeting of the Council. More than 2,100 grants totaling $36,051,700 million* have been awarded for fiscal year 2010-2011. For a complete list of NYSCA grants in fiscal year 2010-2011, visit www.nysca.org and click on “Past NYSCA Grants”.

If you would like to know more about NYSCA's budget, please contact our Public Affairs office at public.affairs@nysca.org.

NYSCA Welcomes New Council Members

Danny Simmons, Chair of the New York State Council on the Arts, today welcomed six new members to Council: Ms. Jill Erika Braufman, Ms. Carol Enseki, Ms. Laudelina Martinez, Mr. John Morning, Ms. Rita Paniagua, and Mr. Hal D. Payne. The Council's newest members were formally welcomed at the Council's funding meeting for fiscal year 2010-11, held on June 30, 2010.

"Our new Members come to us from every corner of the State and bring wide ranging expertise to the Council " said Mr. Simmons. "I am delighted to welcome them here today and look forward to working together closely in the months and years ahead."

Three members of the Council, Ms. Debra Black, Mr. Henry Breed, and Mr. David Ridings, concluded their terms prior to the June 30 meeting. Mr. Simmons also wished the departing members farewell on behalf of the Council.

"I want to extend my deepest thanks to Debra Black, Henry Breed, and David Ridings for their years of dedicated service to New York State's cultural community," said Mr. Simmons. "Throughout their tenure on the Council, they have provided invaluable leadership and insight. The Council has been fortunate to have such dedicated and passionate advocates for the arts serve as members."

Members of the Council are appointed by the Governor to five-year terms of service. Appointment to the Council requires confirmation by the New York State Senate. Members of the New York State Council on the Arts do not receive a salary.

# # #

Jill Erika Braufman

Jill Erika Braufman is the Board Chair of The Center for Arts Education. Before coming to The Center for Arts Education, Ms. Braufman founded and managed an interior design resource specializing in antique textiles. After managing the business for more than six years, in 2001 she turned her focus towards full-time political and philanthropic pursuits relating to the arts, education, public policy issues and women's health. Jill Braufman is a graduate of Brown University and Parson�s School of Design.

Carol Enseki

Carol Enseki is currently an independent museum and education consultant. In 2009, Ms. Enseki stepped down from her position as president of the Brooklyn Children�s Museum where she served for more than 20 years. She led the museum�s efforts to increase educational opportunities for urban children through interactive science and cultural exhibitions and programs, innovative use of collections, and strategic collaborations with both local community organizations and national partners. In 2005, she was appointed to the Accreditation Commission of the American Association of Museums and has been active in the creation of a field-wide Museums and Diversity National Initiative. Ms. Enseki has served on the boards of the American Association of Museums, the Association of Children�s Museums, the Arts & Business Council, Inc., the Brooklyn Arts Council, the Heart of Brooklyn cultural partnership, and the Cultural Institutions Group of New York City. She holds a B.A. from Tufts University and an M.A. in Environmental Design from Beacon College.

Laudelina Martinez

Laudelina Martinez is currently the Owner and Director of the Martinez Gallery. She has owned and directed this art gallery since 2001, focusing on Latino and Latin American art. She has served as curator at more than 40 exhibitions while conducting an on-going public education program in the area of art and culture. She was the President and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities from 1992-1995 where she represented Hispanic-serving institutions, associate colleges and universities, and international members. Ms. Martinez received her B.A. from the College of New Rochelle, her M.A. from Fordham University and conducted additional doctoral coursework the University at Albany.

John Morning

John Morning has been a graphic designer in Manhattan since 1960, specializing in publications and materials for leading arts, cultural and philanthropic institutions. From 1997-2002 Morning was the Trustee to the City University of New York. He was appointed by Governor Pataki to the 17-member board of the third-largest public system in the country. Mr. Morning was a director of Dime Savings Bank of New York for 23, years which led the way for his future leadership positions. Mr. Morning received his B.A. at Pratt Institute and also attended Wayne State University and Harvard Business School Institute for Arts Administration.

Rita Paniagua

Ms. Paniagua is currently Executive Director of the Spanish Action League and has been involved with the organization since 2003. Prior to working with the Spanish Action League, she was the owner of Backstage Productions in San Juan, Puerto Rico for several years. She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for leadership in public advocacy and community service. Among her many honors, she has been recognized by the Alliance Network with the Bea Gonzalez Award, Labor Religion Coalition Community Service Award and ACIU Outstanding Community Involvement Award. Currently, Ms. Paniagua is serving on the Latino Upstate Summit Organizing Committee, Boys Scouts of America Syracuse Board, Near West Side Imitative Board, La Casita Cultural Center Board and the Imagine Syracuse Board. Ms. Paniagua attended Virginia Intermont College.

