GPAC Spring Update 2010

Update SPR I N G 2010

ANNUAL MEE TING

Inside this Issue

2 Annual Meeting Program 3 From the Directors 4 Advocacy in Action 5 Membership Has Its Privileges 5 What You Told Us 6 GPAC at a Glance

With your help, we’re driving political, financial and professional support for the entire Pittsburgh arts community. Let’s get connected.

8 Art, Meet Business.

8 Small Grants. Big Impact.

9 A STAR is Born 10 Strengthening Pittsburgh Arts 11 Making a Place for Public Art

Thank You

Alcoa Foundation Allegheny Regional Asset District BNY Mellon Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation Dominion Foundation Elliott Marketing Group The Fine Foundation The Grable Foundation The Heinz Endowments Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield The Kresge Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Pennsylvania Council on the Arts The Pittsburgh Foundation Richard King Mellon Foundation ThoughtForm, Inc.

To discuss ways your company or organization can support the work of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council through sponsorships or partnerships, please contact Tiffany Wilhelm, Director of Development and Membership, at 412.391.2060 x222 or twilhelm@pittsburghartscouncil.org.

The Red Shoes, Quantum Theatre, performers Carolina Loyola-Garcia and John Marcinizyn. Photo by Mary Mervis.

Greater Pittsburgh Art Council Board of Directors

Annual Meeting Program Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Bill Bodine, Chair Frick Art and Historical Center

August Wilson Center for African American Culture

8:00–8:30 am Coffee and Light Breakfast Lobby

8:30–10:00 am Opening Performance Theater Abafasi

John Camillus, Executive Vice Chair Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh Peggy Hynes, Vice Chair at-large Streamline Communications Lisa Hoitsma, Vice Chair at-large Gateway to the Arts James Fawcett, Secretary Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Victor Dozzi, CPA, Treasurer CrawfordEllenbogen LLC Jane Werner, Immediate Past Chair Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Mitch Swain, CEO Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Michele de la Reza Attack Theatre Constance F. Horton, MSW Fund for the Advancement of Minorities Through Education Charlie Humphrey Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Andrew Masich Senator John Heinz History Center J. Kevin McMahon Pittsburgh Cultural Trust David L. Pollack, Esq. Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky Kate E. H. Prescott Prescott & Associates Robert Reed Multicultural Arts Initiative Dr. Hilary Robinson College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University John Sotirakis ThoughtForm, Inc. Michael A. Wessell, Esq., Community Leader

Welcome

Bill Bodine André Kimo Stone Guess Evan Frazier

Arts Loud and Clear

Mitch Swain Carrie Shoberg Judy Kelly Craig Johnson Hilary Robinson Bovey Lee Gina Fleitman Morton Brown Pam Pennywell Susan Sparks John Elliott Maggie Johnson TIffany Wilhelm

Networking Break 10:00–10:30 am Lobby

10:30–11:15 am Theater

“Arts in Crisis” An Interview with Michael Kaiser

We are pleased to welcome to Pittsburgh Michael M. Kaiser, President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Online Resources PittsburghArtsCouncil.org Advocacy, grant info, news, more

Dubbed “the Turnaround King” for his work at numerous institutions, including the Royal Opera House (London), American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Kansas City Ballet, Michael has earned international renown for his expertise in arts management.

ProArtsTickets.org Tickets to arts performances PittsburghArtistRegistry.org Database of regional artists ArtsWorks.org Job, internship & volunteer listings PublicArtPittsburgh.org The Office of Public Art (OPA)

He founded Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative in early February 2009, and embarked on a 50-state tour to spread his arts expertise across the United States. With the help of the Kennedy Center senior staff and more than 100 volunteer mentors, the Arts in Crisis initiative currently provides free arts management consultation to more than 500 arts organizations across the United States.

PittsburghIsArt.org Grassroots arts community pittsburghartscouncil.blogspot.com Industry thoughts by staff and guest bloggers

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®

Karla Boos Justin Laing J. Kevin McMahon

11:15 am–12:00 pm Audience Q&A Theater

Jim Wilkinson Community Leader

groups.google.com/group/pghleaders Emerging Arts Leaders Network

Thanks to our sponsors !

Michael M. Kaiser

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C U R R E N T

From the Directors

Arts Organizations

Welcome to the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council’s 2010 Annual Meeting.

