WESTAF Update Notes #102 | March 2019

From Leah Horn, Director of Communications, WESTAF

This is the 102nd in a continuing series of updates about the work of WESTAF.

More Improvements to CaFE

In February, the CaFE website got a refreshed look and feel. The visual improvements are the culmination of a year-long effort by the CaFE team to deliver what artists have been asking for most: improved application workflow, cleaner and brighter buttons, accessibility-friendly colors and font sizes, and site-wide responsive pages. Now artists can explore, filter, and favorite calls while on the go and can also prepare submissions more efficiently—thanks to improved navigation and application workflow. In addition, mobile-friendly web pages allow artists to apply to calls using a phone or tablet.

ZAPP Next in Beta Testing

ZAPPlication launched its newest service, ZAPP Next, in beta in January 2019. Designed to connect seamlessly with ZAPP, this latest edition to the ZAPP suite will offer festival administrators the ability to exchange and collect information from the invited artists who will be participating in their shows. While in beta, ZAPP Next is open exclusively to a limited number of fairs and festivals to use and share their feedback to inform future improvements. For additional information, contact Christina Villa.

CVSuite 2017 Data Update

WESTAF’s Creative Vitality™ Suite recently implemented a data update that includes new 2017 data for industries, occupations, and nonprofit data. Also new to the tool is an improved region selection feature that eases the ability to create large zip code regions for detailed analyses. The CVSuite team is currently working on additional ways to enhance the tool in the coming year, including new mapping technologies and developing a core curriculum for using CVSuite in the classroom.

TourWest Grant Cycle Open

The 2019-2020 TourWest Grant cycle is open! TourWest is a competitive grant program that provides subsidies to arts and community organizations for the presentation of out-of-state touring performers and literary artists. Funds are available to organizations that sponsor performances within the 13-state WESTAF region. All projects must have one public performance and one educational outreach activity. The application deadline is April 1, 2019. View the grant application and guidelines at tourwest.gosmart.org. For additional information, contact Madalena Salazar.