Hal D. Payne

Hal D. Payne is currently the Vice President for Student Affairs at SUNY College at Buffalo where he has served for 20 years. Currently, Payne is on the President�s Executive Council, the College Planning Council, the Budget Priorities Committee, the Enrollment Management Steering Group, the Intercollegiate Athletics Board, and the College Priorities Task Force. Also, Mr. Payne is involved in the U.S. Department of Education/Council for Opportunity in Education Legislation and Regulations Seminars and received The Walter O. Mason Jr. Award (Highest Annual Award of the Council for Opportunity in Education) in September of 1996. Mr. Payne received his B.A. at Western Reserve University and his law degree at Cleveland State University.

For more information about the recent appointments to the New York State Council on the Arts, visit:

http://bit.ly/aUmVjp and http://bit.ly/9TBliG

Unpaid Internship Opportunities at the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)

For more information about NYSCA, visit our website at www.nysca.org.

The Individual Artist (IND) Program is looking for Film & Media interns to work closely with Program Director Don Palmer. This internship is available immediately and will conclude by the end of June. For more information about the IND Program you may visit our website section at http://www.nysca.org/public/guidelines/individual_artists/index.htm.

Primary Duties:

Identify and catalog work sample submissions from applicants.

Review submissions of video, audio, and computer work samples to ensure that they are in working order in preparation for Panel Meetings.

Run A/V equipment and take notes as needed during Panel Meetings.

Internship Benefits:
This is a great opportunity for any student, emerging filmmaker, or arts administrator who is interested in learning about public funding from within one of the leading state government agencies in the country. Also, upon successful completion of the internship, IND staff will be happy to serve as a reference.

General Requirements:
Internships are available for high school seniors and college students that are pursing careers in the arts. If you are interested in exploring arts administration, we encourage you to apply.

Interns must show a serious commitment to arts administration, be self-motivated and personable. Interns will be expected to assist in general office duties and assist at four day-long Panel meetings. Strong computer skills (MS Word and Excel) are highly recommended. This internship is unpaid but individuals will have the opportunity to work 15-20 flexible hours during our business hours of 8AM-6PM in a professional office environment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send your resume and brief cover note along with a list of references via Email to Don Palmer at Dpalmer@nysca.org. Those applicants that most closely meet our needs will be contacted by staff for an interview.

Reference �IND Internship� in the subject of your email. Include all information in the body of the email. Attachments will NOT be opened. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

# # #

The State & Local Partnerships (SLP) Program is looking for interns to work closely with the Program staff. This internship is available immediately and will conclude by end of June. For more information about the SLP Program you may visit our website section at http://www.nysca.org/public/guidelines/state_partnerships/index.htm.

Primary Duties:
Interns will work with Program Associate of the SLP Program. Interns will also work closely with other members of NYSCA�s Multi-Arts programs.

Internship Benefits:
This internship gives participants first-hand knowledge of both the fulfillment gained and sacrifices necessary when choosing a career in the arts. This experience is designed to both empower the interns as arts administrators and artists, and to help them along on a journey to decide their career path. Interns will develop leadership skills and gain direct, hands-on experience related to arts administration and grants management.

General Requirements:
Internships are available for high school seniors and college students that are pursing careers in the arts. If you are interested in exploring arts administration, we encourage you to apply.

Interns must show a serious commitment to arts administration, be self-motivated and personable. Interns will be expected to assist in general office duties and operate audio equipment at six day-long SLP Panel Meetings. Strong computer skills (MS Word and Excel) are highly recommended. This internship is unpaid but individuals will have the opportunity to work 15-20 flexible hours during our business hours of 8AM-6PM in a professional office environment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send your resume and brief cover note along with a list of references via Email to Steve Jones, SLP Program Associate at sjones@nysca.org. Those applicants that most closely meet our needs will be contacted by staff for an interview.

Reference �SLP Internship� in the subject of your email. Include all information in the body of the email. Attachments will NOT be opened. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

NYSCA AND THE ARTS CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION LAUNCH CULTURAL VITALITY SURVEY

This month, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Arts Center of the Capital Region are surveying the Capital Region in an effort to get a complete picture of the region�s cultural assets. This research is intended to help design more effective marketing and promotional campaigns with the intention of attracting employers, employees and visitors.

We ask that you please take a moment to participate. Click here or visit http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229SCQ3CTT8 to begin.

