The performing arts impact each of us in a variety of ways, such as fueling creativity, nourishing our souls and entertaining and inspiring us with an outlet from our every day lives.
Each year, our community is filled with more than 900 dynamic and diverse performances from the 37 groups of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), which includes Milwaukee Ballet, The Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, First Stage Children’s Theater, Ko-Thi Dance Company and Present Music.
UPAF, whose mission is to improve the quality of our community’s living through our vibrant performing arts sector, recently announced its $10.15 million campaign goal to ensure performance excellence. Businesses, individuals and foundations have recognized the leading role UPAF plays in our community by contributing in excess of $163 million since its inception in 1967.
This impact goes beyond dollars and cents, however. A gift to UPAF helps ensure:
1. A high standard of quality of life, entertainment, education, a sense of pride and inspiration for our entire community.
* A community with diverse, dynamic and premier performing arts enhances our cultural vitality and quality of life, making Milwaukee an attractive place for young professionals and businesses.
* UPAF groups serve 1 million individuals annually, including more than 400,000 children throughout the community. Studies indicate children who study the arts for more than four years score better on the SAT than students with no classroom or hands-on experience with the arts.
2. Nationally recognized performing arts that heighten the profile of our community.
* At least one, and often several, world premieres are offered annually.
* UPAF groups garner national media coverage from the likes of The New York Times, TIME magazine, Wall Street Journal and NPR
* National education models such as the Milwaukee Symphony’s ACE (Arts in Community Education) initiative and the new Milwaukee Youth Arts Center collaboration by First Stage Children’s Theater and Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.
* UPAF is the nation’s largest local united arts fund in total dollars raised for the performing arts.
3. A strong, diverse and dynamic performing arts sector and community.
* UPAF groups are among arts organizations that fuel a $150 million dollar impact in southeastern Wisconsin.
* UPAF supports the breadth and depth of our performing arts. A UPAF gift ensures holistic support of the performing arts – large, medium, and small with a variety of offerings.
* A 2003 report indicated a united arts fund is an effective component of local arts funding. Specifically, those communities with a united arts fund had double the revenue base so they could provide more programs and services; had significantly less fundraising costs; and were financially more stable and healthier compared with communities without one.
We can all be proud of being a part of a community that believes in the impact the arts has on individuals of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds. This year’s campaign ends June 20, and an investment in UPAF is an investment in the long-term stability of our community. To make a contribution, please visit www.upaf.org or call (414) 273-8723.
Rob Cera is president and chief operating officer of State Financial Bank and a cabinet member of the 2005 UPAF Campaign.
February 18, 2005, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI
