• Stephen/Yogi is an experienced professional whose curiosity has led him to explore and enjoy a varied career as a creative contributor in the visual and performing arts, corporate communications, and in the nonprofit and goverment sectors.

     

    He finds joy in guiding others through the process of defining their dreams, identifying their singular path to realize their own potential, and shaping a profitable, equitable and environmentally sound business models.

     

    Stephen's talents are best leveraged as a Change Agent, Instigator, Educator, Project Leader, Connector and Coach to

    Entrepreneurs, Visual and Performing Artists, and Designers

  • Selected Education & Training

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    Pinchot University

    Masters of Business Administration, Leadership and Sustainability, 2010

    In addition to the analytical training provided by an MBA education, my concentrated are of focus was on developing my leadership skills, team management, organizational development and change management. In my career today I thrive in these area, while supporting businesses through challenging team dynamics and organizational change.

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    Empire State University

    Bachelor of Arts, Technical Theater and Performance Studies, 1993

    Empire State is part of the State College of New York (SUNY) system. The focus of my studies included Statistics, Economics, Marketing, and Communications.

    My technical theater mentor was renown lighting designer Tony Giovanetti, Lighting Supervisor at the Metropolitan Opera House. I recreated many of Tony's lighting designs while touring with MacArthur 'Genius Grant' recipient Meredith Monk.

     

    Fun Fact: In the 1960s comic books, Spider-Man's alter ego Peter Parker attended Empire State College and Reed Richards of the Fantastic 4 taught there.

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    De-Centering Whiteness in Curriculum

    Assiciation of Independent Colleges of Art and Design, 2022-2023

    A year-long professional development program for faculty from across the US and Canada who are committed to social justice, equity, and inclusion through teaching. Offered by the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design.

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    NODE Center for Curatorial Studies, Berlin, Germany

    International Curatorial Program Certificate, 2020-2021

    Completed this year-long curatorial program with an internation cohort of 40 people. Developed a new exhibition as capstone of this program.

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    Intercultural Leadership Institute

    Intensive Training, 2019

    A program for culturally diverse artists and culture bearers that deepens connections for strengthened emergent and authentic leadership. Training on intercultural engagement and anti-oppression and anti-racism practices.

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    Price-Babson Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators

    Professional Certificate, 2017

    For 30+ years, the Price-Babson Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators has helped higher education faculty and administrators take their entrepreneurship education and programming to the next level. Taught at the No. 1 school for entrepreneurship for 25+ years (U.S. News & World Report).
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    Social Entrepreneurship in Higher Education

    USASBE Professional Certificate, 2017

    Social Entrepreneurship Certificate graduates design state-of-the-art social entrepreneurship courses incorporating high-impact practices and an understand the theoretical underpinnings of social entrepreneurship.
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    University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis MN

    Mini-MBA for Nonprofit Managers, 2001

    Developed by the University of St. Thomas Center for Nonprofit Management, this 14 week program builds leadership and management skills to help maximize effectiveness in moving the non-profit mission forward. The program featured nationally-recognized instructors with experience tackling real-world nonprofit issues.

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    University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis MN

    Community Leadership Certificate, 1999-2000

    Over a nine-month period students developed acute skills in community engagement and leadership learning to listen, guide and organize to create the change the communities want to see in the world around them.
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    University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

    Undergraduate Studies, 1980 - 1983

    Area of Study: Marketing, Art History, Film, and Performance Studies (theater and dance)

     

    Activities: Dance Department; Theatre Department; Student Union Concerts and Lectures Co-Chair (booking and producing performance and film events)

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    Minnesota State University, Mankato MN

    Undergraduate Studies, 1978 - 1979

    Area of Study: Literature, World Religion and Performance Studies (theater and dance)

     

    Activities: Dance Department; Theatre Department; American Indian Student Group; Youth Emergency Services (Hotline volunteer) 

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    ITT Technical Institute

    Project Management Professional Exam Preparation, 2014

    The Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification issued by the Project Management Institute ensuring project managers meet minimum industry standards. 
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    Normandale College

    SCRUM Master Certification, 2014

    The Agile framework is an iterative model most often used in software, web and application development. SCRUM Masters guide the process.
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    Takoda Institute

    Social Media Certification, 2014

    This six week course prepared professionals to leverage social media platforms in business settings.
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    Benchmark Learning

    Microsoft Project Training Certificate, 2004

    Microsoft Project is one of the most prevalent tools used to track and manage projects. 
  • SELECTED Teaching Experience

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    Minneapolis College of Art and Design

    Undergraduate Professor and Chair, January 2015 - July 2023

    Professor and Chair of the Arts Entrepreneurship department. Oversight of Entrepreneurial Studies and Product Deisng majors and Entrepreneurship and Advertising minors.

