| “The more the Arts interact with local businesses the more our community benefits,” says Joanne Ellis, Managing Director of Bainbridge Island Performing Arts (BPA). I caught Ellis on her way out the door to a booking seminar in Boise. With enthusiasm and conviction she spoke of the role that she plays in discovering and nurturing the many diverse working relationships between our communities and Art. “Support of the Arts comes in many ways,” she says, “It is all about relationships.”
Ruth Enderle, Joanne’s counter part in Bremerton concurs. Ninety-nine percent of her job is relationship building and finding that point where everyone benefits. As Bremerton’s Admiral Theatre Executive Director, Enderle knows that they are doing something right. “This is our fourth season and our local sponsors are accountable for $105,000 towards program funding. Last year the total was $62,000. The increased participation and support suggests that local businesses and independent donors like what they see.”
At the point where business and the Arts intersect, everyone wins. Local sponsors recognize the reciprocal nature an active, diverse cultural life can have on our local economy. “Our symphonies, musicals, plays, and educational series keep dollars in the county,” acknowledges Enderle, “With High-Art in our Theatre, the long drive to Seattle need not be made. The pre-performance art enthusiasts are dining and shopping here!”
To truly achieve perfection one must adapt to circumstance. That is precisely what BPA and the Admiral Theatre have done to facilitate a Local Business and the Arts alliance. Whether it makes contributions through a foundation or through a giving program, businesses generally direct their contributions to the communities in which they operate and where their employees live. “The biggest challenge we face, regarding corporate grant-making, on Bainbridge Island is the shortage of big business,” states Ellis, “due to the small corporate population in Kitsap County the largest contributors to the Arts are individuals. In order to include local business we’ve got to be creative.”
Aside from the many opportunities created for all of us to stimulate our aesthetic side, (exposure to the Arts enhances both character and intellect) what advantages are there for local donors to sponsor the Arts? What is in it for them? “Commercial exposure through direct advertising in event programs, event calendars, event promotions, and theatre web sites, is one benefit to our sponsors,” offers Ellis. “Other privileges include: the goodwill that comes from aligning themselves with a specific program; the opportunity to entertain company members at a private pre-showing party (Christmas, Anniversary, Employee Appreciation, etc.); gift passes for preferred customers; and the chance to participate and learn more about the theatre.” In many cases business foundation grants are made from business profits, not from investment income. By law, businesses are allowed to receive a tax deduction for giving up to 10 percent of their pre-tax earnings. (As always check with your tax advisor.)
The trend in Arts grant-making is moving away from traditional endowments and towards sponsor participation. The new philanthropists don’t just write a check, they are fine-tuning their giving. They invest time and expertise, as well as money. “Donors recognize the educational opportunities that arise when the Arts (non-profit) blend with for-profit commercial enterprise,” says Ellis, “Both sides learn. Our IMPROV group provides corporate training that includes management and sales skills development. We in turn, through our relationship with local donors, continue to polish our business skills. Although we are non-profit, we still need to run BPA like a business.”
Enderle spoke of how gratifying it is to work with local sponsors. “We help them target their audience (customers, employees) and incorporate their input into our choice of season performances. Everything can be customized for the sponsor.” There are many options and each supporter has the chance to select a show that reflects it’s corporate image. This collaborative approach reflects the multi-dimensional atmosphere that Enderle has been working towards since the theatre’s re-opening four years ago. Because of its funders, the Admiral Theatre truly has something to offer everyone. An event calendar is available on their website (www.admiraltheatre.org.). Click on the title to learn more about each show and to check out the participating businesses.
To the extent that Kitsap County’s appreciation for and support of the Arts, and its drive to sustain a economically robust business sector can unite and feed each other, our communities will be raised to new heights. True, like any business relationship, the Local Business and the Arts alliance requires valuable resources. But what could be more rewarding? A relationship of this nature has proven worthwhile in other growing communities across the nation. It is easier to attract and retain residents to a culturally diverse and artistically inclined community. Like Ellis says, “Give them what they want, provide educational opportunities, and they will not only come back, they will bring their friends.”. |