The economy has made our collective work environment more difficult. We all have had to re-examine the why, what and how of what we do. It has been an opportunity to get back to basics and to appreciate things we may have taken for granted. Pittsburgh is a place of history, ingenuity, creativity and beauty. And, Pittsburgh Is Art. Others see Pittsburgh the same way. Three of the four meeting locations selected for the G-20 Summit were arts venues! VisitPittsburgh boasts that Pittsburgh draws more visitors than other comparable areas . The list of Pittsburgh’s “must see” locations is dominated by arts and culture venues. The Cultural District now draws over 2 million visitors per year. Artists, dancers and musicians have created new energy and projects where others wouldn’t have dared to venture on the Penn Avenue Corridor. Their collective energy attracts other young creative people and rebuilds neighborhoods.

The arts spawn the creativity and vitality that a new “old” city needs to keep its college graduates, attract new business and bring its citizens a healthy respite from their everyday lives.

The challenge ahead of us is to build upon our strengths in the face of tight resources.

Pittsburgh’s history is that of a hard-working “roll up your sleeves” attitude—and that is exactly what we need to do now.

With your help, GPAC will lead the fight for more funding and resources for organizations and individual artists. We need more facts and research to support our passionate arguments.

What can be done collectively to stimulate individual giving? Let’s harness the energy used to successfully defeat the proposed arts sales tax in Harrisburg and fight for an inclusive dedicated statewide funding stream.

What are the most up-to-date financial management strategies that will help you to keep your ship afloat? How can we best promote Pittsburgh’s arts and culture and collaborate to help organizations sell tickets, subscriptions, classes and memberships?

The phrase “Arts loud and clear” is an important part of our new brand. But we’ve learned that sometimes one of the best things we can do is listen. In surveys, letters, conversations and tweets, you’ve made it clear that creating connections is important to those who work in the arts community. Our new workspace will help us to hold gatherings so opinions can be shared and collaborations can be created.

In the end, the best indicator of our success is your participation as members, and our membership continues to grow. Thank you for your continued support.

Bill Bodine Chair

Mitch Swain CEO

M E M B E R S

AFTRA Pittsburgh AIGA Pittsburgh American Jewish Museum Artigianali Co. Artist & Craftsman Supply Artists Image Resource Arts Education Collaborative ArtUp (Artists Upstairs) Associated Artists of Butler County Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Attack Theatre August Wilson Center for African American Culture Autumn House Press Bach Choir Pittsburgh Balmoral School of Piping Baldwin-Whitehall Friends of the Theater Arts Bodiography Contemporary Ballet Boyd Community Center Bricolage Bulgarian Macedonian National Education & Cultural Center Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Foundation Center Carnegie Mellon University - College of Fine Arts Carnegie Museum of Art Carnegie Museum of Natural History Chatham Baroque Chhandayan, Inc. Children’s Festival Chorus Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh City of Asylum/Pittsburgh City Theatre Company Dance Alloy Theater Dreams of Hope Dress for Success Pittsburgh Enjoy Bellevue Father Ryan Arts Center of Focus on Renewal Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh, Inc. Freeport Theatre Festival Frick Art & Historical Center Gallerie Chiz Gateway to the Arts Guiding Star Productions Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh Academy Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT) Hillman Center for Performing Arts - Shady Side Hip Hop On L.O.C.K. Project IATSE, Local 3 I Made It! Market Indiana Arts Council Institute of International Art & Languages Ixtlan Artists Group, Inc. Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania Jazz Workshop Incorporated Kelly Custom Furniture & Cabinetry Kelly-Strayhorn Theater Kente Arts Alliance Kuntu Repertory Theatre LABCO (Laboratory Dance Company) Lawrenceville Historical Society Luke & Eloy Gallery Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG Arts) Mary Miller Dance Company Mattress Factory McKeesport Symphony Orchestra

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C U R R E N T

M E M B E R S

Arts Organizations, continued Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Michael Berger Gallery ModernFormations Gallery & Performance Space Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery Muse Art Studios and Gallery Nandanik Dance Troupe Nathanael Greene Historical Foundation Nego Gato, Inc. New Hazlett Theater North Hills Harmony Line Chorus Oakland Girls Choir Off the Wall Productions Open Stage Theatre Open Thread Opera Theater of Pittsburgh Phase 3 Productions Phipps Conservatory PITT ARTS Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Pittsburgh Banjo Club Pittsburgh Camerata Pittsburgh Ceili Club Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society Pittsburgh CLO Pittsburgh Concert Chorale Pittsburgh Concert Society Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Filmmakers Pittsburgh Flute Club Pittsburgh Folk Festival, Incorporated Pittsburgh Glass Center Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre Pittsburgh Jewish-Israeli Film Festival Pittsburgh Jewish Music Festival Pittsburgh Music Academy Pittsburgh Musical Theater Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble Pittsburgh New Works Festival Pittsburgh Opera Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Pittsburgh Philharmonic Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company Pittsburgh Public Theater Corporation Pittsburgh Society of Artists Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Pittsburgh Victorian Gibson Girls Pittsburgh Technology Council Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company Pittsburgh Youth Pops Orchestra Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra Polish Cultural Council Prime Stage Theatre Quantum Theatre Renaissance & Baroque Society Renaissance City Wind Music Society River City Artists Management River City Brass Band Royal Tribe Music Sembène - The Film and Arts Festival Senator John Heinz History Center Shakespeare in the Parks Silk Screen - Asian American Cultural Organization

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Advocacy in Action

by Ryan Freytag

The recent and ongoing Pennsylvania state budget crisis kicked the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council’s advocacy efforts into high gear.

