A new version of the picfest Commissions Project is now under development through Serving Our Schools
"What a wonderful concept to bring into the classroom. No better place to learn that supporting the arts is everybody's job."
- Project Patron
"A brilliant concept - making the performers an essential part of creating the piece they will premiere."
- Bob Chilcott, Commissioned Composer
"It was so fun to be a part of this project from start to finish, and to know I helped make it happen."
- Project Singer/Patron
The picfest Commissions Project endeavors to bridge the gap between ancient traditions of arts commissioning, and our modern sensibilities, means, and culture.
For every project, there is a Principal Patron who provides a large portion of the commission's cost. We found that major donors were all the more excited to be involved because not only do they get to see the direct impact of their gifts on the lives of the students, they also get to introduce these singers to the practice of supporting the arts.
Additionally, every student performing the commissioned piece contributes a small sum to the total cost, thereby becoming a Singer/Patron. By participating in the commission via a crowd-sourcing model, students are able to play a tangible part of the creation of the new work. (To remove any barriers to entry created by economic obstacles, students may participate in the project with a financial or in-kind contribution.)
As a result, this innovative commissioning model enriches the experience for all involved:
the Principal Patron's impact is multiplied;
- the commissioned composer's connection with the performers is deepened;
- the Singer/Patrons gain a newfound sense of ownership and pride in their contribution;
- and students' family and friends gain a sense of connection to the arts and to the commissioned composer!
For historical reference of the festival version, including the 2020-2022 commission, see below!
THE ORIGINAL picfest COMMISSIONS PROJECT
picfest Commissions Project
Commissioning top-tier composers is an expensive proposition. And so... we set out to create a new way of commissioning that connects the historic practice of arts patronage with more recent commissioning concepts.
Here’s how it works: The cost for each singer’s festival participation includes a modest Singer Patron Fee, which is assigned directly to the commission project. This makes each singer a partner in commissioning the very work for which they will be performing the world premiere. And that’s just the beginning, because the value of that small fee is multiplied over and over.
For starters – it attracts the lead gift of the Principal Patron. We found that these major donors were all the more excited about their involvement not only because they see the direct impact of their gifts on the lives of young artists, but also because they get to introduce these singers to the practice of supporting the arts.
This commissioning model also benefits the composer, whose connection with the performers is enriched. And the choirs, families, and friends of the Singer Patrons are all brought into close proximity to a renowned composer.
The tangible benefits of Singer-Patronage
Be identified as a co-commissioner
- In the published score
- In the printed program
- On the new picfest Commissions Project webpage
Engage with the composer
- in the choir season leading up to picfest
- in conversations and rehearsal with the composer/conductor during the festival
Receive...
- a copy of the commissioned piece (a perfect place to collect the composer’s signature)
- the prestige of singing the world premiere (bragging rights galore)
- a personalized certificate identifying the achievement as commissioner and performer (Suitable for framing, but wonderful for college, scholarships and showing off to your friends and family!)