An Artful Community By Ashley Huntsberry-Lett

Naples Ballet is one group that has signed on with Bayshore CAPA.

The importance of the arts cannot be underestimated. As Swiss composer Ernst Levy said, “Man will begin to recover the moment he takes art as seriously as physics, chemistry or money.” While many local charitable organizations rely on the community to help fund programs vital to physical, mental and economic health, the arts-focused nonprofits must not be overlooked. Consider these laudable groups, which make Naples the cultural jewel it is.

Bayshore CAPA: A Place for Arts to Call Home Over the past decade, three different professional needs assessments of Collier County determined that a lot of nonprofit cultural and performing arts organizations lack adequate facilities for rehearsals, equipment storage and performances. In 2005 a nonprofit organization was created to help fill those needs—the Bayshore Cultural & Performing Arts Center Inc., or CAPA. Its mission: to alleviate the stress on individual arts organizations to raise funds to build their own facilities or secure temporary venues. With a board of directors and leadership council armed 36

NAPLES CHARITY REGISTER

with deep arts experience, Bayshore CAPA has worked tirelessly to raise capital for a future home on Bayshore Drive—a 17.5acre site that was officially selected in June last year. Now awaiting county approval of its proposal, the group plans to enlist the help of one of the world’s foremost theater planning and design consultants, Joshua Dachs. Once the multipurpose facility is complete, visual artists, dancers, musicians and music groups will be able to engage in their pursuits free of many of the challenges nonprofits face on their own. To date, 26 arts groups have endorsed the project in writing and seven have made

more specific arrangements for use of the center, including the Naples Concert Band, Naples Orchestra & Chorus, Naples Ballet, Naples Music Makers and Naples Music Club. Besides creating and executing a plan to put a shared roof over the heads of local artists, Bayshore CAPA hosts free and lowcost events throughout the year showcasing Collier County’s wealth of talent. The season’s programs include the Erich Kunzel Concert Series and Jazz in the Park open-air concerts at Sugden Regional Park. Bayshore CAPA’s progress underscores how fundraising and support are key to success. Two events have been scheduled