April 1, 2010
Filed under: BVA, Volunteerism
In observance of National Volunteer Week (April 18 – 24), A&BC pays tribute to our dedicated Business Volunteers for the Arts (BVA) who donate hundreds of hours of pro bono consulting services to our arts clients each year. What better way to celebrate our volunteers’ exceptional work than by hearing from those who they’ve directly impacted? Here’s a sampling of testimonials from arts managers who have recently completed a project with BVAs:
“Our BVA team has organized, engaged and inspired our organization. From the second they introduced themselves to us, they came with a wealth of wisdom and experience, as well as the commitment to help us articulate and achieve our goals. We'll benefit from this experience for years to come!”
Brian Golden, Managing Artistic Director, Theatre Seven of Chicago
Strategic Plan Project – BVAs: Francis Sadac, Amanda Byanski and Deb Claflin
“Working with our BVA team was like a crash course in marketing management. Their patience and talent was essential to the success of our project. I am only sorry that I don’t get to work with them every day.”
Brian Loevner, Managing Director, Chicago Dramatists
Marketing Plan Project – BVAs: Gretchen Materna and Kristin Olsen-Whisler
“Our team of BVAs was very enthusiastic and generous with their ideas. They were gentle in pointing out areas where we need to improve, and they did a great job of educating our volunteers and staff about non-traditional marketing methods. They created an excellent marketing and communications plan for our 30th Anniversary Show at The Chicago Theatre on June 5. We are working the plan now to raise the visibility of our work with young people and hopefully sell out the 3,500-seat venue.”
Arthur Robertson, Director, South Shore Drill Team & Performing Arts Ensemble
Marketing Plan Project – BVAs: Toby Sachs, Sharon Burks Horos and Michele Drayton
“The Illinois Council of Orchestras is in its second year of running workshops for orchestras state-wide. Our BVAs helped us by planning out and then running two of the workshops. We had some great discussions which helped the orchestras make connections and learn from each other. Thank you so much!”
Penelope Sachs, Board Member, Illinois Council of Orchestras
Facilitation – BVAs: Terri Hines and Mitch Bramstaedt
“Our BVAs worked with us to refine the brand and develop the audience in anticipation of Hedwig Dances' 25th anniversary year concerts and celebrations. They used their considerable experience and expertise to advise the board on proposals for branding and audience development, to validate outside vendors and develop strategies to increase the visibility of the company among a young audience of dance enthusiasts. They helped the company identify the qualities the audience is seeking so that we can communicate our work effectively to a new and future audience.”
Jan Bartoszek, Artistic Director and Founder, Hedwig Dances
Branding Project – BVAs: Sandy Schulert and Jim Moran
To receive your own team of volunteer consultants, apply online today. To become a BVA this spring, please complete the online application by April 23. For questions about the BVA program, contact Katie Kurcz, (312) 372-1876 ext 229.