Just Buffalo Literary Center Spring 2019 Newsletter

NEWS FROM NEWS FROM JUST BUFFALO JUST BUFFALO LITERARY CENTER LITERARY CENTER

SPRING 2019

LIT CITY brings the literary arts outdoors—to the streets, walls, and sidewalks of downtown Buffalo—so that everyone can participate and share our pride in having one of the country’s top literary centers, legacies, and scenes right here in Western New York.

Throughout the summer of 2018, Just Buffalo Literary Center presented “Words On The Street,” the most dynamic LIT CITY program yet. Bringing together more than 120 writers, poets, and artists for 35 events all along the Literary Corridor—from the Buffalo & Erie County Central Library to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus—“Words On The Street” engaged the entire community in a celebration of the written and spoken word.

Assistant Curator Annette Daniels Taylor and Outreach Coordinator Richie Wills joined Just Buffalo’s artistic team to create an array of outdoor events with numerous community partners including: Baker Victory Services, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Buffalo String Works, The Foundry, Journey’s End Refugee Services, Locust Street Art, New York State Office for New Americans, and Squeaky Wheel Buffalo Media Arts Center.

Thousands of writing notebooks were handed out, poems by LIT CITY writers appeared on sidewalks thanks to Joel Brenden’s and Chris Siano’s meticulous stencils, and a new mural designed

by Julian Montague was painted by Yames Moffit on our Washington Street wall, broadcasting the vitality housed inside this historic building that provides a home to Just Buffalo and the Western New York Book Arts Center.

While not everyone may take the opportunity to attend a literary event, people of all ages and walks-of-life can be inspired by the words of Buffalo’s great writers as they come upon a reading, a beautiful mural, or a poem on the street.

In need of a little inspiration? Check out the brief video about this project at justbuffalo.org.

Special thanks to New York State Council on the Arts and the WNY Regional Economic Development Council, First Niagara Foundation in partnership with Key Bank and Erie County Cultural Funding for making this project possible.

JUST BUFFALO WRITING CENTER’S FIRST YOUTH FELLOWS

Trinity Ridout showcases her project at Mohawk Place.

Maya Simmons reads her poem in front of the Freedom Wall.

“Having the chance to work so closely with these young writers, and seeing the results of the fellowships, it’s clear that this is a program we want to continue long-term,” said Education Director Noah Falck.

The Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC) has grown so much since the first—and only!—student walked through the doors to attend the inaugural workshop four years ago. Now, the JBWC is bustling with energy as young writers (ages 12-18) come from all over WNY to develop their writing skills and creativity.

MEET THEO BELLAVIA-FRANK

Inspired by the extraordinary talents of these students, Just Buffalo launched its first JBWC Summer Youth Fellows program to create even more opportunities for them to grow.

Out of a competitive pool of impressive applicants, fellowships were awarded to Maya Simmons (Buffalo Seminary, 12th grade) and Trinity Ridout (City Honors, 11th grade). Through focused mentorship, each fellow completed a creative project, played an active role in developing materials for the JBWC summer camp, and performed at multiple events.

Maya’s project focused on the intersection of art and activism, finding inspiration in local author Annette Daniels Taylor as well as Civil Rights activist Angela Davis. In addition to overcoming stage fright at her standing-room-only showcase reading, Maya also produced a broadside (poetry poster) with graphic designer Joel Brenden.

Trinity found her inspiration from the work of Terry Tempest Williams (Fall 2017 BABEL author), composing an album of songs as a “self-portrait through [her] experience of the natural world.” Ridout was able to share her work on stage at Mohawk Place, a local concert venue, opening up for three acts, including Honyock, a California-based band. Imagine playing Mohawk as a high school student!

Theo Bellavia-Frank has been coming to the JBWC for the past two years. He’s been so inspired by everything he learns at the JBWC that he now teaches a poetry class at his synagogue for 5- to 13-year-olds.

“I come to the Just Buffalo Writing Center because it’s a place where everybody is supportive and it’s a wonderful place for writing workshops. But more than that, it’s about community.

It’s a safe haven for not only writing but being.”

Everyone at Just Buffalo Literary Center was deeply moved when Theo donated one third of his bar mitzvah gift money to support the JBWC. As the youngest donor in 2018, Theo’s generosity is a testament to the power of young people!

