Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, & ArtsBridge Foundation 2017 Annual Report

A N N IV E R SA RY Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Cobb Galleria Centre Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre ArtsBridge Foundation

A Y E AR OF CELEBR ATION AND ACHIE VEMENT ANNIVERSARY

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Talk about a memorable year! In 2017, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre celebrated its 10th anniversary as a world class venue. Cobb Galleria Centre received numerous accolades for achievement, excellence and recognition. ArtsBridge Foundation commemorated a special landmark of their own: 10 years of inspiring Georgia’s youth in the arts.

Add in the exciting debut of SunTrust Park and amenity-rich The Battery Atlanta, and you now have Cumberland as the preeminent destination to convene, shop, dine, work, live and perform. Wow. What a year!

OUR MISSION Be the Southeast’s premier destination for mid-sized conventions, performing arts, and entertainment.

WE DO THIS BY CONTINUING TO:  Provide our guests with innovative convention and performing arts venues, world-class personalized service, and unmatched event experiences  Provide economic and cultural benefit to the county, the region, and the state  Foster a rewarding, diverse work environment

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

THE 2017 AUTHORIT Y

What a year of significant moments it has been for the CobbMarietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority. From the 10th Anniversary

The Cobb-Marietta

celebration of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre to the

Coliseum & Exhibit Hall

opening of SunTrust Park, 2017 has been a year for the record books.

Authority operates the Cobb Galleria Centre,

Throughout 2017 we have reflected on the first 10 years of the Cobb Energy Centre and how it has become the cultural heart of our

Cobb Energy Performing

community. The Centre has exceeded all projections, both financially

Arts Centre, ArtsBridge

and programmatically, in its first 10 years, garnering local, national

Foundation and Galleria

and international acclaim. I am exceedingly proud of not only the

Specialty Shops.

venue itself but the diversity of our programming and our unwavering commitment to education and community outreach through the ArtsBridge Foundation.

And how ‘bout them Braves? In April, our community changed

Back row left to right:

forever with the opening of SunTrust Park, the accompanying

JERRY NIX

mixed-use development – The Battery Atlanta – and the pedestrian

A. MAX BACON JOHNNY GRESHAM

bridge connecting the Cobb Galleria Centre campus to it all. By

From the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre to the opening of SunTrust Park, 2017 has been a year for the record books!

all accounts, the ballpark and the entertainment district have

Front row left to right:

been transformational for our community and have turned the

ROBERT P. VOYLES

Cumberland Galleria area into the most walkable convention district

STEVE “THUNDER” TUMLIN

in the Southeast with the utmost amenities in shopping, dining and

MIKE BOYCE

entertainment. Congratulations to the Atlanta Braves and their leadership team for a triumphant opening year.

Thank you to my fellow members of the Authority for their time and dedication to our venues and our mission. I would also like to extend my thanks to the volunteer directors of the ArtsBridge Foundation, whose heart for our philanthropic mission of creating the next generation of artists and arts supporters has led us to another outstanding year. Please enjoy this look back at Cobb Energy Centre’s Decade in the Spotlight, and I look forward to an even more exciting 2018.

The seven-member Authority is a body corporate and politic created by the Georgia General Assembly in 1980 for the purpose of maintaining facilities for the general

Jerry Nix

purpose of promoting cultural growth,

Chairman

education and welfare.

Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority

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Photo courtesy of milepix.com

acquiring, constructing, operating and

LETTER FROM CEO

ECONOMIC IMPACT

In the past, each of our annual reports was uniquely themed with words that reflected the significance of that year. This report follows suit by commemorating Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre’s A Decade in the Spotlight. Since opening our doors in 2007, a wide range of artists from opera,

ECONOMIC IMPACT The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority engaged a third party firm to perform an Economic Impact Study for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017. The study provides an independent analysis of the total financial impact of Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Cobb County and the State of Georgia.

ballet, concerts, and comedians to major touring dance companies and nearly everything in between, has passed through the Centre. As metropolitan Atlanta and Cobb County became more culturally diverse over the past decade, so did the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

The common theme throughout all the annual reports has been economic impact. From the beginning, the mission

