Support of the Arts Only for Deep Pockets?

As many should know and even more need to be told, support of the arts slid dramatically with the economy. Families are working harder than ever to put food on the table and keep roofs over their heads, and philanthropy has become something of a theoretical budget line relegated to the "future" or when "things are better." It's a practical position and few are immune from being forced to think that way, corporations and families alike.

So then, it is remarkable when some, like Duke Medicine and American Tobacco continue to prioritize such expenditures. To them, support of the arts is akin to basic functions like marketing, payroll and taxes - community support is simply not an optional expense.

"The art and culture community are of paramount importance to us and central to visitors at Duke Medicine," said MaryAnn Black, Associate Vice President of Community Relations at Duke Medicine.  "That is why we display artwork from local artist throughout our facilities.  We consider our contribution to the arts community to be a great investment in the quality of life," Black  added.

Durham's upcoming Annual Tribute Luncheon is a celebration of an aspect of Durham's unique sense of place.  This year's theme, "Great Rythm, Great Blues" is an opportunity to shine a light on three Durham organizations that have brought music and dance to the place where great things happen, and given them a base from which to bring those things to the world.  The African American Dance Ensemble, the American Dance Festival, and the Bull Durham Blues Festival will be honored at the April 27th event at Bay 7.

"Durham thrives on the arts, and American Tobacco has always been a hub for homegrown music, painting, photography and films.  In boom times and tough times, the arts capture who we are and inspire us to be more," said Michael Goodmon, vice president of real estate for Capitol Broadcasting Company, which owns American Tobacco where Bay 7 is located.

Sustaining those things that speak to a community's identity is a valuable position, and Durham is lucky to have heavy hitting players in the business community standing guard at the gates.  That said, levels of giving for individuals are still low.  A great thing for Durham is that residents hold these forms of expression in high regard, and as the economy improves, so will support for the arts.