Art is a fundamental commodity of humanity. The arts and business are intricately linked and I firmly believe that one does not exist without the other. As an artist, arts entrepreneur, curator, and arts administrator who grew up and remains immersed in the economic and community development and small business world, I clearly see this truth which has played out in many ways in my lifetime.

"The partnerships between business and the arts are essential–our sector provides the creative capital and business provides the capital investment that makes the project a go. I don’t think I’ve ever initiated a major new program without the support of the business sector. The arts are the entrepreneurs of creativity–unlike any other sector, the arts create programs that touch almost every aspect of community life in substantive, meaningful, long lasting ways. Businesses are often looking for creative, impactful programs in which to invest.

“At a time when innovative thinking, creative problem solving, and flexibility are highly valued and needed to succeed in today’s economy, the arts provide the most powerful methods for developing these abilities. COCA is focused on developing programming at the intersection of arts + education + business. We are accomplishing this through our COCAbiz division, and by working with committed community partners such as Boeing to provide innovative and immersive in-school STEM to STEAM residencies in St. Louis schools.”

“I believe Art has the power to change lives. The Arts breathe color and passion into cities and in Louisville, Kentucky that vibrancy is made possible through strong corporate partnerships. Corporate and creative find a unified voice, a more educated workforce, and a growing economy through collaboration and investment. In short, when business values the Arts, communities thrive.”

“My parents signed me up for violin lessons when I was six years old, and since that time the arts have been one of the most powerful and meaningful influences in my life. The arts inspire, provoke, heal, and educate - challenging us to think and act in new ways. In the Puget Sound, arts and business are inextricably linked at the core of the innovation and creativity for which the region is renowned. Each sector supports the other, and together make this community an extraordinary place to live, work, and play.”

"As an artist who went on to law school, I enjoy my role at the Arts & Business Council because it allows me to keep one foot in the arts community and one in the business community as we encourage more partnerships.  Whether through programs that empower artists to create more sustainable careers or that show businesses how they can engage first-hand with the arts, all of our work connects back to a fundamental belief in the importance of the role artists play in a community."

“As CEO of the Arts & Business Council of Miami, it energizes me every day to serve as a thought leader and guide to link business with the arts, inspire creativity, and develop innovations for profitable partnerships with the 500+ arts groups we serve. For 30 years the Arts & Business Council has made Miami’s art scene bigger, better, and more professional by delivering sustainable solutions to keep the arts in business.

I’ve always felt it was my responsibility to provide an environment in which an artist can encounter a public or an audience in the most favorable way. I work to make sure I can present things that reflect the desire and integrity of the artist in a way that is understood by the public, that isn’t alien. In that sense, I am a bridge between an artist and a community.