Provide Support for Exhibits and Programs


Upcoming Exhibit

New Harmonies
October 23 – December 4, 2010
Western Illinois Museum will host New Harmonies, a traveling Smithsonian exhibition about American roots music. The exhibit will also explore the contributions of musicians and composers like Al Sears, local instrument makers and how radio affected the American roots music tradition.  The Illinois Humanities Council is providing the funding to bring the exhibit to Macomb as well as helping provide support for programs and events.

 

Local Exhibit Overview
The local exhibit and programming for the exhibit at Western Illinois Museum will explore the notion that local Roots music was key to building community, providing a place for people to share ideas and concerns, live traditions, while providing a respite from the demands of rural life.  The exhibit will also look at how radio changed the role music played in this community.  Within this community, the diversity of genres is a source of pride for the West Central region.  The exhibit will explore the career of Al Sears as an example of diversity and pride that continues to impact the musicians in the area.

 

A Business Partners’ contribution would provide necessary funds for the presentation and installation of the local exhibit. Contributions start at $100.
Expenses include:

  • Production of exhibit quality photos and descriptive panels: $1000

  • Exhibit shipping costs: $400

  • Construction materials for displays including pedestals and shelving for artifacts: $50

  • Paint for exhibition space: $100

  • Vinyl signage for building exterior: $100

 

 

Opening Performance
The New Harmonies exhibit opens the evening of Saturday, October 23 with a performance by Chris Vallillo, singer/songwriter and folk musician, along with local musicians.  The event will start at the WCI Arts Center in downtown Macomb.  After the musical performance, the audience will be accompanied by musician and form a parade to view the exhibit at the museum.  At the museum the exhibit would be officially open and refreshments would be served.

A Business Partners’ contributions start at $100 or sponsor the grand opening event for $675.  Contributions to the program would provide:

  • Stipend for the musicians: $600

  • Promoting the event: $25

  • Refreshments: $50

 

 

Music Mornings
Local groups will be invited to perform at the museum on the six Saturday mornings for the duration of the exhibit.  The Music Morning program would include a wide variety of genres that compliment the exhibit and show case the diverse local talent.  If possible, performers or museum staff will demonstrate or provide historical background about the genre being performed or instruments being used.

Business Partners’ contributions start at $100 or sponsor one Music Morning for $150.  Contributions to the program would provide:

  • Stipend for the musicians: $100

  • Promoting the event: $25

  • Light refreshments: $25

 

 

Square Dance Event
Saturday November 13, the museum will hold a traditional square dance with live caller and feature music by Banjulele. The event will re-enact the type of entertainment found in rural life and recreate a typical Saturday night dance, illustrating the community aspect of American roots music. The dance will be promoted as an all age event. 

A Business Partners’ contributions start at $100 or sponsor the event for $750.  Contributions to the program would provide:

  • Stipend for the caller and musicians: $500

  • PA system: $50

  • Promotion of event: $200 

  • A sponsor could also provide in-kind dessert and coffee for the event.

 

 

Who Collects What…
Who Collects What… is a series of programs presented by the museum to address various aspects of collecting.  For the New Harmonies exhibit, the series will feature local instrument makers and provide an opportunity to show and tell about their work and collection.  Terry Dillard, a collector of locally made instruments as well as an instrument maker himself, will speak about the values of these instruments and their place in our regional American roots music history.  Part of his collection will also be on display during the exhibit.  

Be the Business Partners’ sponsor for this event for $50.  Contributions to the program would provide:

  • Promotion of event: $25

  • Light refreshments: $25

 

 

 

Benefits for Sponsors
The Smithsonian Institute’s reputation for quality exhibitions will heighten the awareness about this exhibit and related programs in the community.  Sponsor will receive many benefits from being a supporter of this unique opportunity. 
Sponsors for the event will get:

  • Their company or organization name on all promotional materials including a printed save the date calendar for all New Harmony events, the museum’s Web site with a link to business’ site, monthly email announcement, museum’s newsletter and event posters.

  • Listing on event signage

  • Dedicated area at event or option to hand-out materials to event participates to promotion sponsors business or programs. (set-up and managed by sponsor)

 

For more information or questions
The Western Illinois Museum can provide additional information about the upcoming exhibits or programs.  If you would like to discuss an in-kind contribution please contact Board President Peggy Ma at 309/837-2969 or the Resource and Development Chair, Gil Belles at 309/837-9441.