As we look to the future, our goal is to improve upon what we have built so that

of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority was to

Total Economic Impact

COBB GALLERIA CENTRE $ 98,665,000

Employment (number of FTE jobs) Personal Earnings

COBB ENERGY CENTRE $ 18,955,000

930

COMBINED $ 117,620,000

190

$ 36,800,000

$

7,175,000

$ 135,754,000

$ 25,357,000

1,120

$ 43,975,000

STATE OF GEORGIA (INCLUDES COUNTY) Total Economic Impact

serve as a catalyst to generate a positive financial impact and improve

Employment (number of FTE jobs)

the quality of life in Cobb County and the state of Georgia. As you read

Personal Earnings

1,290

$ 47,461,000

$

$

161,111,000

260

1,550

8,982,000

$ 56,443,000

this report, you will see how we have accomplished this mission through our operations of the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts

more people can share in

Centre and ArtsBridge Foundation.

events, performances and

As we look to the future, our goal is to improve upon what we

programs that educate,

and programs that educate, entertain and inspire. To that end, the

entertain and inspire.

COBB COUNTY

have built so that more people can share in events, performances

Total Economic Impact is the total direct, indirect and induced spending effects generated by each facility’s operations.

Employment represents the number of full and part time jobs supported by each facility’s operations.

Personal Earnings are the estimated wages and salaries earned by employees of businesses associated with or impacted by each facility’s operations.

Authority has just completed a five-year strategic plan that paves the way for us to continue to achieve our mission and outlines the

TAX REVENUE IMPACT

initiatives that are central to our success.

COBB COUNTY

Of course, we could never achieve these goals without the continued support and exceptional leadership from the Authority and Foundation

COBB GALLERIA CENTRE

COBB ENERGY CENTRE

COMBINED

Local Option, Liquor by the Drink, Hotel/Motel Tax

$ 2,013,000

$

442,000

$

2,455,000

Corporate Income Tax

$ 4,786,000

$

1,136,000

$ 5,922,000

Total Tax Revenue Impact

$ 6,799,000

$

1,578,000

Board of Directors. Lastly, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our clients, loyal patrons and our devoted staff and volunteers.

Michele L. Swann

STATE OF GEORGIA Sales & Use Tax, Personal and

$

8,377,000

General Manager & CEO Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority

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A DECADE OF POSITIVE IMPACT

THANK YOU 10 YEAR CLIENTS

‘‘ Cobb Energy Centre has been a wonderful resource for Frazier & Deeter for

many years. They offer both a convenient location and excellent event support that has helped our firm look good with events ranging from our large annual cocktail party to complicated day-long learning events. They have a great team.”

ADELLE ERDMAN Executive Director of Marketing, Frazier & Deeter

AEG

“ Cobb Energy Centre is arguably one of the finest multi-purpose

Atlanta Ballet The Atlanta Opera Bank of North Georgia Cobb Chamber of Commerce Commercial Real Estate Women of Atlanta Frazier & Deeter LLC Live Nation New Times Culture & Education Center, Inc. (Shen Yun)

theaters in the United States. From the aesthetic to the practical, nearly every detail of this great theater has been considered and executed with great care and thoughtfulness. It is equally a delight to work and perform in Cobb Energy Centre as it is to sit in the audience….The relative intimacy of the Centre, although it has a large capacity, is perfect for dance.”

dynamic and thriving part of the mix of what Cobb County and the region have to offer … and a vital element in making the Cumberland area and Cobb County an entertainment district and a well-rounded community.”

HOLLY QUINLAN President and CEO, Cobb Travel & Tourism

incredible benefits to us as a sponsor to support such a major cultural center… We saw it as a catalyst for economic, commercial, and residential development and a great regional asset for Atlanta. We are committed to supporting arts in the area, bringing culture to Atlanta, and reaching out to give access to the arts in underserved communities.”

KEVIN GREINER President and CEO, Gas South

ARTURO JACOBUS

Outback

President & CEO, Atlanta Ballet

Rival Entertainment Southeastern Shoe Travelers, Incorporated Windstorm Productions

Cobb Energy Performing Arts “ The Centre is one of my absolute favorite

performance halls. As an active stage director who is constantly directing in opera houses all over the world, I can confidently say that Atlanta is lucky to have an opera venue that is acoustically exquisite, and well equipped to accommodate the most sophisticated and complicated productions.