ANNUAL REPORT

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

TREASURER’S MESSAGE

Michael C. Angelucci

As Treasurer during 2017-2018, I’m extremely proud of the time Just Buffalo Literary Center has invested to build a strong and sustainable culture of philanthropy within the organization. This includes every member of the board making a personal financial commitment before we reach out to the community, and more than doubling individual contributions in the past five years.

In conjunction with Just Buffalo’s 40th Anniversary, Just Buffalo spearheaded and successfully completed the most ambitious fundraising effort in our history—JB40, a three-year $1M campaign—making it possible to launch the new Writing Center for teens, invest in marketing for expanded visibility and participation, and create a small strategic reserve. This year we expanded two positions, resulting in a small deficit offset by last year’s surplus. These are all crucial investments for the present and the future.

Each year, we embrace anew the challenge of bringing the significant, meaningful and high impact programs possible to the community while keeping the bottom line in balance. We are extremely grateful to everyone who joined us in supporting this work and mission. With your continued support, we look forward to a great year ahead.

REVENUE – $924,162

EXPENSES – $950,547

JUST BUFFALO LITERARY CENTER 468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 832.5400 justbuffalo.org

STAFF Laurie Dean Torrell Executive Director Barbara Cole, Ph.D. Artistic Director Noah Falck Education Director Lynda Kaszubski Executive Assistant Robin Jordan Writing Center Coordinator Kevin Thurston Communications Coordinator Linda Fischer Accountant Kathleen Kearnan Grantwriter

Earned Income $287,432 – 31% Foundations $103,300 – 11%

Federal, State and Local Gov’t Grants $264,637 – 29%

Literary Programs $600,849 – 63%

Individual and Corporate Donations $268,793 – 29% (includes in-kind)

Fundraising $54,546 – 6%

SUPPORT AND REVENUE Earned Income Private Contributions Public Funding Total support and revenue

EXPENSES Program Services General and Administrative Fundraising Total Expenses Net increase (decrease) in net assets Net assets at beginning of year Net assets at end of year

JB Writing Center & Education Programs $197,263 – 21%

General and Administrative $97,889 – 10%

$ 287,432 372,093 264,637 $924,162

$ 798,112 97,889 54,546 950,547 (26,385) 562,279 $ 535,894

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael C. Angelucci, President Geri Grossman, Vice President Karen Stanley Fleming, Treasurer Janet Kaye, Secretary Venezia M. Appleby James R. Bachwitz Paul A. Battaglia Melissa (Missy) G. Baumgart Sandra Block, M.D. Thomas F. Hewner Lucy Kogler Pauline Muto C. George Pulinthitta Anne Y. Taylor Just Buffalo Literary Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, EIN 22-2995665.

We invite and welcome your support of our work and mission. Gifts can be made through a transfer of securities, donor advised fund recommendation, or tax-deductible donation to Just Buffalo using the enclosed envelope, by calling (716) 832.5400 or through our secure website: www.justbuffalo.org.

Just Buffalo’s programs are made possible through the generosity of a diverse array of committed donors and funders. Special appreciation is expressed for long-term ongoing support to:

with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature

Erie County Cultural Funding

JUST BUFFALO REACHED MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER LAST YEAR!

NEWS FROM JUST BUFFALO LITERARY CENTER

261

writers and artists presented their work at events

8,542 adults attended readings, presentations & literary events including BABEL

collaborating partners including community-based nonprofits & businesses; public, private and charter schools; media and all levels of government.

3,850

students from 32 different schools attended 62 free workshops presented by 36 different writers and artists at the JB Writing Center as well as once-ina-lifetime Meet-the-Author events, open mics, and in-school writer residencies.

21,400 reached through website, e-newsletter & social media

290

192,200 reached through feature articles, information & news

69 feature pieces ran in local, regional, and national media. This press coverage played a crucial role in expanding visibility and increasing awareness about the many ways to participate in Just Buffalo.

Total number of people reached through all programs & activities

CENTER for the FUTURE

This summer, Just Buffalo will be renovating our facility to expand the capacity of the Writing Center and make even more opportunities available.

227,045

But we can’t do it alone! You’re invited to support this effort and our growing programming. We can’t wait to open our doors to you to kick off the Fall 2019 season with a fully-refreshed space.