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    University of Minnesota

    Graduate Lecturer: ACL 5221 Creative Entrepreneurship and Resource Development Spring 2023 & Spring 2022

    Creative Entrepreneurship and ResLeource Development

    This is a core course for students in the Arts and Cutural Leadership Program. The course introduces and challenges conventional business practices, preparing students to launch and manage creative ventures and cultural nonprofits.
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    McNally Smith College of Music

    Guest Lecturer, Arts Management, Mar 2014, Jul 2014, Oct 2014

    Class on Booking and Touring covering the business essentials in the music and entertainment industry. Instructor is legendary music promoter Stephen McClellan an American rock promoter and educator, former General Manager and primary booker who helped found and co-owned First Avenue & 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis, Minnesota for over 30 years.
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    University of Minnesota

    Guest Lecturer, Museum Studies, Oct 2014

    Guest lecturer to museum studies students on the development of an exhibition and the curation process for Associate Professor Margaret L. Werry.
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    Minneapolis College of Art and Design

    Guest Lecturer, Social Enterprise, Mar, Apr, May 2014

    Provided feedback to teams working on Global Citizens Project with MCADs Jerry Allan, Professor and Chair, Entrepreneurial Studies.
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    The Brand Lab

    Instructor, Branding and Marketing Feb - May 2014; Sep - Oct 2014

    As a high school classroom instructor teaching students about the marketing industry and connecting them to internships, scholarships, and ongoing learning opportunities in Branding and Marketing.

     

    The Richfield High School course met twice each week for 12 weeks with the DECCA business students to clarify their Brand identity, determine their market reach, and develop fresh Brand tag lines. One student from this class was awarded an internship to Wingnut Advertising.

     

    Teaching two sessions at Saint Paul Johnson High School, each class met twice each week for 9 weeks, introducing the students to the marketing and communications industry. One student from this class was awarded an internship to the 3M marketing department.

     

    The Brand Lab vision is a marketing industry that thrives on the insights and creativity of people with diverse backgrounds. To make the vision a reality The Brand Lab brings together agencies, companies, and volunteers in the Twin Cities to create opportunities for students to learn about and become connected to the creative industry.

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    University of Northwestern – St. Paul

    Guest Lecturer, Theater Design, May 2014

    Overview of business management roles and responsibilities when producing theatrical productions.
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    The Brand Lab

    Instructor, Branding and Marketing, Sep - Dec 2013

    As a high school classroom instructor teaching students about the marketing industry and connecting them to internships, scholarships, and ongoing learning opportunities in Branding and Marketing.

     

    This 16 week course met twice each week to evolve the Harding High School advanced journalism class from working on 'the school newspaper' and becoming the 'news and information resource for the Harding High School community.' One student from this class was awarded an internship to Padilla CRT advertising agency.

     

    The Brand Lab vision is a marketing industry that thrives on the insights and creativity of people with diverse backgrounds. To make the vision a reality The Brand Lab brings together agencies, companies, and volunteers in the Twin Cities to create opportunities for students to learn about and become connected to the creative industry.

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    Minneapolis College of Art and Design

    Guest presenter, Sustainable Design, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009

    Guest lecturer in Sustainable Business. Review student business plans and offer feedback and coaching to students. Provided feedback to teams working on Sustainable Design Certificate program.
  • SELECTED Creative Projects

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    SuperMonster市 City!

    Co-Founder, Curator and Managing Director, 2014 - present

    SuperMonster市 City! celebrates pop culture by developing traveling museum exhibitions! SuperMonster市City! traveling exhibits are derived from co-founder David Barnhill's private collection of an estimated 200,000 toys, posters, games, books, films, and more.

     

    Co-founder Stephen Rueff curates the objects in social and political contexts through reflective and informative texts, artist profiles, and commentary.

     

    Since 2014, SuperMonster市 City! exhibitions have traveled to cultural institutions across the US, thrilling and engaging thousands of people.

     

    Barnhill and Rueff bring new insights to America's iconic mythical figures from America's Golden Age of toys. 