Congratulations on 10 amazing years.”

TOMER ZVULUN General & Artistic Director, The Atlanta Opera

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‘‘ Cobb Energy Centre has become a regional focal point for tourism. It is a

‘‘We are neighbors, and we saw the

‘‘As soon as the opportunity to become a volunteer usher was posted in

2007 I knew I wanted to be a part of it, and I signed up for one of the first orientation classes. Today, ten years later, I am at Cobb Energy Centre at least four to eight times a month to share the same joy with our patrons.

Each time a patron steps through the front doors and they look around in amazement, I think that is how I felt the first time I stepped through those doors and still do today. When we host shows for school children (sometime 5,400 in a day) and they come inside with eager anticipation and big smiles, I am most proud of what we do at Cobb Energy Centre because we are creating a future generation of theater goers!”

BOB SNIDER Volunteer Floor Captain

“ I present shows in many buildings. Without a doubt

your staff is the most professional I have been around.

They are true pros. It is rare to find people that care about their jobs these days and take pride in doing the job right.”

DONN JENNINGS DJ Promotions, Inc.

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RECOGNITION GREETINGS FROM THE GOVERNOR It is my pleasure to join in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. On behalf of a grateful state, I thank the leadership and staff members of this distinguished venue for the outstanding events and activities you afford Georgia’s citizens.

It brings me great pride to recognize Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for reaching this milestone. Cobb Energy Centre is the home to The Atlanta Opera and the Atlanta Ballet and has hosted 2,500 events since opening. I commend Cobb Energy Centre and the staff for their part in preserving and celebrating the arts in Georgia.

I appreciate the many contributions you have made to Georgia,

Nathan Deal 82nd Governor of Georgia

and I believe that we are stronger because of your dedicated efforts. I join your peers in recognizing your record of service and extend my best wishes for continued success as you celebrate this milestone.

A DECADE TO REMEMBER LETTER FROM THE SENATOR

Which moments did you witness and savor the most?

It is a pleasure to recognize and celebrate the 10th anniversary of

The exuberance of A Chorus Line? The standing ovations for

the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. I appreciate the work of

Turandot? The stunned (and smiling) children’s faces for the

the centre to spread the performing arts throughout Cobb County

Dance Theatre of Harlem? Twyla Tharp’s world premiere?

and the entire metro Atlanta community. I also commend the

Tyler Perry’s searing humor? The Atlanta Ballet’s gripping

centre for its commitment to promoting arts education through the

Dracula? Jon Stewart’s sold out shows? The Walking Dead

Artsbridge Foundation.

tours? The Temptations, The Million Dollar Quartet, the list, and the memories go on and on.

Thank you to all who contribute to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, its performances, and its educational programs. You

Since opening its doors in 2007, Cobb Energy Performing

are making a positive difference in the lives of many people. and I

Arts Centre has become much more than a regional asset or

send my best wishes for an exciting and memorable year.

a cultural landmark for the performing arts. It has become an exciting way of life, a refuge from the ordinary and a place to experience and be moved by the truly extraordinary.

‘‘ Last night was my first time to

play the Cobb Energy Centre. It was another terrific, sold-out audience.

The Cobb Energy Centre is a beautiful, modern, 2,700-seat hall that feels much smaller, which I enjoyed. Vince Gill and I felt close to everyone in the audience.

We could easily hear and understand people when they spoke to us during the show, which isn’t always the case.

The sound was crystal clear.”

LYLE LOVETT Singer-songwriter

Johnny Isakson 10

U.S. Senator

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ANNIVERSA RY Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT 2007

The Cobb Energy

Performing Arts Centre debuts with a grand opening gala and a performance by Michael Feinstein and Linda Eder. This was just the beginning of many notable artists to have performed in the John A. Williams Theatre, including Kelly

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Clarkson, Keith Urban, America’s Got Talent, Jeff Dunham, Tyler

2008

Perry, Shen Yun, Garrison Keillor, Anthony Bourdain, Steven Tyler,

is king. With a 10-year-long list of the

Josh Groban, Fifth Harmony, Got

best in comedy filling the theater night

7, Eddie Vedder, Don Henley and

after night, the highlights include: Jon

Alton Brown, to name just a few

Stewart, Lisa Lampanelli, Ron White, Jeff

of the 1,300 artists or shows.

