RSS 2.0 FeedJune 16, 2010, Local Arts News
Giving strong in 2010 for ArtsKC Fund Campaign
The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City "unveiled" the results of its 2010 ArtsKC Fund Campaign on June 10th at an event hosted by Barkley. This year’s campaign contributions totaled $422,845. Since its inception in 2007, the ArtsKC Fund has raised $2,099,416.
The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City "unveiled" the results of its 2010 ArtsKC Fund Campaign on June 10th at an event hosted by Barkley. This year’s campaign contributions totaled $422,845. Since its inception in 2007, the ArtsKC Fund has raised $2,099,416.
“We are extremely grateful and encouraged by the success of the 71 companies and organizations that hosted workplace campaigns this year,” says Liz Albers, ArtsKC Fund Director of Workplace Giving. “We know how challenging this year was due to the economy, and their success demonstrates how the business community truly values the arts in our metropolitan area.” Out of the 71 Workplace Campaigns, approximately 1500 individuals contributed an average of $97 to the ArtsKC Fund. 2010 was the first year that all 20 arts organizations in the ArtsKC Ovation Grant category conducted Workplace Giving Campaigns.
“The downturn in the economy,” says Harlan Brownlee, President and CEO of the Arts Council, “continues to be our biggest challenge. As the economy picks up and employment increases, we expect to raise more money".
Despite the challenges, Brownlee is pleased with the overall support for the ArtsKC Fund. “We are profoundly grateful to all who gave to the ArtsKC Fund. These contributions make a big impact on our vibrant arts community,” he said.
The ArtsKC Fund raises money from a variety of sources including individuals, corporate workplace giving campaigns, business investors’, foundations and national arts organizations. The top five overall workplace giving campaigns, including corporate matching gifts, were Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP, State Street, Blue Cross Blues Shield of Kansas City, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and Bank of Blue Valley.
ArtsKC is creatively adapting to the economy by expanding its funding sources. Corporate and individual giving to the ArtsKC Fund this year was supplemented through a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts awarded in April and a $10,000 grant from the Sprint Foundation awarded in June.
The “Unveiling” event was attended by Employee Campaign Managers from participating companies, as well as lead from the business, civic and arts communities. Speakers at the event were Rachael Blackburn Cozad, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art Director and CEO; Pat McCown, the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City Board Chairman; and Harlan Brownlee, President and CEO of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City. The event ended with a performance by musician and Inspiration Grant Recipient, Enrique Chi.
About the ArtsKC Fund
The ArtsKC Fund, an initiative of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City, is a united arts fund that raises new money to support a wide range of arts organizations and programs. Its purpose is to provide stable sources of new financial support for the arts, broaden access to high-quality arts experiences, and sustain excellence in the arts and arts administration. The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City is a not-for-profit organization that serves the five-county Kansas City metropolitan area and strives to strengthen and enrich the community by growing appreciation, participation, and support of its arts resources. For more information about the ArtsKC Fund, visit http://www.ArtsKC.org.
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