The Art Shanty Projects (ASP) is excited to share some recent decisions affecting the growth and goals of the project. First, we have decided to postpone ASP until 2012. As the Art Shanty Projects has expanded, we realize we are unwilling to coordinate a 2011 project with limited staff and board capacity. This break will also provide us with the time and space to begin our implementation of a strategic plan for healthy growth.

Second, this year we were awarded an Organizational Development Grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council which enabled us to work with consultant Anne Howden on intensive strategic planning. With Anne’s help we listened to our artists, audiences, funders, and the arts community to help us map out key goals for the coming years. To prepare for 2012 and beyond, we have decided to focus on the six initiatives listed below:

1. Partner with an Existing Nonprofit Organization
2. Continue to Improve Event Preparation and Overall On-Ice Experience for Audience and Artists
3. Develop the Next Generation of Organizational Leadership
4. Increase and Diversify Income
5. Expand Participation from Diverse Communities
6. Research the Implications of a Potential Site Change or Expansion of the Art Shanty Projects Event.

Each of our seven years on the ice has seen significant audience growth and artist interest. Because of this success, the Art Shanty Projects’ board feels it is imperative that we address these goals prior to exhibiting another year. This was a tough decision to make and while we are saddened to leave the ice for a year we are excited to continue working on the long term growth and sustainability of the project!

What can you do to help?

• Look for us at community events around town as we unveil the exciting new directions for the project.
• Donate to the project on our website (www.artshantyprojects.org) or at our upcoming fundraiser this fall.
• If you are an artist, start thinking now about your 2012 project but please respect our decision to stay off the ice in 2011 to help us preserve good relations with the Water Patrol and our neighbors and supporters on Medicine Lake.
• Contact us with your ideas, visions, or if you are interested in volunteering with Art Shanty Projects.

Thank you for all the support and enthusiasm you have shown ASP over the years. What started as a modest art project has grown to a beloved community event and we hope throughout this thoughtful planning we can continue to preserve what is unique about the Art Shanty Projects.

Warmest Regards,

The ASP Board:
David Pitman
Jan Elftmann
Karen Kasel
Melinda Hobbs Childs
Mitch Redepenning
Peter Haakon Thompson
and Caitlin Hargarten, ASP Director

A four-weekend exhibition of performance, architecture, science, art, video, literature, survivalism and karaoke, ASP is part sculpture park, part artist residency and part social experiment, inspired by traditional ice fishing houses that dot the state’s lakes in winter.