News & Upates

Presented Thursday, October 8 11:00-11:45am, Virtual Workshop with Emily Wolfram, Executive Director, MPAC As traditional arts grantmakers face rising demand, creative organizations in rural Montana need diverse, resilient funding strategies. This 45-minute session provides a practical roadmap for securing support from health-focused grantmakers, health systems, and regional community foundations. ​ We will examine key regional funders—including grantmaking healthcare foundat

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention with Amy Shike, Training Manager, Montana Nonprofit Association Presented Wednesday, September 30 Workshop materials Slide deck Who Volunteers for You Worksheet Volunteer Job Description Template Board Member Job Description Template Start or strengthen your volunteer recruitment and management plans in this two-part webinar series. Participants will explore volunteer motivations and capacities, refine logistics to support retention, and co

Presented Monday, September 14, 2:00pm, Virtual Join us for an orientation session designed to help you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. We’ll give you a full walkthrough of our unique structure, where MPAC’s collegial atmosphere and networking sessions make it easy to collaborate and connect with your fellow presenters. You’ll get a clear sense of what to expect at the conference and learn how to navigate our information-dense schedule while still finding the t

Presented Wednesday, September 2, 11:00am, Virtual Join us for an orientation session designed to help you hit the ground running at the 2026 Artist Showcase & Conference in Helena! This workshop provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the conference's unique structure, highlighting how MPAC’s small, relaxed environment fosters a culture of meaningful connection with professionals and Montana communities. Attendees will gain insights into the Montana performing arts ecosystem

Grant Workshop: Demystifying Philanthropy with Unfunded List with Dave Moss, Founder, and Board Chair Margaret Chapman from The Unfunded List Thursday, August 20, 1:00–2:00 pm (MT), Virtual Workshop Join Dave Moss, Founder of Unfunded List, and Board Chair Margaret Chapman for a session dedicated to helping arts organizations navigate the complexities of grantmaking. This workshop is specifically designed for grantseeking nonprofit arts organizations—from large professional v

Presenter Panelists: Mike Rodrique (Mission Valley Live), Corby Skinner (Alberta Bair Theater), Jim Olson ( Belt Performing Arts Center)Facilitator: Ron DeStefano, EPIC Arts Management Presented: Thursday, August 6, 1:00-2:00 pm (MT), Virtual Panel Discussion Get a head start on the 2026 conference season by hearing directly from the people who book the shows. Facilitated by Ron DeStefano of EPIC Arts Management, this virtual panel features experienced Montana presenters who

The Well-Being Concert Model with guest speakers: Sam Livingston​​​​, Senior Director, Operations, Weill Music Institute, Carnegie Hall Jessica Catron, Founding Executive Director & Teaching Artist, Missoula Crescendo Club Marie Oleson, Fairbanks Concert Association Workshop presented Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Explore how musical performances can be intentionally crafted to support community health and mental wellness in The Well-Being Concert Model virtual workshop on Wednesd

Arts & Mental Health: State of Mind Tour with Michael Rohd, Director, University of Montana Co-Lab for Civic Imagination Workshop presented Thursday, June 18, 2026 Michael Rohd is a theatre maker, process designer and facilitator who co-founded Sojourn Theatre, serving as its artistic director for 23 years, and co-creating over thirty original productions during that time. He’s premiered new work with partners that include: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Steppenwolf Theatre, Pi

Storytelling Workshop With Shelby Rogala, Assistant Director, Montana Nonprofit Association Workshop presented Tuesday, May 26, 2026 This interactive workshop is designed to equip nonprofit leaders, staff, and board members with the confidence and skills to share their organization’s story. Participants will enhance their ability to connect with donors, inspire volunteers, and amplify their organization’s impact. ​ Key Learning Objectives: Understand the Fundraising Cycle:

With Emily Wolfram, Executive Director, MPAC Workshop presented on Thursday, January 29, 2026 What's in this session? General information about booking conferences juried vs. independent showcases, other conferences in North America Review of the MPAC conference schedule, goals, key events for artists/agents Walk through of the application process preview of iwanttoshowcase.ca, tips for your application Resources to help you get to the conference and more! funding $$$ f

Artist' & agent conference orientation for the 2025 MPAC Artist Showcase & Conference Recorded Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025 02:00 PM Mountain Time Join us for an overview of the MPAC conference experience for artists and agents! This session will have useful information for those planning to attend MPAC's Artist Showcase & Conference on October 10-12, 2025 in Great Falls, MT. If you are new to booking conferences or new to Montana you should DEFINITELY attend. Seasoned artists and