This year, you will often hear the phrase, “Give To The Arts And The Arts Give Back.” The Arts are vital to create vibrant, thriving communities. They connect us to new ideas and each other. They open our eyes, heart and mind to see, experience and imagine.

Access is the key to experience the Arts. Our goal is to remove barriers to the Arts and misconceptions such as the Arts are a luxury—or that they’re only for the ‘good’ times. Throughout history, the arts have served as spiritual ballast and inspiration to help us through difficult times. They help us gain a greater understanding of our human condition.

People are brought together when they experience the Arts, so one of our goals is to build community. We are using a combination of traditional and new methods in this effort, and I encourage you to check out ArtsFund on Facebook and Twitter.  We are so fortunate to have a dedicated community of more than 70 private philanthropists and corporate leaders who serve on our Board of Trustees. We also have an enthusiastic and committed group of 150 plus ArtsFund Associates.  These volunteers help us raise funds—and fun. The program also helps provide mentoring for future leaders of ArtsFund and other non-profit organizations.

My dream and goal is that in three years we’ll look back and see that due to the leadership and funding of ArtsFund our arts community survived and became even more vibrant in spite of this difficult economic period.  Whether it’s through volunteering, enjoying the arts or donating to ArtsFund, your support is vital and will be rewarding. I urge you to, “Give To The Arts And The Arts Will Give Back.”