Your participation in this survey will help ensure that the region is fully represented in all its richness and that gaps in services, as well as opportunities for growth, are recognized.

This survey is anonymous. While we hope you fill out every question, there are a few that are mandatory. The mandatory questions are those that will enable NYSCA and the Arts Center of the Capital Region to calculate the economic impact of the cultural sector in this region in aggregate using the Americans for the Arts economic impact calculator.

The results of this survey will be shared online at NYSCA�s website, www.nysca.org. Ultimately, this research will provide you with valuable information about the impact of the arts in the Capital Region that can be used to further supplement your promotional materials and strengthen your advocacy efforts.

The survey will remain open until April 5, 2010. Until then, please share this survey with other organizations that offer arts programs.

We greatly appreciate your time and consideration of these questions. Thank you for participating!

REMINDER: Now Accepting Cultural Data Project (CDP) Funder Reports

In Fiscal Year 2011 (calendar year 2010), NYSCA will begin accepting CDP Funder Reports as a part of the application process. In Fiscal Year 2012 (calendar year 2011), NYSCA will require all applicants to submit CDP Funder Reports.

To encourage the use of CDP in FY11, NYSCA will accept CDP Funder Reports as a substitute for NYSCA�s three-year Organizational Budget. If you would like to submit a CDP Funder Report to NYSCA in FY11, it must be received by February 17, 2010 to be included in your application.

For more information on how to submit your CDP Funder Report to NYSCA, visit www.nysca.org.

The CDP Help Desk is available to help you enter and understand the data.

New York State CDP Help Desk
Toll Free: 1-888-NYSCDP-1 (1-888-697-2371)
Email: help@nysculturaldata.org
www.nysculturaldata.org

The New York State CDP Help Desk is available every Monday � Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

In addition, the Help Desk is offering special extended hours during February and March. The New York State CDP Help Desk will be available until 8 pm on the following dates:

Monday, February 8
Thursday, February 11
Thursday, February 18
Monday, February 22
Thursday, February 25

Monday, March 1
Thursday, March 4
Monday, March 8
Thursday, March 11
Monday, March 15
Thursday, March 18
Monday, March 22
Thursday, March 25
Monday, March 29

The New York State CDP Help Desk will also be available from 10 am to 5 pm on the following Saturdays:

February 6, 2010
February 27, 2010
March 27, 2010

FY11 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

NYSCA is pleased to announce that registration for fiscal year 2011 (calendar year 2010) is now open.

Annual registration is the first step in NYSCA�s application process. ALL NYSCA applicants must register by midnight on January 22, 2010 to be considered for funding in FY11. Note: Returning multi-year applicants must register with NYSCA every year.

To begin, visit www.nysca.org and review the application guidelines (guidelines have been updated in every program in FY11). Then, log in to your organizational account to register your grant request. Note: There are significant changes to the Arts Education Program guidelines in FY11.

If your organization is new to NYSCA, visit www.nysca.org/public/first_time/index.htm to learn more. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact NYSCA staff before beginning registration.

Again, please note that registration closes at midnight on January 22, 2010. Do not wait until the last minute to register your grant request.

As always, NYSCA�s program staff is available to answer any questions you may have.

FY11 GUIDELINES NOW AVAILABLE

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is pleased to announce that application guidelines for fiscal year 2011 (calendar year 2010) are now available at www.nysca.org.

Guidelines have been updated in every program�please review the guidelines carefully before beginning your FY11 registration. Note: There are significant changes to the Arts Education Program guidelines.

As always, NYSCA�s program staff is available to answer any questions you may have about the guidelines.

Reminder: Registration for FY11 opens on January 4, 2010 and closes on January 22, 2010.

Cultural Data Project (CDP) Update

As you know, the New York State Cultural Data Project (CDP) launched in June of this year.

To date, more than 730 organizations statewide have started using the Cultural Data Project. To help ensure that arts and cultural organizations in New York City have an opportunity to learn about this powerful management tool, the CDP Taskforce will be hosting a series of demonstration and discussion sessions this month:

December 7 - 11, 2009, New York City

Queens
December 7, 6:30 pm
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center

Brooklyn
December 8, 10:00 am
Mark Morris Dance Center

Staten Island
December 9, 7:00 pm
Borough President's Office

Manhattan
December 10, 2:00 pm
NYC Department of Cultural Affairs

Bronx
December 11, 10:00 am
Location TBD

Join a demonstration and discussion from your home or office. Attend a training ONLINE via webinar!

WEBINAR
December 3, 10:00 am

To register for a demonstration and discussion, click on one of the �register� buttons above, or visit www.nysculturaldata.org and click on "attend a demonstration and discussion."

