Courtesy photo.
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR YEAR-END GIVING
The arts are fundamental to our lives – whether we always realize it or not. They foster civil discourse, understanding, and critical thinking – as well as fostering creativity, empathy and joy. The arts bring great economic benefit to our community through cultural tourism, education and connection.
There are so many reasons to support the arts – not least of all are the personal relationships built through our organizations. While we are back in person conducting events and programs, impacts from the pandemic are still felt.
We at Sedona Arts Center are definitely still feeling the effects.
So much of our earned revenue comes from tourism. And the fact that tourism has been down has impacted our bottom line directly. The effects of inflation have hit us in the form of higher costs (like everyone). Pair these with the uncertainty surrounding this past election and it was a bit like the world stopped for a few months.
That said, we have so much to be thankful for over the past few months. Our first two special exhibits – What Sedona Means to Me and The Big Gay Art Show – have received much positive attention and acclaim. Many people have travelled here from across the country to view these shows and be a part of what we offer. Our Sedona Plein Air Festival, featuring 24 artists from across the country, had a vibe and excitement surrounding it the whole week. Everyone noticed and it had an impact on the artists as well as on sales.
One of the most important roles of our organization is the impact we have directly on artists. We positively effect the lives and financial stability of about 500 artists locally and nationally. From the artists we represent in the Gallery and exhibits, to the teaching artists we bring in, to the student artists we are developing – Sedona Arts Center likely impacts more visual artists than any other organization in the state.
About a year ago, Americans for the Arts put a list out of 10 REASONS TO SUPPORT THE ARTS. The highlights of that list follow:
The arts unify communities.
The arts improve individual well-being.
The arts strengthen our economy.
The arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses.
The arts improve academic performance.
The arts spark creativity and innovation.
The arts have social impact.
The arts improve healthcare.
The arts heal the mental, physical and moral injuries of war for military servicemembers and Veterans who rank creative arts therapies in the top four interventions and treatments they receive.
The arts strengthen mental health.
This list is backed by research conducted by Americans for the Arts and others, and can be found on their website (www.americansforthearts.org).
So this holiday season, I encourage you to support Sedona Arts Center – or one of the other deserving arts organizations in our wonderful City. We can’t do what we do without you.
Julie Richard,
CEO, Sedona Arts Center
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Our mission is to connect, enrich, educate and lead through the inspiring power of the arts and creative discovery.
Sedona Arts Center is one of Northern Arizona’s most well-established cultural organizations and serves as the creative heart of Sedona. Founded in 1958, the nonprofit is based in Uptown Sedona and offers year-round classes, exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events that enhance the creative life of the Verde Valley.
SedonaArtsCenter.org
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