08 2009

Jeff Dunham sells out four

shows at the Centre, where comedy

Foxworthy, Louis Black, Jim Gaffigan, Craig Ferguson, Bill Maher, Jay Leno, John Oliver, Whoopi Goldberg, Amy Schummer, Jimmy Fallon, Wanda Sykes, Daniel Tosh and Tracy Morgan.

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Tony-award-winning singer and

actor Shuler Hensley presides over the first Shuler Awards, now the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards celebrating excellence in high school musical theater. This annual event, produced by the ArtsBridge Foundation, has grown from 13 schools participating in its first year to 75 schools from 28 Georgia counties in 2017.

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2010

The cast and crew from a not-yet-aired TV show called The Walking Dead

transforms the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for episodes 5 and 6 of the first season of the now-hit show.

Cobb Energy Centre is a key part of The Walking Dead pop culture, as fans and tour groups, including Atlanta Movie Tours, stop by almost daily to take photographs.

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2011

R&B star Usher hosts

the World Leadership Awards, a star-studded event for his New Look Foundation. The Centre becomes a venue of choice for awards shows, including the Trumpet Awards, the Soul Train Awards, the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards.

2012

Legendary

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Choreographer Twyla Tharpe stages the world premiere of her ballet, The Princess & the Goblin, with the Atlanta Ballet. A resident company since 2007, Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals.

13 2013

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The Radio City

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes high-kicks through the first of a record 27 shows in one month.

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2015 Gamers from across the globe descend on the theater and ballroom for the SMITE World Championships.

With a prize pool of $2.6 million, it was the fourth largest eSports prize to date. SMITE is one of 1,000+ events held in the Kessel D. Stelling Ballroom.

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2016

The world-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem

performs a field trip performance for ArtsBridge, the Centre’s educational outreach arm. One thousand students, many of whom were experiencing the arts for the first time, attended the performance for free courtesy of donations to ArtsBridge. To date, 300,000 students and educators have been served through ArtsBridge programming.

2017

The Atlanta Opera stages Puccini’s Turandot, 10 years

after their debut at the Centre with four sell-out performances of the same classic opera. The Opera’s groundbreaking decision to become the Centre’s first resident company has provided them with a venue designed for opera, financial stability and audience sustainability.

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2017 Cobb Energy Centre celebrates its 10th Anniversary.

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE When you’re celebrating a decade of success, you may as well have a year for the ages. We promoted and reveled in our various accomplishments and partnerships all year long and gave thanks to our resident companies, sponsors, employees and volunteers.

In September Cobb Energy Centre hosted the 10th Anniversary “Birthday Bash” open house, and the celebration peaked with the ArtsBridge 10th Anniversary Overture Gala.

What’s a celebration without celebrities? We were thrilled to host Carol Burnett, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Jay Leno, The Beach Boys, Dr. Neil de Grasse Tyson, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, 3 Doors Down, several K-pop groups, Hi-Rez Expo and many more dynamic live performances. Our two renowned resident companies continued to draw and captivate

TOP 50

new audiences: The Atlanta Opera (The Abduction from

IN THE WORLD!

the Seraglio, Silent Night, Don Pasquale and Turandot) and Atlanta Ballet (Carmina Burana, Genadi’s Choice, Firebird and Camino Real by Tennessee Williams).

Cobb Energy Centre ranked #43 in Pollstar Magazine’s mid-year report of Top Worldwide Theatre Venues 5,000 seats and under.

BRAVO FOR THE CUISINE, TOO Led by Culinary Directory and Executive Chef Nicholas Walker, Cobb

We are proud to have furthered

Energy Centre has carved out an enviable reputation for quality fine

our initiatives in expanding artist and

dining rarely experienced in performing arts centers. Chef Walker

audience diversity, increasing patron reach

brings a fresh, innovative approach to corporate and social events

and developing new promoter partnerships and collaborations.

in the Kessel D. Stelling Ballroom, one of metropolitan Atlanta’s

Cobb Energy Centre also exceeded financial budget targets,

most prestigious venues. His cuisine is inspired by his Georgia roots,

increased the number of event days and improved overall

with many of his dishes sourced from local and regional farms and

attendance. Thank you to the amazing team of 500 volunteers

small businesses. Chef Walker’s thoughtful interpretation of modern

who continue to shine with exemplary commitment and service.

techniques and trends, along with his close attention to every detail in preparation and service, sets Cobb Energy Centre apart.

