In case you missed it…
Our first Informational Session was held on Thursday, January 18, 6:30 pm at Artist Walk in Centerville. About 35 enthusiastic attendees learned more about what we have planned for April, and had the opportunity to sign up for volunteer tasks.
Below are summarized speaker notes.
Welcome and Introduction
This is a month-long, statewide effort organized by Californians for the Arts. In 2019, Californians for the Arts (CFTA) successfully campaigned for the state to recognize and celebrate the arts by declaring April as Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (ACCM) through a concurrent resolution passed in the California Senate. In
In 2021, an additional resolution was declared to recognize artists as second responders. CFTA directs this annual month-long spotlight on the arts to raise visibility and awareness about the value of the arts sector, to empower arts advocates to take action, and to spur greater investments in the arts industry and workforce.
Fremont started recognizing April as Arts, Culture & Creativity month in 2022, with a City proclamation. Due to COVID that’s all we were able to do.
In 2023, a consortium of Fremont arts leaders came together to ‘brand’ the effort as Fremont Creates. In addition to City proclamation, we created the website FremontCreates.com, saw many of the arts organizations schedule events specifically in April as part of the month’s celebration, and promoted these events on the FC’s on-line calendar of events, which linked to the presenting organizations’ website event info as well as publicity in local media.
We want to do all this for this coming April, but bigger – promote more artists & culture keepers more frequently as well as provide a venue to showcase them
Benefits for the City and Participants
More than just a celebration of arts and culture, FC and ACCM is an investment in community well-being and the enrichment of societal cultural heritage.
Our comprehensive April calendar, website, ongoing TCV articles, podcast appearances, and presentations will highlight all events and provide organizations with additional advertising and exposure for each of their events. This is a great FREE opportunity to increase your audience for these and future events.
In addition, benefits across the city include:
- Cultural enrichment: Expose the community to diverse forms of art, broadening understanding and appreciation of different cultural expressions.
- Community engagement: Encourage Fremont residents to participate in local events, strengthening community bonds and local identity, and facilitating networking.
- Support local artists and culture keepers: Provide platforms to showcase work, gain recognition, exchange ideas and experiences, inspire collaboration, open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
- Economic boost: Events stimulate local economies (ticket fees, local dining before, donations, etc.).
- Educational opportunities: Educate the public about services and opportunities; provide workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions.
- Promotion of creativity, inclusivity, and diversity: Encourage people of all ages to engage in creative activities; highlight the diverse cultural background of our community, promote inclusivity and mutual respect.
- Enhanced quality of life: Engagement with the arts and culture can improve mental health and overall quality of life, offering relaxation, entertainment, and an escape from the daily grind.
Grand Finale Event April 27
We are very pleased that the City of Fremont is supporting ACCM with a grant to host the Grand Finale on April 27, including engaging a Production company to help with scheduling, AV equipment, day-of oversight, and more.
We are looking forward to showcasing a diversity of talent and culture at this event.
- There are 4 venues at DTEC, each one to host a different series of activities.
- Like at any large gathering, performances will happen simultaneously, and we plan to have lots of choices.
- The State Room is the largest space, with a stage, AV equipment, and seating for up to 300. We envision a series of short performances (dance, theatrical, etc.) by a range of our local talent.
- The Capitol Room is perfect for film or video, spoken word, and solo performances. Seating is up to 100.
- The Liberty Room will be our Maker Space with hands-on children’s activities.
- We expect to have an art display in the Lobby.
- The large outdoor space, the Plaza, has a stage, where we’ll feature music — a perfect place for bands to bring people to the event.
- And there will be Food Trucks! Give them food and they will come.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have intentionally used the word TEAM for each of our Volunteer categories. We are very aware that no one wants the responsibility of an entire category to fall on them. In fact, that’s why the Steering Committee is just that – a team. And we have all benefited from our shared responsibilties and the opportunities for feedback and support.
Outreach to Artists Team: Do you know of any arts organizations that would like to host an exhibit or performance during April? Can you speak to them and have them fill out our participant form so we can promote them? Are you an artist or performer? Our goal is to have a robust roster of exhibits and performances throughout April, especially at the Finale.
Sponsors & Donors: While this is an all-volunteer effort, it costs money. We are looking for sponsors and donors, large and small, funds and in-kind. Do you have Rotary or other service club connections? Businesses that might help underwrite a small part of ACCM? There are benefits to sponsoring. Our website lists all the levels and benefits.
Publicity Team: In order for ACCM to be a success, our community needs to know about it! We have a series of articles slated for the Tri-City Voice, but we also need both other print and virtual media to reach a wide swath of residents. Can you help?
Volunteer team: This is primarily for the Grande Finale. We aleady have some teen volunteers. We need to organize tasks, shifts, and have a team in charge to answer questions that come up, point volunteers to their posts, etc.
4/27 Event Team: There will be lots of jobs, before, during, and after the event. Please considering participating.
We, the Steering Committee, are here to help you with all of this. So when you sign up, we will get in touch with each team and help you with anything you are unclear about.
What can you do next?
- Submit events that you or your organization will produce during April.
- Sign up for email alerts below.
- Refer others and help spread the word to other performers.
- Bring up the idea of sponsorship to any potential resources you know that might be interested.
- Volunteer.
- Contact us with any other questions!