ArtsFund: empower the arts, power the economy

MOST of the year, ArtsFund works behind the scenes to support the rich cultural offerings of more than 60 nonprofit organizations in King and Pierce counties.

For a brief moment each spring, ArtsFund steps into the spotlight to ask for help from corporate and private donors to power an extraordinary array of artistic expression. This year the campaign seeks to raise $2.9 million by June 30.

Money raised is turned into performance-sustaining grants for music, theater, visual arts, dance, film and media, literary arts, multidisciplinary programs, and service organizations and museum projects.

Corporate, workplace and individual giving powers a creative bounty. These campaigns also provide a window on the economic activity generated by a flourishing arts community.

An ArtsFund-commissioned study looked at data from 2009, in the midst of a harrowing recession, and found $1.75 billion in business generated in the Washington economy by King County arts, cultural and scientific organizations, and spending by their patrons.

The study, by GMA Research Corporation, reported the business activity supported 29,165 jobs, $798 million in labor income and $78 million in sales, business-and-occupation and hotel-motel room taxes. Puget Sound is enriched by the arts in more ways than anyone might first imagine.

Strong, consistent performers are key to success. James Tune, president and CEO of ArtsFund, has been that kind of presence since 2005.

Tune recently announced he will step down when a successor is found. He will leave with the certain knowledge he helped improve the organization's financial stability and raise its local and national profile.

A successful fundraising campaign for ArtsFund is an excellent way for the community to express its gratitude for Tune's leadership.