Ms. Kate Marquez

Shopping Around Arts & Business Partnerships

Posted by Ms. Kate Marquez, May 18, 2011 1 comment


Ms. Kate Marquez

Kate Marquez

There is no question the arts are essential to build community in dynamic, lasting ways. However, arts organizations are constantly defending this concept. Unfortunately, in today’s economic climate it seems the best way to keep the arts alive is to attach monetary terms to their worth.

Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) has found there is more to gain than lose by venturing down this avenue and building lasting partnerships with businesses, for the sake of preserving art and supporting artists and musicians.

When local government funding was no longer available, due to budget cuts, SAACA turned to the business community to collaborate on events and programs. SAACA began to build arts-related partnerships, creating benefits for all parties that continue to unfold and grow. 

Thanks to these collaborations – with artists, musicians, businesses, schools, nonprofits, municipalities, and volunteers – SAACA produces more than 150 art-related events each year with only six paid staff members. SAACA’s innovative partnerships with shopping centers have embodied economic development through the arts – with a series of cultural events, ranging from musical performances and arts shows to children’s craft and learning activities.

As a local, grassroots nonprofit, SAACA has established two local shopping hubs, owned by General Growth Properties (GGP), as primary community centers for the arts through free community events – like arts and crafts festivals, snowfall holiday music performances, weekly cultural concert series and plans for public art exhibits. The national corporation, GGP, has been in the shopping center business for more than 50 years. General Growth owns, develops, operates, and/or manages shopping malls in 44 states. Results from this partnership have not only set General Growth Properties apart from Tucson competitors, but have also created a platform to connect the commercial sector, community and local artists, musicians, and nonprofits. Both Tucson locations are receiving greater traffic than ever before.

St. Philip’s Plaza merchants and property management have also committed to bring in arts and enhance the cultural experience for shoppers. The plaza has asked SAACA for help to bring a series of free concerts and art walks. The evening concerts – designed to add cultural opportunities in the community – feature kid’s activities and have attracted 100 percent participation from plaza merchants – offering food, wine tastings, special fashion displays, art exhibits, as well as demonstrations from local artists in order to drive business into the stores.

One of the most successful partnerships for all involved has grown from the collaboration with development giant Westcor Corporation at La Encantada and the Promenade at Casa Grande. La Encantada offers one of the most elegant courtyards in the area, making it a prime location for visitors and the events SAACA has delivered – including a summer concert series, annual fashion show, culinary art events, and bi-annual performing and fine art festival. These events have increased foot traffic, retail sales, and local artist and musician support, while transforming the mall into a center of versatile arts and cultural experiences.

The models SAACA has used to support the arts have helped the organization grow and have created tools and partnerships that do not coincide with the normal fundraising strategies used by nonprofits in the past. The economic situation today has forced innovative thinking, but it has also resulted in a unique strategy that can keep the arts alive in our community through a self-sustaining foundation.

1 responses for Shopping Around Arts & Business Partnerships

Comments

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