In addition to keeping the local arts and culture community informed of the latest developments in the budget battle, we provided practical opportunities to make their voices heard. By coordinating our local efforts with those of peer organizations from across the state, we were able to mount a rally in the capital and present a unified front in numerous face-to-face meetings with state legislators, many of whom we would not have had access to on our own. Compared to previous years, the growth of the Arts Council’s 2009 advocacy activity was substantial.

Advocacy Activities

2009

Legislative Office Visits (Single Year Combined State and Federal)

49

Community Members Joining us in Advocacy / Policy Activities

63

Advocacy Related Trips to Harrisburg

4

Though state funding for a number of arts and culture programs was reduced or eliminated in the final budget, the Arts Council’s advocacy efforts did yield a number of positive results for the creative sector: • Grants through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts saw one of the smallest decreases among any of the budgetary line items.

• Pittsburgh’s entire cultural community had a presence in Harrisburg and relationships with the offices of numerous state legislators.

• Vital partnerships and collaborative research projects were formed with organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, combating a last-minute proposal to eliminate the cultural ticket tax exemption.

Perhaps the most important outcome of our efforts is the level of community interest and involvement in arts advocacy that developed over the course of the budget crisis. Our advocacy alerts email list has swollen to almost 2,200 people, and several individuals have stepped up to form an advocacy action squad to assist in future efforts. This community involvement and the valuable experience gained in tackling the budget crisis will prove to be critical in future state budget battles, especially over the next few years.

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Pittsburgh Is Art is a grassroots initiative of artists and arts organizations to clearly communicate the role of arts and culture in Pittsburgh’s transformation story. Over 40 partners have come together so far! For more information or to get involved, go to PittsburghIsArt.org.

Membership Has Its Privileges

C U R R E N T

by Dek Ingraham

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council’s membership is the largest it’s ever been! Alongside this steady growth, we expanded our benefit offerings, introduced a new, feature-rich events calendar and conducted our first annual survey.

Our new partnership with Fractured Atlas gives you access to health insurance, highquality/low-cost liability coverage, event insurance, teaching artist coverage and other arts specialty insurances. You also get free access to two “microgrant” programs, Fractured U (online classes) and other discounts.

Did you know about these GPAC Member discounts?

• Dell Computers, 7% off all purchases • PatronMail E-Marketing, 10% discount on annual fees • DoReMe Online Donation Software, 10% off • PayChex Payroll Processing, 15% discount We’ve also implemented our new Arts Pittsburgh Events Calendar. Gone is mistake-prone manual entry, hard to navigate listings and the dreaded Monday by noon deadline!

Now potential patrons can find your events by searching for your organization, venue or artistic genre and they can share listings with social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Digg and more.

What You Told Us

by Tiffany Wilhelm

In 2005, when ProArts was preparing to merge with the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance to form the Arts Council (GPAC), board member and research consultant Kate Prescott conducted a survey of arts organizations to “investigate areas of perceived need and interest.”

As GPAC approached its fifth year, a new survey was conducted.

Silver Eye Center for Photography SLB Radio Productions, Inc. Society for Contemporary Craft Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus South Hills Chorale South Park Theatre Squonk Opera Stage 62 Stage Right!

Steel Valley Arts Council Steeltown Entertainment Project Steinway Society of Western PA StorySwap STUDIO for Creative Inquiry Sweetwater Center for the Arts The Arts for the Cure The Clay Place The Heritage Players, Bethel Park Community Theatre The Legacy Arts Project The Microscopic Opera Company The Pillow Project The Pittsburgh Music Hall of Fame The Rage of the Stage Players Three10Moment Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras Tickets For Kids Charities TolinFX Toonseum Tuesday Musical Club UMOJA African Arts Ensemble University of Pittsburgh Department of Music University of Pittsburgh Theatre Arts Department Unseam’d Shakespeare Co. USA Dance, Pittsburgh Chapter Viaduct Studio Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival Westmoreland Museum of American Art Women in Film and Media Women of Visions, Inc. YMWAHA: Young Men & Women’s African Heritage Association

GPAC Membership

We learned the top challenges facing arts organizations are similar to those in 2005. The top two are exactly the same: #1 contributed income and #2 marketing. Earned income, reacting to changes in the external environment and organizational capacity were other big challenges for organizations. Critical challenges facing individual artists include marketing, grants and fellowships, finding artist resources, managing finances and business planning.

