Dear <<First Name>>:
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. In the USA, it falls on the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday like an antidote to consumerism.
As the Kingston Midtown Arts District enters its seventh year, we invite you to join our grassroots efforts to support our growing community of artists and bring more arts to the community at large.
A generous donor will match the first $1,000 in donations we receive today!
Your financial contributions will make possible:
Arts Education & Training Programs
Our goal is to reach as many community members as possible with quality programs that educate, inspire, and connect people from all walks of life.
The D.R.A.W.
MAD’s merger with The Department of Regional Art Workers earlier this year is growing the reach of The D.R.A.W.’s year-round art programs for people of all ages. It’s interactive and exciting art classes are all offered at the YMCA in the heart of Midtown.
PUGG
An important component of The D.R.A.W. is its Pop-Up Gallery Group (PUGG) program for mentoring local youth. Teenagers learn about the economy of art-making, develop social skills such as teamwork, and build confidence and self-esteem. We are extremely proud of the work of our program directors, Lara Giordano and JoAnna Ruisi, who guide these successful initiatives.
Arts Leadership & Collaborations
Our 5th annual Celebration of the Arts EXPO held in August was wildly successful with more than 400 participants from the local community experiencing art workshops run by 23 local artists. These artists offered everything from pottery making and acting classes to hip-hop dancing! Everyone got to experience the pleasure of making things and getting to know each other better. In 2020, our 6th Annual EXPO will return to the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster.
We collaborate with existing organizations to help them with their work. During the last year, we helped many others move their art projects forward, including setting up art shows during Black History Month and helping with Made in Kingston and Art Walk Kingston. MAD produces and distributes the 1st Saturday Maps listing the openings of each gallery show. We frequently collaborate with the City of Kingston Arts Commission on their initiatives, including art openings, exhibits and artist talks at City Hall.
Creative Arts Economic Development
MAD initiatives help lift the quality of life across the Kingston community while providing opportunities for creatives to support themselves through their work. We regularly seek and secure grant funding that enables us to pay teaching artists, interns and performers. We connect artists with business-building resources. We offer a free online registry where artists and entrepreneurs can promote themselves.
MAD advocates for government funding for the arts and recognition of the contributions artists make to our City. One of our first successes, in partnership with the Kingston Arts Commission, was to establish the Pauline Oliveros Deep Listening Plaza in the heart of Midtown to honor the world-renowned late composer. It serves as an important symbol and reminder that the arts are for everyone and have a vital role to play in the revitalization of Kingston.
Support Your Local Arts
We hope you will consider a year-end donation to help MAD continue to create art programs and community events for people of all ages. All our efforts are designed to build unity, bolster awareness of the value of the arts, and increase pride in our area. We are in this together and with your help, we will continue to build a city we can all be proud of!
With gratitude,
Anne Bailey
President
Kingston Midtown Arts District Board
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