arts & business council

MetLife National Arts Forums Series

Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County
Houston, Texas

Civic Philanthropists: Engaging the Next Generation in the Arts
06/22/2005

Panelists:

• Christopher L. Knapp, President and CEO, Chilton Capital Management, Local Philanthropist
• Randy Allen, Senior Vice President in Investments, UBS Financial Services, Local Philanthropist
• Lucy Anderson, Attorney, McGlinchey Stafford PLLC, Local Philanthropist
• Kelley Trammell, Retired, Vice President, JP Morgan Chase, Local Philanthropist

Originally the growth of Houston’s arts sector was fueled by business leaders who had a tradition of civic philanthropy. These leaders founded major corporations, headquartered in Houston, and were traditional supporters of the arts for many years. As the corporations became part of international conglomerates, the corporate philanthropic agendas began to lose the local focus. However, two generations of founding business leaders, individually and through foundations, have continued the commitment to the arts and civic life evidenced by their predecessors. With this background in mind, the question put to the panel was: How do we inspire the next generation, which is now coming of age, to a life of arts philanthropy both individually and in their businesses?

It is apparent that in order to sustain its mission, every arts organization must raise money, but presently, many are not appealing to the younger members of the arts and philanthropic communities. This panel, representative of philanthropists in their thirties and forties, was able to provide a context for this scenario. Two key observations they made included the requirement for a personal connection and accountability. According to the panelists, they absolutely must feel connected to any cause before they will consider donating either time or money. Furthermore, members of the panel felt it essential that arts organizations be able to provide proof that their philanthropy has made a difference to the receiving organization. In short, they want to do more than write a check; they want to make an impact.

Lucy Anderson spoke about beginning her philanthropic career as a volunteer with a new performing arts organization. She initially offered her legal expertise to help create a business model and subsequently was invited to join the board. Donors appreciate well-managed organizations so the organizational development she provided possibly helped attract philanthropic interest. Lucy was personally gratified that her efforts made a difference in the organization.

One hurdle that the Houston arts groups currently face is the perception that they are not serving the very neediest in the community.  For some involved in civic philanthropy like Kelly Trammell, art can be viewed as optional and should be able to support itself.  However, the panelists had several suggestions of strategies and tactics for overcoming these roadblocks: make the arts affordable and accessible; make the arts mutually beneficial; get people in the door however you can because, if they come once, they will come again; big social events are a real turn-off for the younger generation, but small social groups are very appealing; for those who are already practicing volunteerism and philanthropy in the arts, have a party for all those whom you could influence on behalf of an arts organization.