14 Aug 2018
Michael Bloomberg helps US arts blossom with US$43m training scheme
BY Tom Anstey
Bloomberg Philanthropies – the charitable arm of Michael Bloomberg’s business empire – has granted 45 organisations funding in efforts to help finance the US's small to midsize arts organisations.
To be spread across seven cities, including Austin, Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC, part of the US$43m (€37.8m, £33.7m) funding initially goes to organisations in Atlanta, Georgia.
The organisations were invited to apply to the Arts Innovation and Management (AIM) programme, which offers general operating support and management training including fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and board development. The scheme targets non-profit arts organisations, "because of the vital role that they play in building communities, driving local economies and supporting artists". The programme focuses on multiple organisations in each urban area to encourage and support the healthy creative infrastructure of cities.
“The arts inspire people, provide jobs, and strengthen communities,” said Michael Bloomberg.
“This programme is aimed at helping some of the country’s most exciting cultural organisations reach new audiences and expand their impact.”
Bloomberg Philanthropies will develop curricula and conduct seminars for the programme in partnership with leading experts, including the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland. AIM organisations will engage in activities that strengthen their long-term health and goals, all receiving one-on-one consultations and implementation support for organisation leaders and their boards.
“Atlanta has a booming creative sector," said Kate D. Levin, head of Bloomberg Philanthropies' arts programme. "The city is home to more than 500 cultural organisations, many with a national or international profile and within that, a very robust small and midsize cohort. We are excited to see what we can do to enhance that excellence."
Bloomberg Philanthropies first launched its AIM scheme in 2011. The charity has so far granted more than US$108m (€94.9m, £84.6m) to over 500 organisations in the US. More than 200 organisations have been awarded funding in this latest round, with further announcements set for each selected city through until early Q3. Previous AIM cities have included Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The programme is a part of Bloomberg's American Cities Initiative – an effort to help cities across the US generate innovation.
The list of organisations selected in Atlanta is below:
Actors Express
Alternate Roots
Apex Museum
Art Papers
ART Station
ArtsATL
Atlanta Celebrates Photography
Atlanta Chamber Players
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Atlanta Film Society
Atlanta Jewish Music Festival
Atlanta Lyric Theatre
Atlanta Master Chorale
Atlanta Music Project
Atlanta Shakespeare Company
Atlanta Workshop Players
Atlanta Young Singers Of Callanwolde
Ballethnic Dance Company
Burnaway
C4 Atlanta
Core Dance
Dads Garage
Dance Canvas
Dashboard U.S.
Flux Projects
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
gloATL
The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning
Horizon Theatre Company
Johns Creek Community Arts Center
Moving In The Spirit
Museum Of Contemporary Art Of Georgia
Museum Of Design Atlanta
National Black Arts Festival
Out Of Hand Theater
Seven Stages
Synchronicity Performance Group
The Callanwolde Foundation
Theatre Du Reve
Theatrical Outfit
True Colors Theatre Company
Voices Of Note
Whole World Theater Company
WonderRoot
Youth Ensemble Of Atlanta
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