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If you are visiting our website, it means that some part of the world of the Arts, if not all, is important to you. Whether it is the performances in the Whiting Theater or the exhibits in the Borg-Warner Morse TEC Gallery; possibly it is Cortland City Ballet or Ballroom Dancing with Bess Koval. Maybe it is the art courses or the lectures we hold, all this is under one roof and available to you.

The activities held here at the Center are countless and the possibilities of what is to come are endless, but whatever it is that brought you here says, “You care”. You care about having and keeping the Arts in your life and that, my friend, is important! For without your caring, organizations such as this cannot exist.

So, for whatever activity you choose to attend at the Center, thank you. Thank you from the Board of Directors and thank you from myself!

Oh, and by the way, you can always become a Member. There are several levels to choose from plus they come with perks!

Sincerely,
Daniel Hayes
Executive Director
Center for the Arts of Homer, Inc.

Thank you for supporting the Arts in Central New York

The Case for Support

Imagine living in a community where any child or adult can study broadly in the arts, where he or she will find art is a part of their daily life and where they can see and hear wonderful examples every day. Imagine a community with performances of world-class artists at their doorstep. Imagine a community where art is accessible and affordable. Cortland, Homer and the surrounding region can be this community.

MISSION STATEMENT

VISION

History: From Dream to Reality

The Center for the Arts was founded by a small group of individuals who believed strongly in the dual mission of enhancing the opportunities for appreciation and participation in the arts and the preservation of a significant historic landmark within the village of Homer. The Center was established as a non-profit organization with a 501 (c) 3 status in 2003. Many of the original founders, supplemented by other interested community members, created a Board of Directors to serve as policy makers and act as the core of the grass roots support that has been in evidence since the Center’s first public event in November, 2001.

The Board, recognizing the critical need for funds to meet its goals, initiated an ambitious capital campaign in 2004 to raise $ 850,000. These funds would allow the Board to purchase the building, implement a “first-phase” of interior renovations to the structure to enhance its use as an Arts Center, and fund a small start-up operating budget. The Board commissioned a feasibility study that outlined competing area campaigns. Concurrently the Board made a cultural needs assessment that was sponsored and funded by the state and county through the Cultural Council of Cortland County. Both reports established potential support for the Center’s project from area citizens and other donors.

The campaign was launched with a generous challenge grant that provides a dollar for dollar match up to a total of $325,000. As of August 1, 2005 nearly $217,000.00 has been pledged (with 100% participation by members of the Center’s Board of Directors) by the community, all of which is eligible for matching funds.

Success Begins

In June, 2005 the Board purchased the First Baptist Church of Homer with cash and a private mortgage. Permanent financing has been secured from the Tompkins Trust Company with a USDA Rural Development guarantee. Closing is expected by end November 2005. The Center hired its first paid employee, Daniel Hayes, an arts administrator with a proven track record in managing and directing a performance space in Upstate New York. Mr. Hayes immediately put together a year-long schedule of exciting performances which began in June. The performances were critical and financial successes, earning the Center funds, community visibility and good will. The performance schedule will continue to build an audience who looks to the Center for quality music and drama.

In addition to the above, Mr. Hayes established offices at the new address, overseeing emergency rehabbing (such as fire code updates and new wiring), and renting excess spaces to area businesses. He carved out space for an art gallery, named in recognition of the major donor, Borg Warner Morse TEC. Hayes hung three high quality exhibitions in mid-2005 and developed a year-long schedule of exhibitions by both local and national artists that will be used as programming material for the local schools. Hayes also completed use agreements with Head Start and Cortland City Ballet that required improvements to the heating plant and the installation of a sprung maple dance floor..

Hiring staff has provided the Center with the ability to administer programs, supervise the building and manage some fundraising details. It also establishes the Center’s credibility with grant makers and government funders who place significant importance on staff.

The Center has also created a Community Advisory Council of 15 strong community leaders in a broad range of fields who can provide stakeholder input and act as a sounding board for future development. List enclosed.