     

    Come play with us, if you dare website

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    The Clean Campaign, LLC

    Founder and Chief Instigator, 2007 - Present

    The Clean Campaign is a business strategy consultancy focused on the cultural sector and meeting the unique needs of 21st century business. I help clients align their creative and financial goals with a profitable business model and their desire for social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

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    The American Murder Ballad Project

    Producer, 2014 - 2015

    Working with an American storyteller and a group of musicians, we are exploring the American murder ballad form. Traditional murder ballads explore real life events and memorialize them in song. Examples of American Murder Ballads include Woody Guthrie's The Ballad of Tom Joad, Hey Joe, Delia's Gone and Frankie and Johnny.

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    Community Cultural Events

    Producer, 1982 - 2014

    Bringing together artists and audiences together for signature events is a passion, a hobby, and an affliction.

     

    2014 Bob Dylan Birthday Bash at the Schooner Saloon included an Open Mic and Talent Contest with proceeds benefiting the West Bank School of Music.

     

    2010 Comedy Camp was a series of one-day workshops taught by touring professional comedians including Carl Lee and Scott Novotny.

    2009 Late Nite at BPAC series featuring free admission and 'artist priced' drinks. For the informal salon style events I booked in visual artists, hip hop artists, musicians and poets including: Mong Vang, Anderson Twins, Allison Price and more.

     

    In the 1990s I helped book acts into the seminal Neuyorican Poets Cafe located in New York City's Lower East Side. Artists included: Maria Elena Gonzalez, Bob Holman, Ishmael Reed and others.

     

    In the 1980s I produced a cabaret series called Persistent Visions at First Ave. The events were produced over 18 weeks and showcased artists working in film, video, dance and performance art. Artists included: Donald Byrd Dance Company, Lizz Winsted, C. Ruth Mason, Tom Arnold, and many, many more.

  • Joys and passions

    I enjoy supporting artists, cultural institutions & community groups

    to create sustainable and equitable change in the World

    Curator and Researcher

    Passionate about the role of popular culture in reflecting, shaping and defining society as a means of discourse. Co-funder of SuperMonster市City!, a traveling museum exhibiton company showcasing items derived from co-founder David Barnhill's massive pop culture collection

    Arts and Nonprofit Business Strategy & Development

    Balancing the values and vison of individual artists and nonprofits with the constraints and potential of business to create the desired outcomes while maintaining authenticity and integrity

    Education and Engagement

    Professor at the undergraduate and graduate levels teacing a range of social and arts entrepreneurship topics

    Interculturally Informed

    Intentional integration of intercultural study and practice to assure ongoing personal growth and joy in community

  • SELECTED Prior work Experience

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    GTS Educational Services

    Program Planner Oct 2014 - 2015

    Working with a team of experienced professionals producing educational events.
     
    GTS believes in empowering individuals and organizations to translate knowledge to action. Working primarily in the nonprofit or public sector GTS creates conferences, workshops and educational events that ultimately make a difference for the people and communities the organizations serve. Premier events include The Minnesota Government Information Technology Symposium, Secure 360, Partners in Policymaking, Governor's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Conference, 2014 Women's Congress. 
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    Innovative Power Systems, Inc.

    Business Development, Contractor, Mar 2014 - 2015

    Stephen works in business development for Innovative Power Systems. IPS specializes in the design and installation of renewable energy systems with over 600 solar electric, solar thermal, and electric vehicle charging systems installed since 1991 throughout Minnesota and the surrounding areas. IPS was named a Top 100 contractor in the country by Solarpowerworldonline.com, 

    Stephen has a long history working in the non-profit sector and especially cultural organizations and brings a stable and sustainable source of energy to these organizations.

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    Caponi Art Park and Learning Center

    Artist Liaison, 2014

    Worked with an amazing team to manage performing arts events at this 60 acre sculpture park featuring the work of Tony Caponi and others. The 2014 season included a 12 weekly educational events and six full-length evening programs and an outdoor Blue Grass Festival. Additionally, Stephen booked the 2015 season including artists such at Kevin Kling, Ragamala Dance, and many more.
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    Minnesota Historical Society

    TOYS of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, Exhibition Consultant, 2014

    As a short-term consultant under the direction of Kate Roberts, Senior Exhibit Developer at the Minnesota Historical Society, I reviewed content and layouts and wrote text included in the exhibition and accompanying book. The TOYS exhibition has garnered the highest attendance in MHS history and is scheduled to tour for at least three years.
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    Digital Watershed

    Project Facilitator, 2013

    Brought in to facilitate and coach team members for this online educational project funded by MOZILLA, HASTAC, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and others. Working one-on-one and with the team, I was able to gradually bring agreement among the members, helping them to merge their separate directions. I guided the team in creating and agreeing to clearly defined roles and responsibilities, identified and re-enforced best practices, and established public agreements, all of which built trust among the team. With these practices in place I moved into the Project manager role and the team successfully completed the project.
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    Noble Conservation Solutions

    Business Development, 2011 - 2013

    Stephen worked as a sales representative with Noble Conservation Solutions providing a single point of contact for integrated energy efficiency solutions including lighting, mechanical (HVAC) and energy management controls.

