BCA logo  BCAnoteworthy  may 2008

An e-bulletin of the national Business Committee for the Arts, Inc. (BCA) to demonstrate the value of business-arts partnerships throughout the United States.  For more information about BCA and its programs, www.bcainc.org.
BCA EVENTS
 
THE BCA TEN - 2008
THE BCA TEN: Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America will be announced on Thursday, October 30 during a gala presentation at the American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY.  For information about THE BCA TEN or to purchase tickets or tables, www.bcainc.org/thebcaten.html. 
 
Forum for New Ideas
The sixth annual Forum for New Ideas will be held in New York on Thursday, November 20 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am at Morgan Stanley, 1585 Broadway, New York, NY.  The Forum, presented in collaboration with Arts & Business Council of New York, will explore innovative ways for arts and business to work together.  The national sponsor is Herman Miller Foundation, Zeeland, MI, and the New York sponsor is Morgan Stanley, New York, NY.  For information, www.bcainc.org/programs.html.

FACTS & FIGURES
 
Value of Volunteer Time Increases
According to a report by the Independent Sector, the value of one hour of volunteer time increased from $18.77 in 2006 to $19.51 in 2007.  The calculation is based on the average hourly wage for all workers (non-management, non-agricultural) plus a 12% increase for fringe benefits.  For information, www.independentsector.org.
 
Creativity and the U.S. Workforce
A new study by Americans for the Arts and The Conference Board, in partnership with the American Association of School Administrators surveyed public school superintendents and American business executives to identify and compare their views surrounding creativity.  99% of superintendents and 97% of business executives agree that creativity is important in the workplace.  85% of employers concerned with hiring creative people can't find the applicants they seek.  For information, www.conference-board.org.
 
TAKE NOTE
 
David Rockefeller Gives $100 million to Harvard University
BCA Founder David Rockefeller gave $100 million to his alma mater Harvard University to support arts education and international experiences for undergraduate students.  $30 million will be used to create three new study centers at the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard.  Rockefeller's gift is the largest to the University from an alumnus.  For information, www.harvard.edu.
 
Kohl's Supports Arts Education 
The Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI, received a $1 million grant from Kohl's Department Stores, Menomonee Falls, WI, in support of arts education.  The gift, the largest corporate gift received by the museum for education and outreach, will be used for hands-on arts education programs at the museum, schools, festivals and summer camps.  Kohl's philanthropic focus is on enhancing children's health and education.  For information, www.kohls.com.

Art for Your Homepage
As part of iGoogle's Artists project, Google has collaborated with almost 70 artists to create special iGoogle themes. Artists, designers and other notables involved include Jeff Koons, Dale Chihuly, Michael Graves, Philippe Starck, and Mark Morris.  As part of the launch, art from the iGoogle artists project will be projected on the buildings, sidewalks, and streets of New York's Meatpacking District on May 1 - 3.  For information, http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/04/where-art-thou.html.
 
 
DON'T MISS

MetLife Foundation National Art Forum Series
MetLife Foundation, New York, NY, and Americans for the Arts is presenting a series of Forums on cultural leadership in 11 cities nationwide.  New Frameworks for The Changing Face of America examines models that provide a new way to look at diversity in the United States and how it is reshaping our culture.  The Forums will be held throughout 2008 in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Des Moines, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Providence, and Tampa.  For information, www.americansforthearts.org.
Robot to Conduct Orchestra
On May 13 at 8:00 pm, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's (DSO) performance of "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha will be conducted by Honda's ASIMO robot to draw attention to music education.  ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is designed to help people and will someday assist the elderly and disabled in their homes.  In addition to sponsoring the concert, Honda, Torrance, CA, is providing the DSO with a gift of more than $1 million to create The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund.  The concert includes a special performace with cellist Yo-Yo Ma.  For information, www.detroitsymphony.com. 

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE
 
"Gibson Guitar has always been passionate about the arts and the community.  Through our philanthropic outreach programs, we are able to give back to many in need while fostering the advancement of the arts and music throughout the world."
-Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO, Gibson Guitar Corp.