Case for Support
The arts are universal. They bring people together from all parts of our society in ways rarely seen in other endeavors. The arts provide the means and the mediums for expression, impression and for aspiration. They inspire generations young and old in ways that enrich, educate and connect us to the rest of the world. Our support of the arts speaks to how we enhance the lives that we lead, the time that we share and the setting in which we are located.
Nurturing, growing and advancing the arts also makes good business sense. Arts and cultural activities are essential to the economic vitality of our region. Art and culture play an integral role in educating both children and adults; making our region attractive to new business; attracting and retaining a talented workforce; and building and sustaining economically vibrant communities. When the community funds the Cultural Enrichment Fund, they not only enhance our quality of life, but also invest in our economic well-being.
In addition, recent studies have documented that the arts are good for our children and their educational and social development. The arts can transform our children by engaging them in an effort to integrate cultural appreciation into their everyday lives. Students with an education rich in the arts have better grade point averages in core academic subjects, score better on standardized tests and have lower drop-out rates than students without arts education. All of the art and cultural organizations currently funded by the Cultural Enrichment Fund offer outreach programming targeted for children. Most also provide services free or discounted programming for underprivileged and at-risk youth.
Income from ticket sales and admission fees cover only a fraction of the total cost of operating an arts organization. If the full cost of arts and cultural programming were to be charged, many people now enjoying the activities of these organizations would be unable to attend. Educational outreach and free-to-the-public programming is especially dependent on contributed support. The Cultural Enrichment Fund seeks to close the gap between what an organization earns through ticket sales and sponsorships and what it needs to cover operating expenses. As a reliable source of annual general operating support dollars, the Cultural Enrichment Fund allows our members to focus on what they do best, marking great art, in all its forms.
The Cultural Enrichment Fund conducts its annual united campaign for the arts as efficiently and effectively as possible. Each year the campaign is coordinated by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors made up of 15-25 business leaders and only two paid staff members. It is the commitment of over 65 volunteer solicitors, along with the financial support of over 450 donors, which ensures the campaign’s success.