The majority (80%) of you rated your overall experience with GPAC as “Excellent” or “Good.”

You also like our people. 88% of members have had “Excellent” or “Very Good” interactions with GPAC staff. Common responses to why you joined GPAC had to do with connection, collaboration, and being part of the arts community. Today’s Annual Meeting is a big part of that. Many of you also value visibility and access to resources. Money is the most common reason why you haven’t joined. That’s why we keep so many of our programs and services open to everyone. A few of you thought that you need to be a member to apply for our grant programs, but you don’t! The survey helped us learn which programs, services and benefits you need to hear more about—such as our partnership with Fractured Atlas to provide insurances and our cash saving discounts.

Thanks to everyone who participated. Congratulations to StorySwap and artist Lazae LaSpina who won free memberships for 2010–2011! Interested in reading the full report? Email twilhelm@pittsburghartscouncil.org and continue to provide us with feedback anytime.

M E M B E R S

319

339

364

236

2006–07

2007–08

2008–09

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2009–10

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GPAC at a glance Our Goals Goal 1:

Goal 2:

Increase visibility and support of the arts.

Enhance the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of the arts and culture community.

Our Services Advocacy, Cultural Policy, and Research Objectives

Marketing, Ticketing, and Audience Development Objectives

Office of Public Art Objectives

• Lead efforts to protect or increase resources and support for the arts

• A more robust, customer-centered ticketing service that clients could administer on their own

• Disseminate actionable research

• STAR Database marketing services that increase marketing efficiency for organizations

• Provide education programs about public art • Assist in public art projects for the City of Pittsburgh and other entities

• Promote the arts and culture community through a clearly defined brand

Recent Highlights

Recent Highlights

Recent Highlights

• Spurred an unprecedented number of arts advocates to action against cuts to state arts funding

• ProArtsTickets generated a record total $1,293,412 in revenue for client organizations in 2008-09

• Enabled legislation for the Community Art and Civic Design Commission for Wilkinsburg

• Helped coordinate a “Save the Arts in PA” rally in Harrisburg

• STAR Database is operational

• Wrote Add Value: Add Art for the Urban Redevelopment Authority

• Fiscal “Snapshot” Surveys to gauge the effects of the recession

Ongoing Activities • Monitor local, state and national arts and culture policies, issues and legislation • Strengthen the regional advocacy network • Represent the arts and build relationships with strategic partners

What’s Coming

• A new GPAC brand rolls out • Pittsburgh Is Art initiative kicks off

Ongoing Activities

Ongoing Activities

• ProArtsTickets service • Collaborative Strategies/STAR Database

• Public art lectures, workshops, panels and networking opportunities • PittsburghArtistRegistry.org

• Pittsburgh Is Art initiative • Marketing and PR for GPAC

• Artist Opportunity Listserv • Assistance with artist selection, contracts, design development, project management and conservation for a variety of public art projects

What’s Coming

What’s Coming

• An analysis of arts attendees who vote

• Walk-up ticketing

• A study on the state of individual giving to the arts in the Pittsburgh region

• A re-designed GPAC website • Multi-organization marketing campaigns

• Update to the Arts and Economic Prosperity study

Impact

6

• An all-day Public Art 101 workshop with 34 participant artists

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• The opening of Janet Zweig’s artwork in Mellon Park on June 12, 2010 • The installation of Carin Mincemoyer’s artwork on Market Street in September 2010

Increased public involvement in and support of arts and culture.

Learn more at PittsburghArtsCouncil.org

Goal 3:

Goal 4:

Create an environment and opportunities that are supportive of individual artists.

Grants, Consulting, and Capacity Building Objectives

Serve as a model organization that strives to incorporate best practices, increase internal efficiency, and ensure organizational sustainability.

Membership

Governance, Management, & Development

Objectives

Objectives

• Grantees indicate success relevant to the intent of the grant

• Sustain or increase a membership of artists, organizations and businesses

• Enhance board engagement

• Artists and arts nonprofits find answers to their complex business/legal questions

• Maintain a high level of member satisfaction

• Meet budgeted fundraising goals • Increase internal efficiency through new technology

• Artists and organizations enhance their capacity, efficiency and effectiveness

Recent Highlights • $382,237 distributed to 144 grantees in 2008-09 • 691.75 hours of free legal counsel for the arts valued at $170,109 in 2008-09 • 234 hours of free business consulting for the arts valued at $19,390 in 2008-09

Ongoing Activities • PA Partners in the Arts Grants • Artist Opportunity Grants • Alcoa Foundation Leadership Grants for Arts Managers • BNY Mellon Audience Development Grants

Recent Highlights

Recent Highlights

• Launched a comprehensive online arts calendar for the Pittsburgh region • Developed partnership with Fractured Atlas to offer health coverage and other insurance options

Ongoing Activities

• Trainings for professional volunteers

Sustainable organizations and artists that produce high-quality, diverse arts.

