Rotary Club of Loveland’s Post

As we ring in the year 2024, there are so many exciting things happening at Lubbock Christian University! Check out this latest issue of Reflections for an exclusive look at the newly-completed Gullo Hall, the impact of both new and seasoned faculty, the momentum of LCU's Mabee Foundation Honors College, an alumna's life-changing impact in the lives of children, and more. https://lnkd.in/gwE9e5Qx

What are the unintended consequences of Prop 28 for arts education nonprofits in California that no one seems to be talking about? I offer my own thoughts here in an opEd piece for Dream A World Education‘s latest newsletter.

How do the arts impact your state's economy and workforce? Download your state's fact sheet and advocate for the arts with data that means something to your elected officials and others. #artistsadvocate #whenartiststhrive #communitiesthrive

Want an investment that brings consistently growing returns? Not only are the Arts essential to the development of our national identity and culture, but $$valuable$$ to the US economy and exports. EVERY dollar invested in the Arts, is returned to the US economy tenfold. AND, the surplus returns from the Arts are growing faster than the US economy.

The latest news from our Executve Director.

The WESTAF Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Artist Fund provides resources to and for BIPOC artists living in the 16 states and jurisdictions in the WESTAF region. The program emphasizes self-determination for BIPOC artists and their communities. The Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Artist Fund opens for individuals to apply on March 11, 2024 at 9 a.m. (MT) and closes March 31, 2024 at 11:59 (MT). Funds will be distributed from a pool of $180,000. Their intention is to distribute at least one award to each of the 16 states and jurisdictions in the WESTAF region. While all budget requests will be reviewed, they anticipate distributing $6,000 – $12,000 per awardee. https://lnkd.in/ge4-aFsb

Here’s a case study on non-profit branding, bringing a powerful and important purpose to life. Check it out on our new website.

There is power and Data.

In Conversation with Stephanie Ybarra: The State of Nonprofit Theater in America In a recent conversation, Stephanie Ybarra, Program Officer at the Mellon Foundation, offered insights into the state of nonprofit theater—highlighting the longstanding financial pressures, the future of nonprofit arts organizations, and the emerging possibilities for the sector. It's a reality that many of us enjoy the arts daily, yet arts workers often find themselves justifying the value of their work. This can be frustrating, especially as rising costs affect both creators and audiences. The arts are deeply woven into the fabric of humanity, fuel the economy, and inspire personal and collective growth. These are just some of the reasons we continue advocating for the arts as a social good essential for everyone’s wellbeing. After all, could you imagine a world without art? Of course, the arts have historically catered to wealthy donors, who, knowingly or not, often shape decisions. However, as Stephanie notes, many organizations are shifting this focus to prioritize community engagement—valuing the everyday person rather than a select few. This reminds us that the arts thrive on mutual support: they need us as much as we need them. Nonprofit theaters, in particular, have the opportunity to serve entire communities, breaking away from exclusivity to foster inclusivity. This transformation touches on more than just audiences and fundraising. It impacts marketing, policy, leadership, and cultural understanding. When organizations focus on holistic, authentic connections—both within and beyond the art itself—everyone can truly thrive. As Stephanie wisely points out, libraries often serve as "third spaces" for communities, functioning as vital hubs within municipal structures. Nonprofit theaters can learn from this model, providing space and support for their communities in new and innovative ways. For more of Stephanie's thoughts and examples of theaters rising to meet the challenges of today, check out the full interview linked below. #Arts #Culture #Theater #Nonprofits #Community #Economy #Future #Development #Policy #AudienceEngagement #ThirdSpace