FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO BENEFITS FROM THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ARTS?

At present, six Beneficiary groups receive allocations for general operating support through funds raised during the Campaign.  These are:

• Actors’ Guild of Lexington
• Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras
• Lexington Art League
• Lexington Children’s Theatre
• Living Arts & Science Center
• Lexington Philharmonic

The Campaign for the Arts also funds Community Arts Development Program.  Through this program, arts organizations and individual artists can apply for project-based funding to mount educational and community-based arts programs.

HOW MUCH MONEY WAS RAISED LAST YEAR?

The 2007 Campaign for the Arts raised $1,028,678. Of that total, $350,000 came from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government; $286,763 from the corporate sector and the remaining funds from foundations and individuals.

WHAT IS WORKPLACE GIVING?

It is the component of an annual Campaign that solicits donations from individuals through their place of work.  The process is similar to a United Way campaign.

• A broader base of the community is reached.
• Donating is easier.  At each business, a Site Coordinator oversees the process and sends in donations/pledges.  Monthly contributions are accepted through credit cards, ACH and payroll deduction (where applicable).  A contribution of $52 ($1 a week) earns the LexArts card.

LexArts works directly with each Site Coordinator to help tailor a successful campaign to their particular workplace.

WHAT IS THE LEXARTS CARD?

Select local arts organizations and businesses that support the arts reward donors at the $52 and above level with 2-for-1 tickets/admissions and 10% discounts on purchases.  The LexArts Card can easily pay for the donation over the course of the year!

WHEN DOES THE CAMPAIGN RUN?

The public portion of the Campaign runs from February 15 to April 15. However, contributions will be accepted until the end of the fiscal year, June 30.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GIVING TO THE CAMPAIGN?

• Giving to the LexArts Campaign for the Arts is the most effective way to impact the greatest number of arts organization at once.
• Donors are entitled to a number of benefits, commensurate with giving level.
• All donors to the Campaign will continue to receive updated information on activities and events throughout the arts community.

ARE CONTRIBUTIONS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

All gifts are tax deductible under IRS standards.

DON'T LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS EARN ENOUGH MONEY THROUGH TICKET SALES?

Income from ticket sales and admission fees covers only a fraction of the actual costs. If the full cost were charged, many people now enjoying arts activities would not be able to attend. Other organizations charge no admission at all.   And many LexArts supported organizations offer programming to schools at little or no cost, as well as additional activities free to the public.

I'M NOT INTERESTED IN THE ARTS. WHY SHOULD I CONTRIBUTE?

Most everyone has attended an arts event, whether it was in school, a concert, recital or art exhibit.  But, if you do not have an interest in the arts, it is important to realize that the arts:

• are essential to the economic vitality of this area attracting industry, conventions and tourism bringing needed dollars and jobs to the area;
• are an important vehicle for true education reform in our region;
• have proven to provide a positive molding factor as well as foster a marked change in the  behavior of young people : 
• they tend to be more socially engaged
• they involve themselves in non-competitive environments of team building
• they exhibit an appreciation for good citizenry
• and the quality of life they provide can provide enjoyment for everyone

Supporting the arts today also assures they will be here for future generations.

MY COMPANY SPONSORS LOTS OF ART EVENTS, DOES LEXARTS STILL NEED MY HELP?

While corporations sponsor special events and programs, Lexington’s arts organizations still need a strong and stable base of support from individuals in the community. The Campaign helps provide basic operating support for the beneficiaries on an annual, ongoing basis.