• A “peer review” of GPAC

Ongoing Activities

• Connect existing and prospective members to Arts Council programs and services that fit their needs • Enhance resources and benefits for members • Recruit and engage “Arts Ally” members

• Gauge progress of the strategic plan and adapt to changing needs and conditions • Recruit new board members • Seek funding that provides for sustained or expanded programs and services • Continue and expand a commitment to diversity • Expand and deepen connections to professionals in the business community

• Provide pro bono consulting through Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and Business Volunteers for the Arts

• Strengthening Pittsburgh Arts: a program to build the capacity of arts in the recession

• New board members Charlie Humphrey, Hilary Robinson and Robert Reed

• Conducted an annual survey of the arts and culture community to gauge changing needs

• Build a diverse pool of grant applicants and grant reviewers

What’s Coming

• Office relocation

What’s Coming

What’s Coming

• Enhanced member areas on a new GPAC website

• A new internal database

• Downtown meeting space for members

• Additional sources of funding for vital regranting programs

• Exhibit opportunities in GPAC’s new offices

Economic development and high quality of life for all in the Pittsburgh region.

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C U R R E N T

M E M B E R S

Individual Artists Barb Connor Antel Lisa Augustyniac Jack Bailey Jill Marcus Balmuth Beverlee A. Blair Sam Boese Joy Borelli-Edwards Kyle Bostian Sally Bozzuto Gratia Brown Norman Brown Carissa Burnham Rick Byerly Michael Caldwell Connie Cantor Byron Caplan Brian T. Carney Elizabeth Castonguay Marcia Clark Paola Corso Ceci Grasso Dadisman Cornelia Davis, Ph.D. Luise Davis Jesse Derflinger Meg Dooley Jeanne Drennan Myra D. Falisz Donna J. Fisher Sherrie Flick Geraldine Florida-Kaclik Sandra Gould-Ford Barbara Grossman Toby Atticus Fraley Ryan Freytag Paula Garrick Klein Marjorie C. Greenberger Rachel Hallas Jane Z. Haskell Laurel Herman Olivia Hibel Judy Hopson Karen Howell Susan Jasko Lisa Margot Johnson Andrea Jones Robert Anthony Jones Amy G. Kerlin Randy Kovitz Lazae LaSpina Christiane D. Leach Carla Leininger Marie Leone Chaz Letzkus R. Scott Lloyd Laura Lutton Heather Mallak Brandon McChesney Berthran Adrian McCoy Timothy Meehan David Montano Jeffrey Morris

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Art, Meet Business.

by David Seals

We love arts-minded people. And our volunteers love to teach some business savvy. In FY2010, our volunteer lists have grown to include 110 attorneys and 61 business professionals who are looking to share their expertise with the arts community.

In FY2009, attorneys through Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts donated 691.75 hours of free counsel for low-income artists and small arts nonprofits—a value of $170,109 in the current legal market. Our business professionals gave 234 hours valued at $19,390 through Business Volunteers for the Arts®, working with arts organizations on projects in accounting, marketing, HR, business planning and more.

This summer, we’re building some intake tools to help organizations identify and address potential growth areas, and we’re working with one of our own consultants to develop a comprehensive volunteer training. Look for a more robust BVA program in the year to come, and take advantage of this free brain trust through the Arts Council.

Small Grants. Big Impact.

by David Seals

When it comes to finances, it’s easy to calculate the value of your investments: how much money did you make for the dollars you put in? When it comes to grantmaking, the return is less tangible— but just as important. In FY2009, four major funders entrusted the Arts Council with a total of $382,237 to “re-grant” directly to the arts community. As the final reports roll in, we’re seeing that small grants go a long way toward creating a thriving, innovative arts community.

Thanks to The Heinz Endowments, this year we’ve sent 11 artists to participate in professional growth opportunities. Since initiating the Artist Opportunity Grant (AOG) in 2004, we’ve funded 133 artists at a total of $117,226. One hundred percent of grantees surveyed agreed that the opportunity had or will have significant impact on their artistic and career growth.

