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For Immediate Release
February 20, 2020
Information: Sarah Sidman | 206-788-3051 | sarahsidman@artsfund.org
ArtsFund, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Communications
ArtsFund Day in King County to be Proclaimed at ArtsFund’s 50th Anniversary Luncheon, 03.20.20
SEATTLE, WA — ArtsFund announces its program lineup of special guests for ArtsFund’s 50th Anniversary Luncheon to be held Friday, March 20, 2020 at the Westin Seattle. King County Executive Dow Constantine will launch the event by declaring March 20, 2020 to be ArtsFund Day in King County.
“A lot can happen in 50 years,” explained ArtsFund Interim President & CEO Susan M. Coliton. “As we look back at how dramatically our region has changed, we are reminded of what has stayed constant: the fundamental human need to connect and to create. And the arts deliver both in a profound way. For 50 years, ArtsFund has supported the growth, health, and vitality of arts and cultural organizations and the individuals they serve.”
In celebration of ArtsFund’s 50th Anniversary milestone, the 2020 Luncheon will be a distinctive version of its annual event. Programming will showcase a range of local artists and organizations including composer-lyricist and musician Justin Huertas, visual artist Jeffry Mitchell, youth dancers with Northwest Tap Connection, Ahamefule J. Oluo (musician and writer recently featured at On the Boards), members of the Grammy-Award winning Seattle Symphony, and photographers from Youth in Focus.
Coliton added, “A future for the arts is a future for community. After 50 years, ArtsFund remains uniquely positioned to deliver on that promise. We look forward to gathering business, civic, cultural and community leaders to celebrate the future we can build together.”
ArtsFund has hosted a Celebration of the Arts Luncheon for over 30 years, at each event recognizing one or more recipients for their Outstanding Contribution to the Arts. Mary Pigott, 2019 honoree and ArtsFund Trustee, will return to the stage to recognize the artists, philanthropists, nonprofit, civic, and corporate leaders who, whether through their lifetime dedication or outstanding achievement, have made significant contributions to arts in the Central Puget Sound Region.
Karen Bergin, Senior Director of Employee Engagement, Microsoft, and ArtsFund Trustee, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
The luncheon is generously supported by Premier Sponsors The Boeing Company, Columbia Bank, Delta Dental of Washington, Microsoft, and Wells Fargo; by Event Sponsors Stoel Rives LLP and West Monroe Partners; and by Supporting Sponsors Fox Rothschild LLP and Mithun.
Registration is available until March 4, 2020 at www.artsfund.org/luncheon-2020. For more information, visit www.artsfund.org or call 206.281.9050.
For more information about ArtsFund’s 50 years of impact, visit www.artsfund.org/50.
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About ArtsFund:
ArtsFund strengthens the community by supporting the arts through leadership, advocacy, and grant making. Founded in October 1969, the Seattle-based nonprofit has been building community through the arts for 50 years and is one of the nation’s leading United Arts Funds. ArtsFund was originally founded as the United Arts Council of Puget Sound to bring corporate and civic leaders together to help establish and sustain our region’s arts and cultural institutions. 50 years and a few name changes later (to Corporate Council for the Arts in 1975 and to ArtsFund in 2003), ArtsFund has supported nearly 240 arts nonprofits with more than $84 million in grants, and by providing valuable leadership and advocacy. For more on ArtsFund’s history, leadership, and milestones, visit www.artsfund.org/history.