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The Cultural
Committee of The Danish Cultural Center
by Jonathan Neal
Approximately two years ago, I
was asked to be part of the Cultural Events Committee of the Danish
Cultural Center. I was happy to oblige because we have so many
possibilities and avenues to explore as a Danish Cultural Center.
I have long felt that we need to be more pro-active in this area
in order to "put ourselves on the map".
The closure of the Danish Consulate
in Los Angeles has left a void for promoting Danish Culture not
only in southern California but throughout the Western United
States. At a reception at the Consulate General's residence last
February Dorthe Mikkelsen stated that now the Danish Church and
Cultural Center is "it", meaning that we, the congregation, friends
and supporters now have both opportunity and obligation to attract
Danish talent.
I believe we have an incredible
amount of resources both within the Danish Colony here and in
Denmark that we have not yet tapped into. In the following are
some goals that we will pursue in the coming months.
Goals
Develop a mission statement.
We know that our purpose is to preserve and promote Danish culture
and traditions, both past and present. However, we need to formally
state our goals and then pursue it.
Expand the committee and organize
a "task force". If you are interested in joining the committee
or have connections and/or resources please let me or a council
member know.
Elevate our status both here and
in Denmark. The Danish Church and Cultural Center should be known
in Denmark much more than it currently is. I will be working toward
setting up a meeting with the Minister of Cultural Affairs as
well as other cultural organizations in Denmark during my travels
there.
Grants.
We need to explore the availability
and accesibility of grants from The National Endowment of the
Arts in US, the Danish Government as well as major corporations.
This will be a major part of the committee's work and although
ardeous and time consuming our efforts may be financially rewarded
if we take the time to submit well-written and clearly defined
applications. If you have skills in the area of grant writing
please contact me or a member of the council. Events and Programs
Short Term Goals
Julekor: I will organize Christmas
choirs for both adults and child-ren and will actively pursue
this towards the end of August. Dates and times of rehearsals,
music and practice CDs will be anounced in early September in
BIEN and on the bulletin boards in the Church/Cultural Center
entry-way.
Theme Days:
Continue to do programs like the Viking Dag in January. This is
an excellent way to preserve Danish Culture among the younger
generations as well as to expose others to that heritage.
Concerts:
I would like to put on the docket a concert by this fall and if
not at the very latest early next spring. I have 2 very practical
and very excellent ideas for this....more to come.
Long Term Goals
- Danish play.
- Another Maja Persson concert.
- Concert Art Exhibit by a major Danish artist with a program
and reception.
- Chamber orchestra concert with works by Carl Nielsen and other
well known Danish composers.
- Exchange programs with artists from Denmark
We have many exciting possibilities
to explore. Our aim is to "put wings to our dreams". Join us and
let us take flight.
You can contact me in the following
ways: Phone: 562-690-7609, Mobile-714-658-7344Fax 801 697-1750
or e-mail: compzrjdn@aol.com
Jonathan David Neal
Chairman
The Cultural Committee of The Danish Cultural Center
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