Ninety percent said that they couldn’t have done it without AOG. Since 2005, the Alcoa Foundation Leadership Grants for Arts Managers have sent 141 individuals to experiences that have brought immeasurable knowledge and connection to our workforce. Of grantees surveyed, 97% agreed that they could not have participated without Alcoa, and almost all agreed that they made connections and gained new skills or knowledge that will help them in their work. Funding for this program expired this year, and we are actively seeking renewed support.

Give $3,000 to a hard-working, visionary artist, and just watch the social impact—that’s the power of Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts. When your legislators gave money to the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts last year, it meant an investment of nearly $210,000 for almost 80 projects in Allegheny county communities. The Arts Council is proud of our role as the local “Partner” in making that happen.

The BNY Mellon Audience Development Fund invites arts organizations to think beyond their typical attendees and seek out potential new audiences. With the financial support to take the risk, these projects boost attendance, raise earned income and enlarge the pool of potential supporters. In the program’s second year, the Arts Council distributed $75,000 to 21 grantees.

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A STAR is Born

C U R R E N T

by Maggie Johnson

“You do not own your [arts] customers, you share them. In fact, the more purchases someone makes with you, the more likely they are to make purchases with another arts organization…and vice versa.”

This is one of the many evocative statements made by John Elliott, President of Elliott Marketing Group Inc, at the STAR Database Community Report on March 31 at City Theatre (see picture below.)

Several Pittsburgh arts organizations had a vision to create a community-wide, shared marketing database outside the Cultural District. That vision is now reality, thanks to the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The $400,000 project included a significant expansion and analysis of the shared patron database within ProArtsTickets (a full-service, shared ticketing program of the Arts Council). Seven mid-sized organizations have pooled their patron data, resulting in even greater collaboration and opportunities for shared learning about audience development. This STAR (Strategic Targeting for the ARts) database, along with supporting consulting services from Elliott Marketing Group, is helping organizations understand their buyers’ purchasing habits and thereby better predict their possible future purchases.

More Findings in the STAR Report • The most active buyers in STAR, only 14% of the total, represent over 60% of the total revenue.

Over 80% of these “rabid” buyers have made purchases to two or more organizations.

• 50% of STAR buyers live in Pittsburgh’s top 15 “famous” zip codes. That means 50%…do not.

• STAR buyers are more likely than buyers in the total market* to make purchases via direct response channels (such as direct mail, email, etc.)

• STAR’s core audience is comprised of the most active arts and culture buyers in the region.

They buy frequently and often choose more challenging theatrical experiences within and outside of STAR. Using this analysis, the Arts Council will implement collaborative direct marketing campaigns that are designed to attract new buyers and re-engage past customers. E-mail and social media messaging will support direct mail and capture buyers that are waiting for last minute purchase opportunities.

Beyond the obvious advantages of supporting the existing marketing efforts of art organizations and generating additional earned income, the collaborative campaigns will test direct marketing strategies to improve future campaigns community-wide. *Total market refers to all households in Allegheny County and contiguous counties.

M E M B E R S

David Motak Ronald Nigro Susan O’Neill Richard Parsakian Richard L. Parsons John Peña Thomas Petterson Josienne N. Piller Brenna Quinn Gail Ransom Gabrielle “Gab Cody” Reznek Larry Rippel The One & Only Rev. Daisher Rocket Camille Villalpando Rolla Jeremy L. Rolla Renee Rosensteel Tammy Ryan Brian Sesack Guangyuan Shan Nina Sowiski James Simon John Stallings Norine Thompson Lauren Toohey John Valentine R. Weis Bobbi Williams Joe Wos Yanlai Wu Alison Zapata Cleo Zell

A R T S

A L LY

M E M B E R S

Arts Ambassadors Neil Barclay Bill Bodine John C. Camillus N. David & Janet Campbell Victor D. Dozzi James L. Fawcett Jr. Jane Harrison, J.L. Harrison & Associates Elsie H. Hillman Foundation Charlie Humphrey Margaret Hynes J. Kevin & Kristen McMahon Kate E. H. Prescott, Prescott & Associates Dr. Hilary Robinson Pittsburgh Banjo Club Mitch & Tracey Swain Jane Werner James Wilkinson

Arts Champions Meyer & Merle Berger Family Foundation Lisa Hoitsma Andrew E. Masich Sam Newbury & Jan Myers Newbury Pottersville Pictures, Inc. Mark R. Power

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A R T S

A L LY

M E M B E R S

Arts Champions, continued Sara Radelet The Donald & Sylvia Robinson Family Foundation Janet Sarbaugh & Bill McAllister Jamee & Tom Todd