    Stephen's background in managing performing arts venues has ignited a passion to assist cultural non-profit organizations in reducing costs through energy efficiency. One of Stephen's client, The Southern Theater, converted all non-theatrical lights to LED and high efficiency lighting in 2013.
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    Minnesota Historical Society

    Sustainability Marketing, Consultant 2012

    Working with Shengyin Xu, Manager Sustainability & Capital Projects at MHS, we developed and implemented a sustainability marketing campaign intended to raise awareness of sustainability initiatives among MHS members. The project culminated in a presentation by The Center for Energy and Environment on The History of Energy in Minnesota.
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    Ames Performing Arts Center

    Production Manager, 2008 - 2011

    Production Manager at Ames (nee Burnsville) Performing Arts Center I hired, trained and supervised production staff supporting all technical aspects of meetings and events at the venue. Working with the Facilities Manager, we instituted energy efficiency practices and retrofits saving over $15,000. Stephen was also a member of the City of Burnsville Sustainability Task Force reviewing options and recommending actions to the City Council.
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    Stagetime Productions for Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission

    Operations Manager, 2007 - 2008

    MN Statehood Weekend event on the State Capitol Grounds attended by 25,000 people.

    Initiated & managed outreach to MN volunteering around the world, who then submitted videos which were included in the Statehood Ceremony. Submissions from Romania, Central Asia, Ecuador, Rwanda, West Indies, et al. Additionally, I booked sixteen entertainers based on panel recommendations, including Chris Koza;

    Hired as the Operations Manager by Stagetime Productions, I wrote sustainability criteria into RFP's resulting in 75% of respondents demonstrating some sustainable actions; arranged vendor to print signage with water-based inks on fabric made from recycled plastic bottles; Negotiated $10k in-kind sponsorships; arranged for an on site recycling company to help mitigate waste; arranged public transit to route hybrid busses near event site and donate bus passes; coordinated logistics for police, fire, EMS, city permitting; managed pavilion, staging, vendors and staff for grounds operations.
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    BI Worldwide

    Freelance Producer, 2007 - 2008

    A Freelance Producer with the Media and Events team in new business acquisition and pre-production and on site producing. After meeting with prospective clients, Stephen worked with internal and external resources to build budgets, develop creative concepts, assemble proposals and make pitch presentations to gain new business.
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    Jack Morton Worldwide

    Producer & Creative Director, 2004 - 2006

    Producer and Account Manager for corporate communications and marketing company. Produced videos, flash pieces, print materials and corporate meetings and events for 500–1500 attendees.

    Successfully produced national and international events with international client and vendor teams. Produced events in Phoenix, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, Orlando, FL, Prague, CZ, Paris, France, Bahrain, UAE and Seville, Spain, et al.

    Projected budgets for new business development, pitches and presentations, while expanding existing business lines of key client by 35%.

    Extensive experience in negotiating, contracting and supervising vendors, suppliers and freelancers, such as creative directors, designers, technical directors, and AV companies.

    Consistently managed on-time production deliverables in web-based, video, and print.

    Recognized as an adaptable and resourceful on-site producer who is confident guiding executives, talent and leading crew.
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    Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

    Production Manager, 1998 - 2004

    Valued team member of CEO, General Manager and Marketing Director in planning and developing over 18 original productions, during five theatrical seasons.

    Consistently managed project budgets which net within projected contingency. Hired and managed creative teams, stage managers, Union and non-union crews, etc. Production Supervisor for national tour production of BUDDY, the Buddy Holly Story, which visited 35 cities over 18 months.

    Planned, directed and supervised all production aspects of the annual Children's Festival outdoor festival which attracted 15,000 people each two day weekend.

    Worked with the CFO to develop a purchase plan of energy efficient theatrical lighting resulting in long term cost savings.
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    Video Production

    Freelance ENG Audio Engineer & Field Producer, 1995 - 1998

    Primarily a field audio engineer for CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX for hard news stories, newsmaker profiles, public interest stories and entertainment. 
     
    Field Producer for CBS Evening News, This Week, and ABC Nightly News on stories related to the Hale Bopp Comet and the movie Fargo.
     
