1. Cultural Enterprises 2
Monday 31 March 2008
The St. Catharines arts community celebrates the success of the ArtsVest program in the Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre on Monday, March 31st from 4 to 6pm with shared stories of unique partnerships between business and arts organizations in Niagara. ArtsVest is part of a three year incentive program created by Business for the Arts, the Region of Niagara and the Niagara Community Foundation. Over 19 Niagara arts groups have benefited from ArtsVest and created innovative sponsorships and collaborations.
"Our ArtsVest success stories are part of Cultural Enterprise 2 featuring guest speakers, lunch and seminars presented by St. Catharines Enterprise Centre in partnership with the St. Catharines & Area Arts Council on March 31st from 12 Noon to 6pm," said Jane Gardner from Carousel Players who is leading one of the seminars called Finance for the Arts. Registration (including lunch and seminars) is $20 per person with reservations coordinated by the St. Catharines & Area Arts Council at 905-988-1888.
Billie Bridgman, who launched the ArtsVest program at the Business for the Arts, is the keynote speaker on March 31st kicking off the day's activities at Stella's (45 James Street) at 12 Noon. As the former CEO of CBAC, Ms. Bridgeman's influence in bringing the arts community and business together has greatly benefited St. Catharines. As the new Executive Vice President of Toronto Artscape, a not-for-profit enterprise she is actively engaged in culture-led regeneration of downtown communities. Artscape's success stories were shared at the recent Niagarapolooza conference. Ms. Bridgman started her career as a classical singer and over several decades became known as a specialist in contemporary Canadian music. Her career also encompassed directing major fundraising campaigns, such as the Canada Pavilion (Expo '86) and as the first full time Executive Director of Artscape (1990 to 1995).
The City of St. Catharines Culture News reported that "the Niagara Region's arts sector is now stronger thanks to ArtsVest, an innovative new matching funds program that promotes mutually beneficial partnerships between business and arts organizations." Niagara arts organizations who have worked together with local businesses to develop unique and beneficial partnerships will share their success stories at a reception and roundtable discussion on March 31st from 4-6pm at the Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre. Brian Kremen from the St. Catharines & Area Arts Council will play host to the presentations and sharing of ideas at the Carousel Players location at 101 King Street in downtown St. Catharines.
Peter Brown and Jane Gardner lead the Finance for the Arts workshop on March 31st at the St. Catharines & Area Arts Council from 2 to 4 pm "For arts managers and artistic leaders, Finance for the Arts is designed to give you the tools to manage your organization and balance the artistic needs of your organization with your revenues and human resources," said Jane Gardner. "Over the two hours, you'll look at Board-staff roles in managing the company, talk about financial planning, record keeping, budgeting and forecasting, and look at the many forms of reporting your arts organization requires - funders, sponsors, auditors, statistics and donors. The seminar includes time for you to bring issues and questions you want answered."
Cultural Enterprise 2 is made possible with the support of Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Enterprise Centres St. Catharines gratefully acknowledges assistance from the St. Catharines and Area Arts Council, Carousel Players and St. Catharines and Thorold Chamber of Commerce. To register for workshops & lunch contact Jennifer Tupling at the St. Catharines & Area Arts Council at 905-988-1888 or jt@stcartscouncil.ca