Arts Goers Anonymous Madalon Amenta Kilpatrick Stockton LLP in the name of Lucas Paglia Jane C. Arkus Howard J. Wein & Susan Bails Christopher Beck Carol R. Brown David & Susan Brownlee Donald & Marlene Buflo Michael Caldwell Geri Chichilla Michele de la Reza Cynthia Ference-Kelly Mary Lou Ferri Dr. & Mrs. Robert Fidoten Edith H. Fisher Sherri Flick, Gist Street Reading Series Mark Freeman Irving & Aaronel deRoy Gruber Charitable Foundation Constance F. Horton, MSW Sally Minard & Walter Limbach Pittsburgh Concert Society Mr. Robert C. McCartney Gale McGloin Melissa McSwigan & Robert Raczka Franklin Molin Daniel & Rise Nagin David & Nan Newell Gloria & Ralph Nicassio Mr. & Mrs. Patrick O’Donnell Dee Jay Oshry & Bart Rack Sandy and Gene O’Sullivan The Honorable William Peduto David L. Pollack, Esq. Jeffrey Lawrence Pollock, Esq. Deborah & Martin Powell Gelman & Reisman Mark & Jennifer Remaley Stephen G. Robinson Pittsburgh Banjo Club Robert & Sharon Sclabassi Brian Sesack David Simon, Vice President AJM Mortgage, Inc. James Simon John Sotirakis Shirley & Sidney Stark Barbara M. Steinberg June F. Swanson Jacqueline Walker Marvin & Dot Wedeen The Weiner Family Foundation Michael A. Wessell

Strengthening Pittsburgh Arts in Tough (and Not-So-Tough) Times

By Tiffany Wilhelm

Back in September, we learned that The Kresge Foundation in Troy, Michigan was distributing a special RFP for programs designed to help nonprofit arts organizations that have been impacted negatively by the economic downturn.

While developing our proposal, we conducted a short survey that many of you completed.

We gave you a list of services, and asked for your rating in the context of the current economic downturn. More than half of you rated the following as “Extremely Valuable” or “Very Valuable:” • Work with consultants • Round-table discussions with arts managers in similar staff positions • Small-group interactive clinics • One-on-one conversations with an expert to answer questions on a wide range of management issues • Organizational peer review assessments with administrators from similar organizations • A financial situation analysis for your organization We created a proposal based on this input and the advice of consultants. The grant was awarded and we’re excited to launch the Strengthening Pittsburgh Arts program this summer.

Services will range from large group events with access to tips and tools to in-depth work with consultants for a limited number of organizations. Some Pittsburgh organizations will have the opportunity to work with the nationally respected Nonprofit Finance Fund which has a 30-year track record of serving the arts sector with a holistic approach to addressing financial and management needs. Select organizations will embark on a “Peer 360° Assessment” by scheduling two-day visits with local and national peers who will interview stakeholders and provide feedback on a wide range of aspects of the organization.

If your organization is interested in the Financial Leadership Clinic or the Peer 360° Assessment, email Tiffany at twilhelm@pittsburghartscouncil.org.

Strengthening Pittsburgh Arts Services available to the entire Pittsburgh arts community

Kick Off Event Full-Day Workshops Open to Pittsburgh Arts Community

Video & Tools from Kick Off Event GPAC Member Organizations One-on-One Consultations 30–60 Minute Appointments

In-depth services available to a limited number of organizations.

Interested nonprofit arts organizations can apply to participate in the Financial Leadership Clinic or Peer 360˚Assessments

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Financial Leadership Clinic Two Day Seminar Six Organizations Peer 360˚ Assessments Three Organizations

Summer 2010

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Network Gatherings Open to Pittsburgh Arts Community

Fall 2010

Spring 2011

Making a Place for Public Art

A R T S

A L LY

M E M B E R S

Arts Buffs

by Renee Piechocki and Lea Donatelli

Many of Pittsburgh’s historic buildings and contemporary spaces showcase art in public places. In addition to the aesthetic benefit of having works of art in public places, when artists are part of civic decision making they can inspire creativity and cross disciplinary collaboration. To foster public art activity and best practices, the Office of Public Art (OPA) was initiated in 2005 to be a resource for technical assistance and educational programs in the Pittsburgh region. OPA is a unique public-private partnership between the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (GPAC) funded by The Heinz Endowments.

The OPA works with a diverse group of stakeholders in the public and private realm. Recent technical assistance projects range from commissioning works of art to developing art and design commission legislation. Our educational programs include walking tours, panels and lectures for the community at large. We produce programs for artists including the Pittsburgh Artist Registry (PittsburghArtistRegistry.org), Artist Opportunities Listserv, and Public Art 101.

