STEAM + A = Creative Activism
A Conversation with Kristen Holler
I first met Kristen in her role at the Albany Barn. I have had the opportunity to work with her on projects there and in Schenectady at the Electric City Barn involving ACE! and my own production work with my company 2440 Design Studio. So when I was included on an email from Steve Pierce announcing her new position as Executive Director at the Sanctuary for Independent Media, I immediately knew that this could be a tremendous match for her and the organization. Focused and tireless, Kristen has a deep arts and community background. Though fresh on the job, I wanted to be a part of launching an awareness about her transition and have her share a quick update with us all about the STEAM based approach that the Sanctuary is bringing to a neighborhood community and beyond.

Corey Aldrich : Senior ACE Contributor
SAVE THE DATE
Our First Networking Mixer of 2023
Join us as ACE! partners up with Saratoga Arts for a film industry networking event! Meet other folks in the industry, make connections, and preview trailers for recent productions created in our very own Upstate New York's Capital District. We will have folks in house speaking to film funding and promotion. A not to be missed event if you are in the industry or are looking to connect.

Additionally, hear more about SA's plans to help support a vibrant creative space with upcoming plans for audio and video production assets and education as they retool the space to address creative community and job market needs.

More to come with a list of project partners and previews in the February newsletter, until then mark your calendar and RSVP for this FREE event!

When: Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 2:30 to 5:00 PM
Location: Saratoga Arts | 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
FREE TICKETS to the Grammy Nominated
Danish String Quartet!*
This month we are partnering with the Friends of Chamber Music of Troy to make available a block of tickets to a rare Capital Region performance by the Grammy nominated Danish String Quartet. Availability is first come first serve and limited so jump on this ASAP if your interested. There is a two tickets per person limit.

* Ok, its not totally FREE, the ticket processor has a mandatory fee of $ .70, so you will be set back $1.40 for two tickets. Original ticket cost is $35 per ($70 for two) so, its as close to FREE as we could get! To get the discount, click the link below and when procuring the tickets Enter Discount Code: ACE - That will recalculate the cost. Reserved tickets will be a the Will Call window.

With arrangements of Nordic folk music and a sound described as "capable of intense blend" and "extreme dynamic variation" (Gramophone), the Danish String Quartet (Frederik Øland - violin, Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen - violin, Asbjørn Nørgaard - viola, and Fredrik Schøyen Sjölin - cello) comes to Albany with stylistic diversity and admiration for creative interpretations of classical music.

"This is one of the best quartets before the public today." — Robert Battey The Washington Post

“They could be grounded in their tone or mystical. They allowed time to stand still, and they could
assume the pose of excitingly aggressive rockers. They did it all.” — Mark Swed The Los Angeles Times

When: Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 3:00 PM
Location: Page Hall | University at Albany | Campus 135 Western Avenue Albany, NY 12203

STUDENT ALERT: FREE Tickets to College Student's with Valid ID
INSIDE ACE! | CREATING A NEW PATH
I ended up taking some time to focus on my trajectory for the year early this month, January is a great time to slowly ease in to the new, with its winter chill and short days. As such, we have a short newsletter this time around but rest assured, the next couple of months are lining up nicely! I was happy to see that the Sanctuary for Independent Media found a match for the open Executive Director position. Those of you who know Kristen personally will no doubt agree, this is a great match for her unique set of skills, passion and experience.

The event I teased last month has a date! Make sure to hold your calendar for our upcoming FILM INDUSTRY Networking / Trailer Preview Event. This is our first networking event for the year to be held at Saratoga Arts. Big thanks to Louise Kerr for offering to host. More on that in next months newsletter and on the socials.

Finally, as a continuation of our recent success with the Albany Symphony ticket giveaway promotion, we have decided to continue with our 'experiential' ticket giveaways with a block for the Grammy nominated Danish String Quartet. We formed an alliance with the Friends of Chamber Music of Troy, who have presented world-class performances featuring groups of national and international repute and breakout performances by up-and-coming ensembles since its founding in 1949. Still unsure about classical music? This internationally acclaimed act will be the perfect gateway to dip your toes in.

All that and some interesting news to inform (or distract!) you and an updated batch of cool jobs to peruse. Until next time, don't forget...arts and culture make our region stronger, more economically viable and just a damn fine place to live.

Corey Aldrich
ACE! : Executive Director

E: hello@upstateace.org | W: upstatecreative.org | SOCIALS: @upstatecreative
REGIONAL & BEYOND : NEWS / OPPORTUNITY
Capital Region Job Opportunities


  • WMHT : Various Including President and CEO, Content and Engagement Producer and Videographer and Editor