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 (unaudited)

OPERATING REVENUES

$ 9,742,993

Operating revenues were favorable to budget by 12%

OPERATING EXPENSES

$ (7,779,487)

Operating expenses were unfavorable to budget by 10%

OPERATING PROFIT (BEFORE DEPRECIATION)

$ 1,963,506

Operating profit was favorable to budget by $388,000 Operating results do not include depreciation expense of $2.4 million.

COBB ENERGY CENTRE 2017 Total Events/ Performances

305 Total Attendance

281,000

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COBB GALLERIA CENTRE When the Cobb Galleria Centre opened in 1994, the visionaries and community leaders involved had the foresight to envision the convention center becoming a catalyst for one of the most dynamic and vibrant areas in all of Atlanta. Today the Centre has become the focal point connecting all of the community’s many amenities in what has swiftly become the most modern, safe and walk-able convention destination in the city.

We enjoyed many high points during the past year. Here are just some: • Jerry Nix, Chairman of the Authority, was honored with the 2016 Lifetime Achievement CFO Award presented by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

• Michele Swann, General Manager & CEO, received the Women of Influence Award from Venues Today magazine.

• Lynn Flanders, Assistant General Manager, was honored with a Tribute to Women of Achievement award from liveSafe Resources.

• Cobb Galleria Centre is a six-time winner of Convention South Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award and an eight-time first place winner in International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)’s Art of the Show competition for Convention Center Promotion.

• Jocelyn Munson, Event Services Assistant Manager, was elected by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Foundation for their 30 Under 30 2017 class.

• For the 22nd consecutive year, the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).

What’s next? One of the best ways to celebrate a milestone is to build on it and we have recently completed a comprehensive five year strategic plan. We plan to keep the vision of this game-changing Centre moving forward in dynamic ways. Stay tuned!

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COBB GALLERIA CENTRE Since opening in 1994, Cobb Galleria Centre’s operating revenues have exceeded operating expenses each year, resulting in an operating profit.

Fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 (unaudited)

OPERATING REVENUES

$ 11,737,029

Operating revenues fell short of budget by 1%

OPERATING EXPENSES

$ (10,211,787)

Operating expenses were favorable to budget by 4%

OPERATING PROFIT

$ 1,525,242

Operating profit was favorable to budget by $326,000

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES PAID FROM RESERVES

$ 2,113,876

INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUES Debt service for Cobb Galleria Centre is provided for by a portion of the Hotel/Motel and Liquor by the Drink Taxes collected by Cobb County and the municipalities within Cobb County.

Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority has entered into separate agreements with Cobb County and the municipalities in which all or a portion of the Hotel/Motel and Liquor By The Drink Tax collections are remitted directly to the Authority’s Bond Trustee for the servicing of the Authority’s bond debt. Remaining amounts are used by the Authority to pay amounts which the Authority is contractually obligated to remit back to the County and municipalities and to provide funding for Cobb Travel & Tourism.

Fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 (unaudited)

GROSS TAX REVENUES REMITTED TO THE BOND TRUSTEE: HOTEL/MOTEL TAX

COBB GALLERIA CENTRE 2017

$ 16,843,499

LIQUOR BY THE DRINK TAX

723,126

$ 17,566,625

DEBT SERVICE

(6,556,103)

Total Events

$ 11,010,522

529

CONTRACTUAL PAYMENTS BACK TO THE COUNTY/MUNICIPALITIES

(6,552,137)

COBB TRAVEL & TOURISM FUNDING

(1,329,464)

Total Attendance

362,000

INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE SURPLUS

$

3,128,921

For fiscal year 2017, total receipts were favorable to budget by 10% and marked the highest level of collections to date. The result for the year was a surplus of $3.1 million.

