A.I.R.
Arts Incubator Ranch
MISSION:
To create a one-of-a-kind destination for artists, providing the time, space and resources to create, collaborate, and breathe.
THE PROBLEM
Over the past few years, the artistic landscape has shifted dramatically and artists have been relegated to create on their own, without a support system and without the resources to produce meaningful work.
We are consuming art at an unprecedented pace, yet funding and support for these artists and creatives is simultaneously being cut. We have the opportunity to change that trajectory and make a real impact on the creative landscape.
our solution
Arts Incubator Ranch. More than simply an “arts retreat,” A.I.R. is a home for artists, offering year-round programming to aid in both the development of new works and the artist themselves.
Our educational programming, led by world-class instructors, will provide emerging artists, and those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to study with leaders in their craft, the opportunity to develop their skill set, refine their craft, and forge their own artistic voice.
Additionally, A.I.R. is a unique incubator space for the development of new artistic works. We are partners in the creative process, offering ongoing residencies, necessary tools and connections to key collaborators.
TEAM
JARED STEIN: Co-founder/Executive Artistic Director
Jared has spent his career as a music director and supervisor for live theater, television, and film. His credits include the Broadway and touring productions of American Idiot, Hair (revival), Spring Awakening, and Rent.
While in Los Angeles, he served as associate musical director for both live television productions of Grease and Rent. More recently, he appeared as a guest music director on Disney+’s series Encore!, and arranged and produced music for 5 seasons on Freeform’s Good Trouble. His first feature film, Your Monster, just premiered at Sundance Film Festival.
KIMBERLY HELMS: Co-founder/Executive Director
Kimberly currently serves on the finance team of Work Light Productions, overseeing 6 Broadway national tours. Prior to that she was Executive General Manager of MSU’s Shakespeare in the Parks and previously Operations & Communications Manager of the Music Center Foundation in Los Angeles.
Her career has encompassed Executive & Management positions with Broadway, International & National theatrical events, including the premiere of Rock of Ages Hollywood, American Idiot, Avenue Q, Movin’ Out and Spring Awakening.
Together, their combined 4+ decades of experience across Broadway, film & television and a proven track record of leadership on both the creative and management side of the industry, uniquely positions them to successfully bring this vision to life.
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Jared Stein, President
Eva Skidmore, Vice President
Chris Gillette, Secretary
Kimberly Helms, Treasurer
Paul Decker
Danielle Eisenberg
Graham Veysey
Philip Winchester
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To be announced soon…
THE RANCH
We are excited to share that we have found the perfect home for A.I.R in Lightning Creek Ranch, a 640 acre property just south of Big Sky, Montana. Already outfitted with cabins and a spacious meeting house, acquiring Lightening Creek will allow A.I.R. to begin onsite programming as early as next summer – while providing ample room for expansion and state of the art facilities enhancement.
In addition to the communal lodge and existing guest cabins, we will slowly expand to include a state-of-the-art recording studio, a writer’s room, and flexible dance/movement spaces for artists to create and collaborate. The design will allow these spaces to adapt to the individual needs of our visiting artists, transforming from rehearsal space, to performance space and every iteration in between.
Each studio will have the necessary space and tools available for the artists to fully immerse themselves in their work. They will truly be “plug and play,” and additionally be equipped with audio and video capabilities to capture their process and progress.
The recording studio will be a main focus, and prime attraction of the ranch, offering an opportunity for resident artists to walk away with fully produced demos of their developing projects, and visiting, more established artists to book extended stays for recording complete albums. We will have access to local musicians and engineers to contribute as needed, or guests can bring their own collaborators as a part of their visiting team.
TO EXPERIENCE MORE OF THIS MAJESTIC PROPERTY, PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK.
PROGRAMMING
workshops
Our workshop/master class programming will welcome a new group of attendees to A.I.R. for week-long intensives. These master classes will be led by some of the most talented and sought after artists across the country. These educational opportunities, and the overall focus of the ranch, will span the spectrum of the arts including music, dance, film, television, photography, theater, writing, and more.
Attendees will have the unique and intimate opportunity to learn from these masters of their craft in an unparalleled setting and with unprecedented access.
RESIDENCIES
A.I.R will welcome artists through application and invitation for developmental residencies. These residencies can range from multi-week to multi-month depending on the scope of the project and how far along the artists are in their process.
While other arts retreats offer artists a brief stop along their journey, we intend to create a partnership with these artists, offering recurring residencies, resources, and connections with key players. The application process will be highly selective, yet incredibly collaborative.
We look forward to assisting in the creation of projects ranging from literature, photography, theater, film, television, and music.
community
Operating in close proximity to the vibrant towns of Bozeman and Big Sky, while still creating a remote setting, allows us to involve the community in our ongoing programming and collaborate with local artists and venues.
Our programming will feature opportunities exclusive to local residents, the indigenous population and underserved youth. Our resident artists will regularly engage with local schools to bring additional arts programming to these students.
There will be regular opportunities to invite the local community to performances on the ranch, as well as partnerships with local venues to bring these artists directly to the community.
While our focus will always be on the artists’ process and giving these artists the time and space to create, our local community will have ongoing occasions to witness the process and see the premier of works in development.
support
As a non-profit organization, we rely on your generosity to make this vision a reality.
Your support will allow us to give artists a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether they choose to attend a masterclass or are accepted as a resident to create their newest work, A.I.R. will provide them an experience they won’t soon forget.
We understand that there are endless opportunities to support non-profits, especially here in the Gallatin Valley. With the many issues plaguing our world right now, supporting a brand new artistic endeavor may feel insignificant. We feel, however, that giving artists the time and space to create and collaborate is essential to solving some of our world’s greatest challenges.
Art has the ability to heal.
Art provides the context and opportunity for real, meaningful conversation.
Art can bridge divides and be the catalyst for tangible change.
We have launched a comprehensive campaign to raise $10,000,000 in vital support for A.I.R. Success of this campaign will not only allow us to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime real estate opportunity, it will provide A.I.R. the additional resources to sustain operations and ensure we are able provide artists with the tools necessary to immerse themselves in the creative process, from idea generation through to finished work.
For a detailed budget and use of funds, please contact us directly via the submission form below.
Once built, the infrastructure of A.I.R. provides endless opportunities for artistic endeavors.
Your support demonstrates the belief that creating a cultural, educational and artistic incubator for new works right here in Montana, and a more productive way of forging creativity is integral for our next generation of artists and culture makers.
Thank you for your generous support and your belief in our vision.
—Jaya Dixon
LET’S CONNECT
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