Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration opens doors

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 03:53:49 +0000

Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration opens doors Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/20/2021 - 21:53

Eric Hansen

This summer, we’re shining the spotlight on alumni of our Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration. Enjoy our previous spotlight on Luis Granda.

Voice performance graduate Mary Kettlewell (MM ’18) applauds the Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration for opening doors to her new position as program administrator at the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), a small state government commission in Austin dedicated to funding arts organizations in Texas.

“It’s the reason I was hired,” says Kettlewell, who previously earned bachelor of arts degrees in music and psychology at the University of Missouri Columbia. “And now, I have the satisfaction of going to work every day knowing that I’m part of the reason that arts organizations in my area receive funding and are able to commission new works, create new outreach programs and provide artistic opportunities to underserved populations in Texas.”

Continues Kettlewell, “Reviewing applications is one of my favorite things I do at TCA. I need to know what to look for and what should be included, and I need to identify red flags and send constructive criticism back to applicants.”

She describes grantwriting projects from Joan McLean Braun’s Introduction to Arts Administration class as invaluable experience that helped her develop skills she relies on daily. Braun serves as entrepreneurial lecturer, as well as executive director of CU Presents and assistant dean for concerts and communications.

“Joan is a goddess of arts administration,” says Kettlewell when asked who inspires her. “She taught important professional skills that typically aren’t part of your average college lecture.

“The stories she shared from her personal experiences emphasized the importance of not only being able to work on a team, but also appreciating your team members. She recounted ‘admin emergency’ stories from her career and how she and her team addressed them—the entire class found her very inspiring.”

Kettlewell further credits SoYoung Lee’s Sustainable Arts Organizations: Forecasting and Fundraising class for providing the instruction and resources needed to create unique fundraising templates she can use in her job. Lee is executive director of the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Boulder.

“Another value of the program is the network I gained,” adds Kettlewell. “We created a Facebook group to come together, ask each other for advice and celebrate each other's accomplishments.”

In sum, the Certificate in Art Administration is a three-course, nine-credit credential that serves as a platform for building the skillsets essential to a successful career in arts administration—including strategic planning, communications, fundraising and organizational management. Declares Kettlewell, “I can’t communicate enough to CU Boulder students how valuable these courses are!”

Voice Performance graduate Mary Kettlewell (MM ’18) applauds the Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration for opening doors to her new position as program administrator at the Texas Commission on the Arts.

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Recent alum launches career with Boulder Phil

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 20:30:32 +0000

Recent alum launches career with Boulder Phil Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 06/23/2021 - 14:30

Eric Hansen

Editor's update: Since interviewing Luis Granda for this story, we were pleased to learn that his career has carried him to Massachusetts where he currently serves as development manager at Williams College Museum of Art.

“I wouldn't have been able to get this job without the arts administration certificate from the University of Colorado Boulder,” says Luis Granda (MM ’20), recently named assistant director of donor and patron relations for the Boulder Philharmonic. In addition to a master’s degree in double bass performance from the College of Music, Granda earned a Certificate in Arts Administration here to position himself for a career building funding support for the arts.

“I believe strongly in the arts,” continues Granda, who’s originally from Massachusetts where he earned his undergraduate degree and a Professional Performance Certificate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “Both of my parents were artists, and my wife is a professional ceramicist. This is our life, and it’s important for me to talk about the arts and why they deserve funding—either from donors or through grants.”

He adds, “I’ve been a recording engineer, I’ve played in folk and rock bands, and I have a classical master’s degree and an undergraduate degree in jazz and African American music. Working in development is a way for me to take this combined knowledge and experience to talk to others about why it’s important to fund the arts.”

Granda attributes Joan McLean Braun’s Introduction to Arts Administration class—part of the Certificate in Arts Administration curriculum—as pivotal preparation for his new career. Braun serves as entrepreneurial lecturer, as well as executive director of CU Presents and assistant dean for concerts and communications.

“Joan’s class was a way for me to get an overview of the entire world of arts administration. She introduced me to development, donor relations, patron relations, working with venues, management, contracts and artists,” explains Granda. “Joan has also been a big influence for me in where my career is headed. She is my mentor, she’s so exciting to talk to, she’s got great energy...and she inspires me.”

Granda further credits Dean John Davis’ Management and Leadership in the Arts class as a significant focal point during his academic experience, shaping who he aspires to be as a manager, a role he will assume in his new position with the Boulder Phil. Learning grantwriting during his development internship with Colorado Symphony was also critical in setting his career direction.

Says Granda about joining the team at the Boulder Philharmonic, “This is a very interesting and community-driven orchestra. They’re committed to diversity and reaching new audiences to enrich lives and to serve as a positive voice in the community.

“Like all arts organizations, the Phil is re-emerging in the community post-COVID. A lot has changed culturally, and new conversations are happening around racial equity and the LGBTQ+ community.

“The orchestra has a great opportunity to really represent the community. I’m excited to see so many interesting and diverse voices in our upcoming season, and for this opportunity to work with the Phil’s new executive director, Sarah Parkinson.”

For the college’s Entrepreneurship Center for Music, Granda also remains active as teaching artist facilitator for the Colorado Lullaby Project.

"Working in development is a way for me to take my combined knowledge and experience to talk to others about why it’s important to fund the arts."

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