Celebrating Businesses That Partner with the Arts at the BCA 10 Gala
Posted by Nov 03, 2016 0 comments
On October 5, business and arts leaders gathered at the iconic Central Park Boathouse in New York City to honor the best businesses partnering with the arts in America at the annual BCA 10 Awards. Now in its 12th year, this black-tie gala presented by Americans for the Arts’ Business Committee for the Arts brought an evening of stories and musical performances that showcased the great gain in the business and arts communities coming together.
The companies recognized this year join an illustrious list of honorees who are transforming their businesses and their communities by partnering with the arts to foster innovation, engage employees, and contribute to the health and quality of local life. This year’s BCA 10 honorees are:
CopperPoint Insurance Companies
Aetna, Inc. was named this year’s BCA Hall of Fame recipient and Robert Buchsbaum, CEO of Blick Art Materials, was named 2016 BCA Leadership Award recipient.
The night kicked off with a cocktail hour for attendees overlooking the Central Park Lake, and was followed by award presentations, dinner, and musical performances. Each BCA honoree was presented with an original inscribed piece of glass from the artists at Rosetree Glass. Broadway star Alice Ripley, the 2009 Tony Award winner for Best Actress, performed stirring songs from her career. Pianist Julius Rodriguez, jazz piano student at the Juilliard School of Music, gave an enchanting solo performance.
Austin Energy, Badger Meter, and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery appreciate that the arts can help engage both employees and communities. Austin Energy collaborated with Forklift Danceworks to develop an evening-length performance for the city that featured the utility company’s linemen, technicians, and employees. Badger Meter also incorporated employees in an innovative community outreach program that became a concert written and performed by the employees. And Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s community engagement department appropriately named “Beer and Benevolence” has longtime dedicated support to the local arts and culture scene. Read more about the arts engaging employees.
(Left to Right ) John Haworth, Director, George Gustav Heye Center (National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution), Board Member, Arts & Business Council of New York; Bob Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts; Edgar Smith, Chairman and CEO, World Pac Paper, BCA Executive Board Chairman, AFTA Board Member; and Alecia Kintner, President & CEO, ArtsWave, Chair, Americans for the Arts Private Sector Council.
Dealer.com, Dunlap Codding, and M Powered Strategies, Inc. have boosted and emphasized vibrant communities and accessibility. Dealer.com commissioned eight large-scale art pieces around Burlington which are the largest public art canvasses in the state of Vermont. Dunlap Codding has a large indoor/outdoor gathering place that encourages artistic expression and has hosted and facilitated more than 150 arts programs free of charge. M Powered Strategies, Inc. proudly supports hearing-impaired device maintenance and American Sign Language interpreted performances to their partner Shakespeare Theatre Company. Learn more about how the arts can contribute to a vibrant quality of life and cultural scene.
CopperPoint Insurance Companies encourage innovative thinking by encouraging employees to join Boards and other leadership roles in local arts and culture institutions. Both Northern Trust and Procter & Gamble show their appreciation to their employees through opportunities to express and perform with company choirs and singing competitions. Read more about the value of using the arts to “Say Thanks.”
Aetna, Inc.’s outstanding support of the arts is far reaching with national impact throughout Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, and Michigan, and Robert Buchsbaum’s brings his style of smart, unconventional, and forward-thinking servitude and leadership across the country as CEO of Blick Art Materials.
We are thankful to our sponsors, event attendees, performers, presenters, and nominators for contributing to such a successful night celebrating businesses that partner with the arts.
Do you know of a business that deserves to be recognized for its partnerships with the arts? Nominations for the 2017 BCA 10 Awards open November 7, 2016. We look forward to learning about the creative arts and business partnerships in your community!
Photos by Rana Faure.