ARTSCONNECTION: A BEST PROJECT INITIATIVE

The Arts and Cultural Sector in Genesee County

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Research conducted through the Cultural Planning Process (Forging Links:  Greater Flint Area Community Cultural Plan, Phase One:  Assessment Report, August 2003) and data collected by the BEST Project (Building Capacity in the Arts Sector, March 2006) document the need to capitalize on the diverse programming of the arts and cultural sector by reducing the “fragmentation” that currently exists among and between these organizations.  The lack of a cohesive “arts and cultural community” greatly limits the ability of organizations to partner and collaborate in a variety of areas including marketing, community engagement, audience development, facility needs, programming, market analysis, volunteer training and management and resource development.  Over the past six years, individual agencies have made some progress to develop partnerships and collaborative relationships. However, this continues to be a significant area of need for local arts and cultural organizations, as identified through interviews with agencies of all sizes, survey feedback, and interviews with local funders. 

Impact of the Economic Crisis on Arts and Cultural Organization

The current economy is compounding the need for agencies to go beyond “business as usual” and explore new strategies for maximizing resources and efficiencies. The crisis has impacted arts and cultural organizations of all types: large and small organizations have felt the ripple effect of reduced state and local resources.  Internal organizational conditions are exacerbated by many factors, including an aging (and decreasing) donor population in the region; rising costs of benefits; increased facility overhead; and shrinking media coverage. 

Additionally, individual artists are finding it increasingly difficult to access employment opportunities in the arts and cultural arena and beyond.  Many local artists have “day jobs” that offer them a modest income to offset the costs of their artistic endeavors; these too are scarce and could result in an outflow of the existing creative talent in the region.  At the same time, as families and individuals are tightening their belts and looking for affordable entertainment, Genesee County agencies could position themselves to reach new audiences and engage new participants.  It is important that amidst the cacophony of the economic downturn, the voices of new opportunities are heard and supported. 

Capacity Building Services

A program aimed at increasing the effectiveness and capacity of the Genesee County arts and cultural sector must invest in developing relationships between and among local arts and cultural leaders, and provide programming to address critical organizational development needs.  In response to these needs the BEST Project aims to achieve the following primary goals:

• Increase the frequency of collaboration among arts and cultural organizations to deliver high-quality programs and reach diverse audiences.
• Improve the management and leadership capacity of individual arts and cultural organizations, with an emphasis on small and grassroots organizations.
• Engage greater numbers of emerging and professional artists as members, participants, employees, volunteers and patrons in the local arts and cultural community; highlight success stories.
• Provide greater access to organizational development resources and technical assistance beyond the two year initiative.

Based on feedback from agencies, survey data, funder input and community stakeholder feedback, BEST has identified the following areas as critical to a successful arts and culture capacity building initiative. Participating agencies will receive services in each of these areas through large group convenings, networking events, peer learning groups, workshops, direct technical assistance and collaborative project grants.

ArtsConnection is made possible by a generous grant from the Kresge Foundation

• ArtsConnection Application
• ArtsConnection Overview Presentation
• MI Cultural Data Project Sites

• ArtServe Michigan
• Genesee County Arts and Cultural Events Calendar
• Greater Flint Arts Council
• Kresge Foundation

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What is the purpose of the BEST Project?
BEST Project is a place-based initiative designed to meet the needs of nonprofits in alignment with the cultural, economic, political, Does participation in the BEST pilot project affect eligibility for other program grants from members of the Flint Funders’ Collaborative?
Organizations may apply for new or continuing funds from each of the funders to support programs and services that are not connected What is the Capacity Building Phase?
Nonprofit organizations that have successfully completed the Phase I Assessment may apply for funding to carry out capacity-building