|
Innovative Programs Funded by Local
Cultural Councils
 The
MCC's Gold Star Awards, established in 2001, recognize exemplary
cultural programs funded by local cultural councils (LCCs) throughout
the state. These projects celebrate diversity, foster collaboration,
showcase artistic excellence, and provide learning experiences for
people of all ages and backgrounds.
Gold Star awards are nominated by Local
Cultural Councils and are evaluated by the Massachusetts Cultural
Council based on a variety of criteria including: artistic quality,
success in reaching out to underserved constituents, extent to which
the project highlights a unique quality of the community, and ability
to engage with the community. Collectively, Gold Star Projects demonstrate
the ways that culture contributes to the quality of life in cities
and towns across the Commonwealth.
These awards offer every LCC, large or small, the opportunity
to gain extra recognition for their vital contributions to their
communities. This year the MCC will recognize the award-winning
projects at the LCC 2010 Statewide Assembly at the State House as
a way to celebrate the dedication of the local cultural councils
and the impact these projects have had on their communities.
2010 Gold Star Projects
Re-Visioning Acton: A Creative Model Building Activity
Nominated by the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council
Architect and MCC creative teaching partner Ann Sussman led Re-Visioning
Acton as a community planning and design project that invited residents
to explore alternative possibilities for an underutilized local
intersection. Through public workshops, exhibitions, and internet
accessibility, participants used large scale aerial maps, planning
diagrams, craft materials, and the online 3-D virtual reality site
Second Life to create their own vision of an improved and walkable
community.
Chelsea Art Walk
Nominated by the Chelsea Cultural Council
The first annual Chelsea Art Walk was a citywide exhibition intended
to create a broad community art experience reflecting the diversity
of the numerous distinct ethnic groups in Chelsea. The walk used
a multi-disciplinary approach with themed exhibits in galleries
and alternative spaces throughout town, including City Hall. The
project highlighted the work of regional artists and performers,
and reintroduced Chelsea as a vibrant, artistic neighborhood to
visitors and residents alike.
Easthampton Bear Fest
Nominated by the Easthampton Cultural Council
Easthampton City Arts headed a major public art event celebrating
the history and identity of the town, revolving around an exhibit
of life-sized bear sculptures decorated and painted by local and
regional artists. With the support and involvement of countless
volunteers and local businesses, the Bear Fest kicked off with a
citywide weekend festival in June and ended with a week-long celebration
and auction in October.
On This River
Nominated by the Hull Cultural Council
Hull Performing Arts presented an original musical theater production
about the Weir River Estuary, written by Cinzi Lavin and directed
by Lindsay Clinton. The performance honors Hull’s history and promotes
environmental conservation. The success of the show led to additional
town performances and sing-alongs, a studio-recorded CD, and the
honor of one song becoming the official town song of Hull.
How to Get a Head...Through Clay Modeling
Nominated by the Taunton Cultural Council
Artist Pam Foley led a high quality artist-in-residence program
at an assisted living center, where seniors were able to participate
in a hands-on sculpting workshop. The three-part project involved
Foley’s demonstration of clay sculpting in action, the creation
of plaster molds of the participant’s faces, and clay sculpture
busts of fellow residents. The residents’ family members also became
involved, and the finalized works were displayed in the facility’s
conference room, which is frequently used by outside community groups.
Art in the Park
Nominated by the Worcester Cultural Commission
The second annual Art in the Park was a two month exhibit of large-scale,
high-quality, contemporary public art in historic Elm Park. The
project featured artists from around Massachusetts and engaged a
diverse cross-section of the community. The local council-originated
project was used as an opportunity to develop numerous partnerships
with local cultural institutions, community groups, stores and restaurants,
and artists and performers. These groups planned related events
surrounding the exhibition that enhanced the project’s impact.
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| ©
Massachusetts Cultural Council 2010 |
| |
|
|