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The ArtsBridge Foundation also has big plans for the coming decade.

We will institute new educational and community outreach programs; the Shuler Awards and Family Series will continue to grow and expand; Master Classes with Broadway stars will engage and challenge students; and The Foundation-sponsored free College Fair will expose more than 1,000 students to arts and educational opportunities.

With your continued support and investment in the Foundation, we can continue our exponential growth and outreach. Join us on our next 10-year journey to reach and impact as many lives as possible.

ARTSBRIDGE FOUNDATION Since the beginning in 2007, more than 300,000 students and educators across 57 counties in Georgia have experienced the arts through ArtsBridge. We served 46,931 in the 2016-2017 season alone. It’s all about fulfilling the mission to offer programming and outreach to youngsters while educating them about the important role the arts play in our daily lives.

I won my Shuler, it showed me that what ‘‘When I do is important, and I was recognized in a way I never imagined possible! I started high school as a shy girl who had only stepped out on the stage as a dancer, and three short years later I was on stage at the Cobb Energy Centre accepting my award.

A dream come true in so many ways!”

Clarkdale Elementary School, ‘‘ At we are committed to tapping into every child’s creative arts imagination in an effort to engage all students in authentic learning!

The ArtsBridge Foundation is truly committed to creating the future through arts education and has graciously partnered with us to make the arts affordable for all of our students through discounted tickets and financial assistance for transportation expenses. Without ArtsBridge’s generous support, our students would not be able to experience the arts at such an extraordinary magnitude. We are grateful for all that you do!”

DR. LISS MAYNARD Principal, Clarkdale Elementary, Cobb County School District

ALEXIS LEWIS, STUDENT Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

Some of the many highlights included: • Celebrating excellence in high school musical theater with The Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards – The Shuler Awards, now in its 9th year.

75 schools from 28 counties participated in a unique, yearlong professional learning experience – culminating in an exciting “live” red carpet show televised on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

• Providing much-needed subsidy support to 40 percent or more of field trip audiences. For 2016-2017 ArtsBridge subsidized 14,145 tickets and 80 buses.

• Enhancing education initiatives with Expanded Educator Guides, which are specifically tied to school curriculum and were prepared for each field trip program to enhance the overall experience and learning opportunities.

• Expanding the ArtsBridge Family Series program to reach an additional 8,161 audience members, many from deserving families. The line-up featured Odd Squad, Octonauts, Red & Green, and Wild Kratts, all highly popular children’s programs.

• ArtsBridge 10th Anniversary Overture Gala, the Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year and a true celebration of the students and their unbridled joy in celebrating the arts.

Strive Primary School, we value the arts. We could not have exposed ‘‘AtourKipp scholars to live theater and enriching on-stage educational programs without the generous support of the ArtsBridge Foundation. Each performance has been magical, inspiring our scholars to become both future artists and audience members!”

TAWNI JOHNSON School Operations Manager, KIPP Strive Primary School, Atlanta Public Schools

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ARTSBRIDGE FOUNDATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jack Ward President

JF Ward Enterprises, LLC

FOUNDATION DONORS

Helen Carlos Community Volunteer

Barbarella Diaz Executive VP of Community Affairs Diaz Foods

Kessel D. Stelling President & CEO Synovus Financial Corp.

Percy Vaughn Director, Southern Regional Operations Kia Motors America, Inc.

Joanne Truffelman Vice-President

Chemistry Atlanta

Jerry Nix CFO (Retired) Genuine Parts Company

Valery Voyles Chairman & CEO Ed Voyles Automotive Group Barbara E. Williams

Larry Dingle Secretary

Wilson Brock & Irby, LLC

Sam Olens President Kennesaw State University

(Emeritus)

Former State Farm Agent & Cobb County Commissioner John A. Williams

Clare Richardson President Emerita Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

(Emeritus)

CEO Preferred Apartment Communities

Producer $25,000+

Designer $5,000-$9,999

Anonymous

The Abney Family Foundation

Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority Genuine Parts Company

Lynn Cochran

Georgia Lottery

Bruce & Sylvia Dick

The Molly Blank Fund (Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation)

Georgia Power Company

Walton Communities

John & Mary Franklin Foundation

The Zeist Foundation

SUPPORT AND REVENUES

EXPENSES

$ (712,100)

Expenses were favorable to budget by 4%

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS Change in Net Assets was favorable to budget by $106,000

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$ 198,313

Terri Theisen Bob & Belle Voyles

Lead Actor $500-$999

Anonymous Julie Arnold Carole Brooks Ushers at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Centre Michael Cooper

Julian Bene

Winn Crump

Jerry & Cheryl Nix

Randy Donaldson

Sondra Dillon

William A. Parker, Jr.

