Baltimore Clayworks is pleased to announce that it is a grantee recipient of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Arts Innovation and Management (AIM) program. The invitation-only program seeks to strengthen the organizational capacity and programming of small and mid-size cultural organizations within Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Through the $43 million multi-year initiative, Bloomberg Philanthropies will provide Baltimore Clayworks with unrestricted general operating support as well as arts management training in areas that include fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and board development.
“Baltimore Clayworks is honored to be invited to participate in the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Arts Innovation and Management program”, says Susan Patz, president of Baltimore Clayworks. “The timing could not be more favorable as new Board and Executive leadership bring fresh insight to our organization. Clayworks has the opportunity to further advance its mission: creating transformative programming, exhibitions, artist residencies and community partnerships that serve the diverse population of Baltimore. The additional mentorship from Bloomberg Philanthropies allows for best strategic targeting and goal-oriented methods to accomplish this growth.”
AIM targets arts non-profits because of the vital role that they play in building communities, driving local economies and supporting artists. “The arts inspire people, provide jobs, and strengthen communities,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “This program is aimed at helping some of the country’s most exciting cultural organizations reach new audiences and expand their impact.”
Bloomberg Philanthropies will develop curricula and conduct seminars for the program in partnership with leading experts, including the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland, led by Institute Chairman Michael M. Kaiser and President Brett Egan. AIM organizations will engage in activities that strengthen their long-term health and goals, and will receive one-on-one consultations and implementation support for organization leaders and their boards.
All organizations invited to participate in the 2018 expansion of the AIM program are nonprofits that have been in existence for at least two years. Participating organizations will be required to secure 20% of their AIM grant in matching dollars; reach 100% board participation in fundraising; and maintain up-to-date information in DataArts, an online management tool that assists arts organizations across the country in collecting, learning from, and using data effectively. The grants will be unrestricted to allow recipients to utilize the funds to address their greatest needs.
Since 2011, AIM has helped more than 500 small and mid-sized organizations in all creative disciplines, including theater, visual arts, music, film, literature and dance. Participating organizations reported significant improvements in board development, fundraising and overall income over the two-year program. Watch this video for an overview of the Arts Innovation and Management program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KJy8DgjRDg&feature=youtu.be.
About Baltimore Clayworks
Baltimore Clayworks is the region’s only cultural non-profit institution dedicated solely to the ceramic arts. Clayworks was founded in 1980 as a community-centered ceramics institution located in the Mt. Washington neighborhood of Baltimore, MD. Clayworks provides affordable studio space, equipment, and professional opportunities. It offers hands-on studio classes for children and adults, presents exhibitions showcasing the work of the best professional artists in the field of ceramics. It also hosts a sales gallery, and has a dedicated community arts program. Community arts at Baltimore Clayworks partners with local community organizations to bring art experiences into the lives of at-risk children and marginalized adults. Visit www.baltimoreclayworks.org, on Facebook at Baltimore Clayworks, Twitter, and Instagram.
Contact: Susan Patz, President Board of Trustees, Baltimore Clayworks
susan.patz@baltimoreclayworks.org, Office 410.598.1919, Voice/TTY 800.553.7724
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies works in over 480 cities in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2017,
Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $702 million. For more information, please visit www.bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter.
Contact: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Rebecca Carriero + 1 -212-205-0182 or rebeccac@bloomberg.org