Feel free to contact the New York State CDP Help Desk at help@nysculturaldata.org or 1-888-NYSCDP-1 (1-888-697-2371) with any questions you may have.

NYSCA ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

Dear Colleagues,

As we approach the holiday season and the end of another year, I want to take a moment to update you on some important changes that are taking place here at the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).

In Fiscal Year 2011 (calendar year 2010), we will implement a series of changes to NYSCA�s annual application calendar in an effort to further improve our grantmaking process and better serve New York�s cultural community. As a result, a number of important deadlines, including the close of registration, will now shift to earlier points in the calendar year. Given these changes, it is tremendously important that you take careful note of NYSCA�s FY11 calendar, provided below. Please pay particular attention to NYSCA�s registration deadline (January 22, 2010) and first application deadline (February 17, 2010).

I also want to take this opportunity to update you on the latest news regarding NYSCA and the New York State Cultural Data Project (CDP). As you know, NYSCA has been working with a Taskforce of funders and arts organizations throughout the past year to help launch CDP in New York State. Now, NYSCA is prepared to accept CDP Data Profiles as a part of the FY11 grant application process.

The use of CDP will be optional for NYSCA applicants in FY11, but will be required of all applicants in FY12. However, we want to encourage all organizations to begin using this powerful online tool today. To that end, applicants who have completed a CDP Data Profile before NYSCA�s first FY11 application deadline (February 17, 2010) will be able to submit the Data Profile as a substitute for NYSCA�s three-year �Organizational Budget�.

To find out more about CDP, review the information below and visit www.nysculturaldata.org.

If you have any questions about these changes, please do not hesitate to contact a staff person in your funding program so that you can work together to address your concerns.

Sincerely,

Heather Hitchens
Executive Director

# # #

NYSCA CALENDAR � FISCAL YEAR 2011

December 15, 2009 FY11 Application Guidelines Available
January 4, 2010 Registration Opens
January 22, 2010 Registration Deadline
February 17, 2010 1st Application Deadline
February 17, 2010 CDP Data Profile Completion Deadline (optional in FY11�see below)
April 12, 2010 2nd Application Deadline

# # #

CULTURAL DATA PROJECT

In Fiscal Year 2011 (calendar year 2010), NYSCA will begin accepting CDP Data Profiles as a part of the application process. In Fiscal Year 2012 (calendar year 2011), NYSCA will require all applicants to submit CDP Data Profiles.

To encourage the use of CDP in FY11, NYSCA will accept completed CDP Data Profiles as a substitute for NYSCA�s three-year Organizational Budget for organizations that have completed a Data Profile before NYSCA�s first application deadline (February 17, 2010).

ABOUT CDP

The Cultural Data Project (CDP) is a free, web-based system designed to capture and standardize in-depth, historical financial information from nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. Put more simply, the CDP website enables organizations to create detailed reports of their past financial data at no cost.

HISTORY

An emerging national model for sharing information with arts funders, CDP began at the request of the Pennsylvania�s cultural community. Responding to calls for a more streamlined grant application process among cultural funders, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts spearheaded the launch of CDP in 2004. Now, CDP is active in 7 different states, including Massachusetts and California, with another 10 states currently in the process of launching CDP. (For a complete list of participating funders, visit www.culturaldata.org/partners).

BENEFITS

By registering with CDP and completing a Data Profile, organizations have the ability to:

� Streamline grant applications to participating funders: Once an organization�s data is entered into CDP, detailed financial reports for funders can be generated with the push of a button. In short, organizations will have to spend less time recalculating their financial information for each grant application they complete.

� Generate any of 77 on-demand reports: Organizations of all sizes will be able to benefit from a variety of professional quality reports and benchmarking tools, including annual reports and trend reports, ready to be shared with constituents, public officials, board members, and other stakeholders.

� Ensure inclusion in major advocacy efforts: Aggregate data from CDP is available to advocates, researchers and interested parties to help make the case for the arts in New York State.

Organizations can participate and benefit from the system regardless of whether they are a recipient of support from any of the participating funders. Additionally, there is a full-time Help Desk available to assist organizations in entering and understanding the data.

New York State CDP Help Desk
Toll Free: 1-888-NYSCDP-1 (1-888-697-2371)
Email: help@nysculturaldata.org
www.nysculturaldata.org

The New York State CDP Help Desk is available Monday � Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

To learn more about the New York State CDP, visit www.nysculturaldata.org. To learn more about the Cultural Data Project nationwide, visit www.culturaldata.org.