OK, so I am dutifully posting here at Arts Spot.... thanks toSusan DePlessis for setting this up - I think it could be incredibly useful if we all get into the habit of using it... that's the key, of course. So, here goes.
Here in Spartanburg we have not been immune from the impact of the economic downturn - refer to this article: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20090130/ARTICLES/901301057 for all the gory details. We hate that this has to happen, especially when our partner agencies are struggling to balance their budgets with increased operating costs brought on by their move to the Chapman Cultural Center. However, tough times also can result in new collaboration and new solutions to seemingly unsolveable issues. We are committed to looking at all options for providing support for the cultural sector - marketing assistance, collaborative fundraising calls, etc.
I would be interested to know how others are coping with this disastrous economic climate. Are you taking steps to position your organization for funding from the stimulus package, or the just announced $50 million allocated to the NEA? Let's talk about how we can get some of those funds flowing our way.
I look forward to the discussion!
Perry Mixter
President and COO
The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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Perry,
I am curious what would be helpful to you and other organizations during this time. Those of you with facilities have extra burdens of operation and maintenance; those with extra large facilities have extra large burdens.
In conversations with many folks (Arts directors around the state) I am beginning to hear more about struggles with donations--particularly corporate donations. As you suggest,times like these demand creative collaborations and approaches. Are there examples we can consider that others have tried? I will be researching this and hope to post what I find. Hopefully, some other EDs will ring in with ideas they have on this subject.
I have questions around the way we make the case for the arts in community: who speaks up for the arts? how do we know who values the work we do? what can we do to methodically capture and share those stories of meaning with others? who needs to hear these stories? will it make any difference?
In Spartanburg, who speaks up for the arts? and how do you use your patrons stories for the organization's benefit?
Perry, is this part of your thinking as you consider all the elements that go into running an organization like the Chapman Cultural Center?
Good seeing you and others at Advocacy Day.
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