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A very successful 2004 for the Maine Arts Commission
Message from John Rohman, Chair

As fiscal year 2004 comes to a close for the Maine Arts Commission, we can give ourselves a real "pat on the back" for a very successful year. The importance of the arts in community and economic development was clearly conveyed at the Blaine House Conference on Maine's Creative Economy.

The people who attended the conference made many recommendations on growing Maine's Creative Economy, which are now available in the conference proceedings in print and online at MaineArts.com. After being presented with the proceedings, Governor Baldacci established a permanent Creative Economy Council. The Maine Arts Commission will maintain a high profile with this council, ensuring that the needs and goals of the arts and cultural community in Maine are further integrated into the state's economic development.

I know we in the arts field have long been aware of the relationship between arts and economics. A real demonstration of the power of art to drive business is well-presented by the case study of Brahms/Mount Textiles, written by Stephen Cole of Coastal Enterprise Inc. (also a member of the Maine Arts Commission).

Beyond the Creative Economy, the Maine Arts Commission has continued to provide grants to artists, schools, communities and arts organizations this year. The grants are an essential part of the agency's mission to build Maine communities through the arts. The complete grant list for fiscal year 2004 is on page 27 and, as you will see, the agency's grants reach a wide range of individuals and groups across the state - from arts education in Caribou, to a partnership with VSA arts of Maine, an exhibition of renown Passamaquoddy basketmaker Clara Neptune Keezer and support for a CD by hip-hop artist Sontiago.

At a Maine Arts Commission meeting on October 15, Maine Arts Commission members and the public were treated to presentations from the Individual Artist Fellowship recipients and some of the traditional arts masters and apprentices who participate in the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program. My wife Lyndy and I were again very pleased to host a reception for the artists and Maine Arts Commission members.

Thanks to all my fellow Maine Arts Commission members and the agency staff for an extremely successful 2004.

John M. Rohman
Chair