Last Friday 17^th the music and dance groups of Casa de Venezuela together with the board of directors kicked off the Venezuelan Expressions 2009 project.

Achievements and Lessons Learned

A lot of the discussion went around the experiences from the last Venezuelan Expressions 2008. The group is very satisfied with the success of the show, where we sold out, exceeded the venue capacity, and received excellent feedback and reviews regarding the quality of the performance.

At the same time a number of areas of improvements were identified. Among others a request to shorten the introduction to each piece or integrate introductions to the performance. If this year's venue allow for video or PowerPoint we should take advantage of that media to provide context information about the piece to the audience, especially those that do not speak Spanish. Additionally, some have expressed the desire to allow the participation of children in the event.

The team has realized the importance of have a very well defined project plan and timeline that will help assign roles and responsibilities, as well as recruit and properly manage volunteers.

The need for clear criteria and guidelines regarding ticket pricing, reception invitations and fundraising activities was also discussed during the meeting.

To help promote the event, develop expectations and excite volunteers, sponsors and artists it was agreed that continuous communication was necessary using the new website and Facebook page.

Educational workshops to be delivered to local schools have been integrated into the project plan.

Current Status

The proposed day for the event is Sunday October 11^th 2009 at 3pm. Different venues have been evaluated, including theaters at Drexel and Temple universities. The venue should accommodate approximately 500 people and have a suitable space for the reception event.

At the meeting the group reviewed several ideas that have been submitted as theme for this year's show. There was excitement about the idea of "Musical Influences" as a way to portrait the various influences Venezuelan music and dance has received from other countries and cultures throughout history.

Next Steps

• Identify and invite prospect special guests
• Finalize venue search and contract
• Start fundraising and promotion activities
• Develop program around the agreed theme and start rehearsals

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