BCA Noteworthy September 2008

THE BCA TEN - 2008
THE BCA TEN: Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America will be announced on Thursday, October 30 during a gala presentation at the American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY. For information about THE BCA TEN or to purchase tickets or tables, www.bcainc.org/thebcaten.html.

Forum for New Ideas
Registration is now open for the sixth annual Forum for New Ideas on Thursday, November 20 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at Morgan Stanley, 1585 Broadway, New York, NY. Presented in collaboration with Arts & Business Council of New York, the Forum explores innovative ways for arts and business to work together. Confirmed speakers include Lisa Dennison, Chairman, Sotheby's North and South America and Claudia Kotchka, Vice President, Design, Innovation and Strategy, Procter & Gamble. The national sponsor is Herman Miller Foundation, Zeeland, MI, and the New York sponsor is Morgan Stanley, New York, NY. For information and to register, www.bcainc.org/forum.html.

Corporations Not Maximizing Philanthropy
According to a McKinsey & Company study of corporate executives, 84% of corporate executives believe society expects business to take a more active role in environmental, political and social issues than 5 years ago. 75% of respondents believe corporate philanthropy is an effective way to meet society's expectations. However, only 20% of respondents said their company was very or extremely successful in meeting social or business goals with their philanthropy. For information, www.corporatephilanthropy.org.

Business Support to Theatres

Theatre Facts 2007, published by Theatre Communications Groups, reports that business support of theatres was at its second highest level in 2007. The average theatre went from receiving support from 31 businesses in 2003 to 34 businesses in 2007. Roughly 13% of business grants to theatres support education programs. For information, www.tcg.org.

Nordstrom Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Nordstrom, Seattle, WA, is partnering with Latino Art Beat, a Chicago-based not-for-profit arts organization, to feature art from their "What Hispanic Heritage & Culture Means to Me" competition at Nordstrom stores and online at Nordstrom.com. High school juniors and seniors from Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington D.C. were invited to submit a drawing or painting for the 2008 competition that interprets what Hispanic heritage means to them. Winning artwork will be showcased in window displays at select Nordstrom stores during Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, and will also be available for online viewing on the Nordstrom Web site. For information, www.nordstrom.com.

American Express Launches Nonprofit Leadership Academy

American Express, New York, NY, launched a nationwide program to develop the next generation of leaders in the nonprofit sector. The inaugural class of 24 nonprofit managers participated in a week-long program created in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). The Academy featured sessions with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Charles Rangel and American Express Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth I. Chenault. For information, www.americanexpress.com.

DON'T MISS

2008 National Arts Marketing Project Conference

The 2008 NAMP Conference has begun to announce its line-up of sessions. New this year, a track of four sessions on branding including Branding 101, Advanced Branding, a session on how to leverage your sponsor's brand, and a session on how branding enhances your fundraising efforts. All NAMP Conference sessions feature experts from the field and experts in the field. Come see and hear how arts groups of all sizes and from all artistic disciplines are tackling some of the most pressing marketing and fundraising issues today. For information, www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

MetLife Foundation National Art Forum Series
In her book, RenGen, author and cultural analyst Patricia Martin defines a growing stratum of Americans who thrive on information and ideas to fuel their creativity and shows how it will drive the next wave of innovation. This cohort crosses racial, ethnic and age boundaries and represents the next wave of thought leaders. She offers lessons from cutting-edge innovators who are tapping the potential of the cultural consumer, and in the process winning the hearts and the minds of the RenGen. Forums will take place in New York City on Tuesday, September 16 and Thursday, October 2 from 6:00 pm -8:00 pm. To register, www.artsandbusiness-ny.org. For information about the MetLife Foundation National Art Forum Series and Forums in other cities, www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

Museum of Arts and Design Grand Re-Opening
The Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY, will open in its new location at 2 Columbus Circle on September 27. The renovation of the building was supported by grants and in-kind donations. Tiffany and Co., New York, NY, underwrote the jewelry galleries; Steelcase, New York, NY, donated office furniture for the administrative offices; Kohler, Kohler, WI, donated plumbing fixtures; Oldcastle Glass, Plano, TX, provided architectural glass; and Swarovski, Wattens, Austria, donated two chandeliers for the lobby. For information, www.portfolio.com.

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE