Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts news
For the 2014 fiscal year, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts has been awarded funding in the form of an Operating Support grant allowing the organization to continue to provide arts-based learning opportunities and programming to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in Southeast Minnesota.
In 2010 and 2011 MCA was awarded funding through the State Arts Board’s Community Arts Schools and Conservatories grant division, and for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 years MCA was awarded formulary and merit-based funding for operating support. The consistent funding support by the Minnesota State Arts Board acknowledges MCA as a leader in community arts education for the state of Minnesota.
The Minnesota State Arts Board funding will help support and expand MCA’s current programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre for children and youth. Furthermore, the grant will allow MCA to venture into new community outreach projects, expand its visual art and theatre divisions, grow the Adult Arts Wellness program, and remain fiscally responsible with balanced budgets.
In the 2013, MCA employed 30 teaching artists and served more than 600 local children/youth as well as more than 100 adult students. Additionally, more than 6,650 people attended dance and music performances and outreach events produced by MCA.
Open house Sept. 4
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will be conducting its fall registration open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.
MCA offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center.
Register early for:
• New art division classes including “Architecture for Kids” and “Drawing 101.”
• Dance programming in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip hop and tap with new course divisions.
• Private music lessons with talented teaching artists.
• New partner workshops with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Great River Shakespeare Festival.
• Advanced training for those serious about dance with an additional Ballet V/VI/VII class.
• New adult wellness classes including folk music workshops, “Intro to Guitar,” “Self Portrait Workshop,” and “Belly Dancing for Beginners.”
Class days, times and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.
 |
| Carter Briggs, a Dance Repertory Company student, practices his hip hop moves. |
Auditions for the Dance Repertory Company II will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.
The DRC II will present a winter dance concert Dec. 6-7 at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre. Roles are available for beginning- and intermediate-level dance students ages 5 to 13. Auditions are free and open to the public. DRC II members are required to enroll in at least one dance class at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. A $50 performance fee is required. For more information, contact MCA Director of Dance Tammy Schmidt at tschmidt@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500.
