Business Supports the Arts

Americans for the Arts”™ Business Committee on the Arts completed a “Survey of Business Support for the Arts” in 2013. It is the only known study of business philanthropy toward the arts that includes small and midsized business giving. The report states, “This is important because smaller businesses continue to be highly focused on philanthropy in their local markets. As such, arts organizations have a natural opportunity to build partnerships with these companies by providing innovative programs that serve broad community audiences. But this year it is the largest businesses that have led the arts giving resurgence with a median gift size that surpasses even the pre-economy downturn year of 2006.”

Businesses give through not only charitable contributions and sponsorships, but through employee matches, in-kind services, the development of corporate art collections and workplace giving campaigns. The top reason businesses give are, No. 1, it contributes to the economy and the quality of life in the community. Sixty-two percent felt this was the case ”“ good news because arts organizations commonly use this reasoning when approaching businesses for support.

Forty-four percent of the leaders surveyed said they believe participating in arts in the community can stimulate creative thinking and problem solving. The next highest reasons to support the arts were because arts events provided valuable networking experiences and encouraged acceptance of diversity.

Recently, the Cultural Alliance invited Chris Bruhl, president and CEO of the Business Council of Fairfield County, to speak to our Executive Director”™s Network. Chris used this report to reinforce his strong believe in the value of arts and business partnerships and offered his suggestions on how to build them. The presentation kicked off what will be the Cultural Alliances year-long series for arts and cultural organizations on “Building Bridges to Business.”

To view the full report and to learn more about business and arts partnerships, visit partnershipmovement.org, provided by Americans for the Arts, the nation”™s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. The Business Committee for the Arts was founded by David Rockefeller in 1967 to ensure that arts flourish in America by encouraging, inspiring and stimulating business support for the arts in the workplace in education and in the community.