    Extensive additional work in studio and in the field as an audio engineer, camera operator, live event director, editor, script writer and producer for news, education, entertainment and commercial projects.
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    Walker Art Center

    Production, 1994 - 1995

    Technical Director and lighting designer alongside a dynamic and creative team of theater practitioners producing some of the most cutting edge artists in the performing arts, music and dance.
     
    The Walker Art Center is a catalyst for the creative expression of artists and the active engagement of audiences. Focusing on the visual, performing, and media arts of our time, the Walker takes a global, multidisciplinary, and diverse approach to the creation, presentation, interpretation, collection, and preservation of art. Walker programs examine the questions that shape and inspire us as individuals, cultures, and communities.
  • SELECTED Community Engagement

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    Society of Arts Entrepreneurship Education

    Board Member, 2019 - 2022; Member 2017-2019

    The mission of the Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education is to advance formal training and high educational standards for arts entrepreneurship education.

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    Journal of Arts Management, Law and Society (53/1)

    Book Reviewer, 2022

    Reviewed "The New Arts Entrepreneur: Navigating the Arts Ecologies" by Gary Beckman, PhD for this national publication.

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    Journal of Arts Entrepreneurship Education, Vol. 2, Issue 1

    Academic Paper, 2020

    “Creative Freedom: Arts Entrepreneurship as a Mindset.”

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    Minnesota State Fair

    Judge for County Fair and Amateur Talent Contests, 2000 - present

    Annual judging of talent from across the state and around the region. Many participants continue onto professional careers. Judge for the Finals in 2006.
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    Metropolitan Regional Arts Board

    Grant Panelist, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013

    Reviewed applications and made recommendations for arts and culture funding. 
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    Net Impact

    Professional Member, 2009 - 2013

    Net Impact is a national membership organization with a Minneapolis Professional chapter. Net Impact connects and educates professionals from small and large companies, non-profits and social ventures on a variety of issues ranging from sustainability and corporate responsibility to social entrepreneurship.Net Impact is a new generation of leaders who use our careers to tackle the world’s toughest problems and put our business skills to work for good throughout every economic sector.
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    Sustainability in Theater Conference

    Member, 2012 - 2013

    The first U.S. national Sustainability in Theater conference was presented by the Minnesota Theater Alliance and the Twin Cities Sustainable Theaters Group at Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis, April 30 and May 1, 2012.

     

    Keynote presentations were made by Terry Gips, Sustainability Associates; Stephen Rueff, The Clean Campaign; and Mary T'Kach, Ramsey County.

     

    International case studies were presented by Ian Garrett, The Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts, and included presentations by Arcola Theatre (UK), Festivals Edinburgh (UK), Julie's Bicycle (UK), York University (Toronto), Fisher Dachs Associates (WA), and Childsplay (AZ).

     

    The event was attended by 90 artists and management representing 60 organizations and 30 online attendees representing 20 different organizations, 9 U.S. States, and 4 countries.

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    CoCo: Coworking and Collaborative Space

    Instigator in Residence, 2011 - 2012

    Listening, Interacting, challenging, sounding, stimulating, connecting, inspiring and learning the culture of this dynamic collaborative co-working space with over 75 member companies and individuals.
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    Macalester College, International Student Host Program

    Volunteer Host Family, 2004 - 2007

    The Friends of Macalester International Students (FoMIS) Host Family Program at Macalester College places Twin Cities area residents and Macalester international students together for a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and friendship. My family enjoyed sharing time with a student from New Zealand.
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    McKnight Foundation

    Grant Panelist, 2004

    Reviewed applications and made recommendations for arts and culture funding. 
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    East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association

    Vice Chair and Board Member, 2003 - 2005

    Oversaw the development of budget for Phase II NRP (Neighborhood Revitalization Program) funding and sat on Environment committee.
  • Recommendation

     

    Stephen was called in as a team facilitator when issues arose between team members threatening the progress of our project.

     

    His actions were well balanced, considered all points of view, team-focused and held participants accountable for upholding their individual responsibilities.

     

    He also took on project management responsibilities and guided team meetings. The outcome was that we rebuilt as a team and successfully completed the project.

     

    I could not recommend a more seasoned and effective facilitator. He has my highest recommendation.

     

    — Greg Daigle, Executive Director, Digital Watershed

  • Let's Chat!

    My special interests are in projects and creative ventures centered on

    place-making, social justice and a celebration of culture.

     

    I help people strategize ways to operate their ventures as regenerative and restorative;

    balancing profit with equity towards people and concern for the planet.