Arts investments pay off

ArtsVest program results in $151,000 raised for Orillia arts community

Posted By Teviah Moro

June 3, 2008

Orillia’s business community has made an investment, one that’s sure to pay dividends, say its financial advisers — the city’s arts and heritage community.

The marriage of 13 arts agencies with 28 local businesses has pumped $151,000 into the city’s arts and culture coffers through a program that matches corporate donations.

"It is phenomenal. It’s very impressive," Nichole Anderson, president and CEO of Business for the Arts, remarked Tuesday during an ArtsVest wrap-up reception held at the Mariposa Folk Foundation’s office on Mississaga Street.

Last fall, ArtsVest, a program fostered by Business for the Arts, came to Orillia with a "challenge fund" of $40,000.

Orillia’s funds-starved arts agencies hit the pavement and mustered $111,000 from sponsors, eclipsing the ArtsVest challenge by $70,000 and flowing $151,000 into the community.

Out of 28 participating business partners, 21 were first-time arts sponsors.

The Sunshine City outdid the Niagara Region, Kingston and Sault Ste. Marie, other communities participating in the program.

"Orillia did really, really well in terms of securing business partners," Anderson said.

Businesses in Orillia recognized the economic benefits that come with supporting arts and culture, said Karen O’Coin, president of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce.

"People are just more culturally aware," O’Coin said, commenting on the impact of the partnering program.

That heightened awareness counts, said one beneficiary.

Bob Brown, owner of Thor Motors, offered $500 apiece for Starry Night and the Zephyr Gallery, a sponsorship that translated into a $2,000 boost, said artist and gallery co-ordinator Xavier Fernandes.

Fernandes said he hopes ArtsVest’s first stint in Orillia gains momentum.

"I hope it got a few people’s attention: ‘Wow, I’m OK in putting money into the arts because it’s going to come right back into the economy,’" he said.

Mayor Ron Stevens said he was pleased the business community stepped up the plate.

"A city without arts and culture is simply not a city," Stevens said, adding he hopes the program’s initial “burst” is a sign of future success.

The ArtsVest program is at the end of the three-year pilot run, Anderson said, adding she hopes the initiative will continue for another four years. tmoro@orilliapacket.com