Highlights from the Past Year Construction as Canvas at the Consol Energy Center: The construction fences around the new arena were not the work of inspired construction workers, but of three local artists— Leslie Ansley, Gregory Anderson, and Ashley Hodder--who worked with three community organizations and young people from the Hill District and Uptown. These temporary works of art were commissioned for the arena by the Sports and Exhibition Authority and will be relocated to the community once the facility opens.

Add Value Add Art: a Resource Guide for Private Developers: To encourage private developers to commission artists for their projects, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is publishing Add Value Add Art, a free, downloadable PDF that gives examples of project types, outlines best practices, and provides access to public art resources. The OPA wrote the document, which will be available on the URA and GPAC websites in May. Janet Zweig commissioned for the Walled Garden in Mellon Park: On June 12th at 8:30 pm, everyone is invited to the opening celebration for the newly renovated walled garden in Mellon Park in Shadyside. Artist Janet Zweig collaborated with La Quatra Bonci landscape architects and lighting designer Hal Hilbish to create a magical public art project in the lawn.

The garden has been renovated in honor of Ann Katharine Seamans.

Community Art and Civic Design Commission in Wilkinsburg: The Office of Public Art organized a community-based Public Art Steering Committee to develop legislation for the Community Art and Civic Design Commission, an entity empowered to review art, architecture, and landscape architecture on public property and non-residential, commercial property.

Carin Mincemoyer commissioned for Market Street: Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is commissioning artist Carin Mincemoyer to create a work of art for Market Street. This project will serve as a beacon and gateway to the newly renovated Market Square.

Gwen Allan Todd Bressi Timothy Burak Margaret Cavigga Gloria M. Correa Jonathon Decker Jamee Ferri Heidi Freytag Allen Grabowski Marjorie C. Greenberger in honor of Mrs. Ruth Westerwau Jordan Howland Terri Agan Kavel Lazae Laspina Claire & Lawrence Levine Cristina Liberti Anne-Marie Lubenau Mike & Barb Mammone Andy Salo & Monica Mehan Margaret Myers Linda Plowman Susan Rademacher Martha Ressler Audrey Santel Carissa Stajnrajh John Stallings Stuart R. Thompson Lynne Williams This list includes Arts Ally members who have joined since April 1, 2009. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Please contact us with any changes to your recognition and thank you for your support!

To be an Arts Ally, please see the enclosed insert or contact Tiffany Wilhelm, Director of Membership & Development, at 412.391.2060 x222, or twilhelm@pittsburghartscouncil.org

The Pittsburgh Artist Registry is a resource for promoting visual, literary, performing and multi-disciplinary artists living in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The registry, a project of The Office of Public Art, is the only free, online artist database in the region. It provides a platform on which artists can expand their audience and publicize their work. It connects artists to opportunities by presenting their work in a searchable form for organizations, curators, architects and others looking for local artists from around the region. For more information, contact Lea Donatelli at opa@pittsburghartscouncil.org or visit the Pittsburgh Artist Registry online at PittsburghArtistRegistry.org.

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Arts Council Staff Mitch Swain, CEO mswain@pittsburghartscouncil.org Christiane Leach, Executive Assistant cleach@pittsburghartscouncil.org Sue Mencher, Internal Systems Administrator smencher@pittsburghartscouncil.org David Seals, Arts Programs Manager dseals@pittsburghartscouncil.org

810 Penn Avenue, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222

Maggie Johnson, Director of Marketing & Audience Development mjohnson@pittsburghartscouncil.org Tiffany Wilhelm, Director of Development & Membership twilhelm@pittsburghartscouncil.org Dek Ingraham, Membership Services Coordinator ringraham@pittsburghartscouncil.org Ryan Freytag, Manager of Cultural Policy & Research rfreytag@pittsburghartscouncil.org Renee Piechocki, Director, Office of Public Art publicart@pittsburghartscouncil.org Lea Donatelli, Program Manager, Office of Public Art opa@pittsburghartscouncil.org Tanaz Balaporia, Box Office Manager for ProArtsTickets tbalaporia@pittsburghartscouncil.org Lauren Robison, Ticketing Associate info@proartstickets.org Sean Collier, Stanil Stanilov ProArtsTickets Representatives 8x5 Western Community ads.qxd:Layout 1

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COMMUNITY IS SOMETHING WE ALL CELEBRATE. A healthy community supports families and individuals in making the most of their lives. At Highmark, we believe in strengthening communities through programs and services that help people live longer, healthier lives. Programs promoting health and wellness, injury and disease prevention, and even economic and community development. And by encouraging our many generous employees who devote countless hours to community service. Because when people choose to invest in their community, that’s cause for celebration. HAVE A GREATER HAND IN YOUR HEALTH. SM

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