Gene & Patricia Henssler

Dwight Dyer

Six Flags Over Georgia

Shelly Kleppsattel

Nancy Gault

David & Michele Swann

Christine Nix

Jimmy & Helen S. Carlos

Katherine Hansil

Synovus Foundation

Robert Parris

Cobb Community Foundation

Sherry Kendrick

Wells Fargo Foundation

Alex Paulson

Mike Knowles

Benjamin & Christine Phelps

Susan M. Levy

Emma Pollard

David & Barbara Nadler

Atlanta Braves Foundation

Holly Quinlan

Richard Parker

René & Barbarella Diaz

Bennie Shaw

Brenda Rhodes

Larry Dingle

Cynthia Widner Wall

Janice Scott

The Martha and Wilton Looney Foundation

Nigel & Clare Richardson

Linda Smith

Ticketmaster

Ensemble $250-$499

National Endowment for the Arts

Joanne Truffelman

Robert & Susan Arko

Jim & Marilyn Sustrich

Tull Charitable Foundation

Charlie & Yetty Arp

James Tyson

The Vinings Rotary Club

Thomas Casey

Jim & Joanne Van Duys

Jack & Shirley Demarest

Juliana Vincenzino

Chris Galla

George & Jan Yano

Director $10,000-$24,999 Audrey B. Morgan, The Morgan Family Fund

Delta Community Credit Union Ed Voyles Automotive Group Emerson Climate Technologies Livingston Foundation Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

Jack & Jean Ward

Playwright $2,500 -$4,999

Presenter $1,000-$2,499 Mike Boyce Bill Brantley Terry Chandler

Support and Revenues exceeded budget by 8%

John & Karen Spiegel

Matt Alea

Cynthia Crain Lee

Scicom Infrastructure Services

$ 910,413

Earl Smith

Audience $100-$249

KIA Motors of America

Sartain Lanier Family Foundation

Fiscal year ending September 30, 2017 (unaudited)

Laura Schilling

An Anonymous Friend

Regions Bank

ARTSBRIDGE FOUNDATION, INC.

Bobbie Bailey Foundation

Kathleen E. Rios

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Johnny Gresham Pam Hubby Margaret Kleiman Don & Patsy Mabry David Malone

Fidelity Bank

Walter W. McBride

Richard Horder

Sid Roy

Peter & Ronnie Kessenich, Sr.

Sara Stephens

Sam & Lisa Olens

Gordon Via

Pope and Land Enterprises

Denice M. Wetzel

Jim Rhoden, Jr.

Leslie Stone

Listing reflects gifts made between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017.

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New aerial of area

THE DES TINATION OF THE FUTURE IS HERE. NOW. One thing we’ve learned over the past two decades and more is that to succeed, you can never stand still. Resting on one’s laurels is not in our playbook. To stay relevant, you need to offer what companies demand, what people want and what audiences desire.

THANK YOU We wish to express our appreciation to the members of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority and to the numerous

Fortunately, our Cumberland community has already become one of the premier destinations to meet, live and be entertained - not just in Atlanta, but in all of the southeast. As the plans put forth many

business leaders whose continued support helped us prosper and reach our goals for 2017.

years ago have come to fruition, it’s like hearing a beautifully penned new opera being performed for the first time. You revel in the moment. But you can’t wait for the next act.

Look forward with us as we develop and implement exciting new changes and improvements over

We also wish to thank LevelOne Design for their efforts designing this Annual Report.

the next 10 years.

The Atlanta Opera photography by Jeff Roffman, Ken Howard and Rafterman.

Atlanta Ballet photography by Charlie McCullers and Kim Kenney.

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