After 30 years of being a project of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, Rimon: The Minnesota Jewish Arts Council, starts its transition to become a program of the Minnesota JCC.
In a letter to the community on March 31, MJF and JCC announced the move began on April 1.
“This move strengthens Rimon’s connection to the JCC’s vibrant Jewish arts programming and deepens our shared commitment to fostering creativity and community through the arts,” wrote Alex Fisher, the JCC’s chief program officer, and Eilat Harel, MJF’s chief impact officer. “We’re excited about the new opportunities this transition will bring and look forward to growing together.”
As part of the move, Robyn Awend will move to the JCC as director of Jewish arts & culture, with Katie Kline continuing in her role of senior director of Jewish arts & culture.
Fisher said that Awend had been splitting her time between the JCC’s Jewish Arts & Culture department and Federation, but will move to the JCC to continue her leadership of Rimon.
“We’re excited because there are all kinds of opportunities Rimon will bring the JCC,” Fisher said. “From our perspective, the move will strengthen JCC arts programming like the Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival, JCC Symphony, and youth theater.
Rimon’s key initiatives, including the Jewish Arts Collective (a program planned in partnership with JCreate, a program of Jewfolk), the artist grant program, and the Keren Or creative arts showcase, will continue.
“The JAC is a big part of Rimon and in line with the things we’re already doing to enhance Jewish artists’ voices in the community,” Fisher said. Further changes may take place as the transition continues and a strategic plan takes shape.
The letter from Fisher and Harel said the change won’t impact MJF’s support for Jewish arts in the community.
“Federation recognizes the JCC’s expertise in this area and is proud to streamline community offerings to effectively align arts-related programs, providers, and beneficiaries,” the letter said.
As a long-standing member of Rimon’s advisory council, I can’t tell you how exciting this news is. Rimon will continue with some of the fabulous programs that we are known for as well as have the opportunity to grow in many ways within the MN JCC organization. Our mission to grow the reach and exposure of Minnesota’s Jewish artists will continue to flourish under Robyn Awend’s leadership! Watch and listen for us, here we come!