HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Art Grant Support Letter - Brian JohannesenIowa City Public Art Advisory Committee,
As Programming Director at The Englert Theatre,we rarely have the chance to open our doors
to the general public and invite them to come into the building and participate in the art we are
presenting.This event offers us this unique combination,and it will be a source of joy,respite,
and community building for the people of Iowa City.
This public event offers several unique elements that are not frequently found in our arts
community:
1 -The accessibility of the program and the size of The Englert means that virtually anyone can
participate in creating this work of community art.You don’t need to be a singer,you don’t need
to know anything about music,and you don’t even need to know the songs to join in and sing
along.And you don’t need to pay a dime to participate as well.
2 -As opposed to,say,a work of visual art,singing together with other community members
creates a unique,uplifting feeling in the body.Through sound and expression,the community
comes together as one.This fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie.And since your
voice is blending with hundreds of others,the self-consciousness that can accompany
performing art in public melts away.
3 -It offers a chance to learn about the basics of singing and harmony in an unpretentious,
pressure-free environment.James and Amy will walk everyone through their parts and help
them along.It may inspire some participants to go further in singing,enhance the singalongs on
family road trips,or give them the joy of knowledge.Participants will walk away with a greater
understanding of the art and some basic tools to do what they please.
4 -This event will be easily replicable.We hope it will catch on and become a popular event that
can happen several times throughout the year,offering more opportunities to continue to build
on this community.The program can shift to accommodate different themes or genres of music,
and it could be led by various local musicians/teachers.By funding this event,you’re funding the
creation of a model that could exist into the future.
I sincerely hope you will consider giving this matching grant to The Englert so that we can
execute this vision and that you will join us at the event!I think you would find that uplifting your
voice with your community will be cathartic,joyous,and affirming,no matter your background or
interests.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter!
Brian Johannesen
Programming Director
The Englert Theatre