LEWISTON — The Maine Arts Commission will complete its 2018 Arts Iditarod on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the Gendron Franco Center, 46 Cedar St.
The Arts Iditarod is a regional tour from Kennebunk to Houlton and Lewiston to Ellsworth. The four regional meetings provide professional development workshops, information and discussion opportunities to the state’s far-flung, diverse arts and cultural organizations, as well as artists, arts educators and community policymakers and members interested in development in and through the arts.
“We’re the most rural state in the nation, and people often have to travel long distances to get services,” Julie Richard, Arts Commission’s executive director, said. “We’ve discovered these regional sessions to be the best way to stay connected and offer broad access to our programs.”
The tour kicked off last month in Houlton. Each event, including the Valentine’s Day event in Lewiston, opens at 12:30 p.m. with sessions from 1 to 4 p.m. All of the Maine Arts Iditarod events are free and open to the public.
The gathering will include three workshops on Cultural Tourism, Strategic Planning for both Arts Organizations and Artists and How to Be and Build a Better Board.
In addition, information and updates will be provided on several Arts Commission initiatives, including the commission’s new nonprofit advocacy and support organization, ArtsEngageME; local and state economic impact data for the arts; and grants. Refreshments will be served.
Advance registration is recommended at https://tinyurl.com/ycfssvkh.
The Gendron Franco Center is handicapped accessible.
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