News - Volunteerism

Individuals Can Add Up to a Collective Impact

Individual artists have an impact on a given community through the dynamic aspects of their work and the realization of their creative vision. Often these artists have a lot of people assisting in the delivery of their art. They may be associated with an arts organization. They may have production and administrative teams dedicated to helping them achieve their vision, not to mention the support of family and friends. And, if they are lucky, there may be a cadre of patrons and donors who believe in what they do. There is another cohort of individuals, more than 200 strong, who taken together also has a large impact on Chicago’s arts community—the many dedicated people from the business community who donate their time and talent to assisting arts organizations every day as Business Volunteers for the Arts (BVA). Read more

Wooed, Wowed and Won Over: Why One Volunteer Gives Her Time, Talent and Treasure to Chicago's Arts Community

Professionally, I help organizations to be sustainable through their people processes. I value people learning and having fun while they get results. I am a Talent Management and Organization Development Leader with extensive experience in the Healthcare, Consumer Products and Government sectors. I have worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Quaker, Pepsico, and the Internal Revenue Service. My introduction to the Arts & Business Council of Chicago sprang from a brief, and seemingly casual conversation Read more

Commitment, Cultivation, Community-building…Connection!

Committed arts organizations work tirelessly to build an audience. Their Cultivation activities capture the attention of existing and prospective donors. And their presence in the Community builds opportunities for cultural understanding and collaboration. But how do they align themselves to the people and resources they need to grow strategically and managerially? By CONNECTING with the Arts & Business Council of Chicago…its network of artists, arts organizations and arts supporters…and its expanding corps of skilled and dedicated business volunteers. Read more

On BOARD Graduates Take the Plunge

A&BC congratulates and thanks the latest On BOARD graduates. Read more

A&BC's Summer Party Connect 4 the Arts

Get connected to the A&BC, Chicago's diverse and dynamic arts community, people who share your passion for the arts; and to a community of professionals. Read more

Arts Board Service is a Volunteering "Win/Win"

Board service is a form of volunteerism that dramatically exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between arts and business. Read more

Arts Managers Boast Talent of BVAs

National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to spotlight how A&BC’s Business Volunteers for the Arts are making a difference throughout Chicago’s cultural community. Read more

BVA Project Leaders Lead the Way

Training business volunteers leads to stronger outcomes. Read more

No More Wallflowers

A&BC's networking events connect people with a passion for the arts. Read more

Volunteering, Why Do You Do It?

There are many reasons why people volunteer. Some of A&BC’s BVAs share why they do it. Read more

Big Impact, Great Return

BVA Program Manager Katie Kurcz shares her insights on the BVA program and the volunteers at the heart of its success. Read more