A few months ago, we launched our year-end giving campaign. It’s not unusual – many nonprofits start seeking end-of-year donations to support their work every fall.
What was unusual this year were the first few donations we received in the beginning of November. They were from artists – the same people who we help through our annual grant giving and our Creative Exchange program.
The amounts weren’t particularly large, but they were significant. And for our staff, they were especially meaningful because of who was giving and why they were giving.
How do people express gratitude for the work you are doing in the community? This year, local artists did it by donating back to an organization that is committed to giving them the tools, resources, and support they need to grow and flourish.
We know that being an artist on Cape Cod isn’t easy, especially with the high cost of living, lack of attainable housing, and seasonal economy. It’s why we have been so dedicated, especially after the pandemic, to helping them build the skills, resiliency, and relationships they need to not only survive, but thrive on the Cape.
There’s something special about living here — one of the reasons is because of the talented creatives who call this place home. If we lose artists because they can no longer afford to live and create here, we lose what makes this place so special.
As we near the end of 2023 (and another year-end giving campaign), I’m heartened by the warmth and generosity of all who have contributed, in any shape or form, to the Arts Foundation this year. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that so many who have contributed to our organization are the same people (the artists) who give so generously (and add so much) to our community through their artwork.
May the new year be one filled with a similar spirit of warmth and generosity — and an abundance of art which we all can use more of in our lives, our communities, and our world.
Julie Wake
Executive Director