Program Spotlight: ArtsFund Associates
The ArtsFund Associates are often referred to as Seattle’s best kept secret. They are a cohort of diverse business professionals motivated to make a difference while learning about the vibrant arts organizations in Seattle. The Associates program is 20 years in the making and has developed into a robust emerging-leaders program serving the nonprofit arts sector. This year, ArtsFund is represented by over 100 Associates from 85 dynamic companies.
Most recently, 120 Associates and their fundraising prospects visited a 2015 ArtsFund Beneficiary, the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, where they were treated to a hosted reception, brief remarks from Mari Horita, ArtsFund President & CEO, Beth Takekawa, Wing Luke Executive Director, and Chantilly Chiles, ArtsFund Development Assistant. Associates and their guests had unlimited access to the Wing Luke Collections and were able to experience firsthand how valuable the museum is to our “arts ecosystem”.
Associates at Wing Luke Museum
“I moved to Seattle a few months ago and would love to have the opportunity to learn more about the art scene in Seattle. I am passionate about the arts, so joining an organization that is committed to development and advocacy of art organizations is a perfect fit for me.” – 2016 Associate
For Campaign 2016, the Associates are thrilled to visit four dynamic arts institutions (Wing Luke, Seattle Repertory Theatre, 5th Avenue Theatre, and Seattle Art Museum) that will deepen their relationships and knowledge of keystone institutions in our community. Serving primarily as a cultivation, educational, and fundraising opportunity, the Associates are able to offer these exclusive arts events to potential donors. The transferable skills acquired during the program help to prepare Associates to be well versed in the local arts sector, advocates for increased funding, and leaders in the community.
These experiences are made possible by our generous program sponsors, Microsoft and US Bank Foundation, and event sponsors, Bank of America and Starbucks Coffee Company.
Click here or contact Chantilly Chiles at chantilly@artsfund.org to learn more about the Associates Program.