COASTE Southwest Florida Spring 2018

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Next year, BIGARTS celebrates 40 years of arts and cultural advocacy. That’s quite an accomplishment for an organization created by a group of artists who were just looking for a place tomeet. Yes, our founding artists would meet at homes, on the beach, wherever they could. As interest and the community grew, they explored options for a headquarters. A realtor donated an old cottage, and it wasmoved to city property andBIGARTS came to life. It’s been a wonderful public-private partnership with the City of Sanibel. We are so proud of what the organization has done over 40 years, adding programs and concerts and shows. Where does BIGARTS rank today among Southwest Florida arts organizations? I would prefer not to rank anything, but let’s say that by our location on Sanibel and Captiva, with the support of resident and visitors, we’re kind of in a class of our own. How has BIGARTS grown or evolved over the years? Today we have about 1,400 members, which has grown significantly over the past few years — and our communications database is much larger. But what’s most important is how our programming has evolved. We’ve made a conscientious effort to reach a wider demographic, and it’s working. We’ve sold out almost every show we’ve put on this year, and the momentum is incredible. I think it’s because we’re recognizing and responding to what the community wants and needs out of its arts group. What makes BIGARTS unique? I don’t know that we’re unique per se, but although we’re professionally led and we doprofessional strategic planning annually, we havemore than300 active volunteers and they’ve been influential and invaluable in helping us shape what we bring the community, be it film or classical music or educational programs. We wouldn’t be what we are without them. You enjoy exceptional support from the community, too? Yes we do. About 50% of our operating budget is derived of donations from our many community supporters. We’re a beach destination, true, yet a pretty tight knit community. We have a warm and welcoming feeling here when you visit BIG ARTS, whether you’re a long time member or first time guest. And that’s unique. Art classes, discussion groups, lecture series, the performers on our stages of a national level with equity actors — it’s all incredible. But it’s all because of the support of our community.

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