The Center is now moving into the next stage of its life - a stage where support is critical to forward progress. We have an exciting opportunity to continue building a community institution. We also recognize we have a responsibility to our supporters and our constituency to advance our plans and dreams. The challenge is to balance existing programs while maintaining our momentum and fostering new growth. If we can manage this delicate balance we will provide the community with a strong vehicle for developing and maintaining its creative environment.

Meeting the Need

The 2002 Cultural Needs Assessment pointed to a shortage of area facilities and space for art-related programs including educational, instructional, and performance venues. When taken in conjunction with the continuing budgetary constraints in NYS regional schools this lack of art-related programs makes it imperative to devise an alternative means for providing literary, visual and performing arts opportunities at an affordable price. The Center for the Arts can be a solution to the area’s needs.

The Center significantly increases the visual and performing art opportunities available to the talented young people of Cortland County. It also serves adults by offering classes in crafts, visual arts, music and performance to provide us all with the growth, regardless of age, that comes not only from exposure to the arts, but also from the participation and sense of belonging to the community. The Center for the Arts creates opportunities where grandparents, parents and children can be involved together in constructive activities.

But beyond the value of enriching individual lives, are the economic benefits that follow. Richard Florida, a noted sociologist and author, has written that “the creative class”—arts and the people who make them--can add valuable wealth to a region by imparting a rich texture to the environment. Economic development is attracted to vital, exciting and varied cultural neighborhoods. Talented minds will want to raise families in such a community; companies and organizations will thrive. Tourism will also follow, attracted by the performances, art exhibitions and other activities presented at the Center.

An investment in the Center is an investment in growing Central New York’s “creative class”. It is an investment in the economic and cultural well being of this community.

Future Directions

Facility improvements : The Center will continue its program of updating and improving existing facilities as funding permits. Besides typical building maintenance such as roof and plumbing repairs, refurbishing of floors, lighting and HVAC capacity, the list includes:

• stage renovations
• a new sound system
• a new stage lighting system
• video/film/projector equipment
• office equipment
• furniture to accommodate classes (easels, tables, chairs, etc.)
• dance floor expansion

The Center will seek to collaborate with neighboring institutions to present the following:

Educational initiatives : instrumental and vocal lessons, literary workshops, drama camps, art instruction at all levels including portfolio classes for high school students, culinary classes, playwriting competitions, summer camp programs, after school daycare, computer classes, workshops.

Performance initiatives : Local school choir/orchestra/band concerts, recitals, dramatic events, visiting artist events.

Space Utilization: Art gallery exhibitions, rental for weddings, community events, corporate meetings, rain space for rescheduling outdoor events.

Additional staff: as needed and as funding permits.

Gift Opportunities

The goal for the campaign is $850,000. $502,635 has been pledged as of fall 2005. There is a strong need for additional donor support to reach the goal.

Toward this end the Center has provided a number of giving levels to encourage broad participation.

Membership Campaign :The Center launched a Membership Campaign in October 2005 with a brochure mailing. It is hoped this campaign will coalesce local supporters by offering a modest support opportunity. While this is not intended to replace major gifts of support, solidifying grass roots participations is the first step in cultivating community ownership of the Center. Information is at www.center4art.org .

Other Gifting Opportunities :

• Gifts at $500 or more will be recognized on a permanent display in the lobby
• Naming opportunities for rooms and programs begin at $10,000.
• Decorative Banners with a portrait of your favorite artist may be purchased at the $1500 level.
• Single seats and rows of seats in the performance space are available for gifts ranging from $150-$3000.

For information about these opportunities call the Center at 607-749-4900

Summary

The Center will help create a community where the arts are a strong and magical part of everyone’s lives, where children grow up making and looking at art, where adults engage each other through the arts, and where multiple generations can gather to share their artistic heritage.

The Center will be an economic boost for the entire region by attracting artists and art consumers alike who work together to forge a more vital and exciting community, one that becomes a magnet for investment, development and tourism.

The path for moving forward is clear. The community must invest in its future by building this dynamic center for arts that will enhance the quality of life in Cortland County and the entire surrounding upstate New York area.

Little by little, the Center for the Arts has gone from being just a dream to become a concrete reality. Now is the time to support and sustain that reality so it can continue and grow as an outstanding asset of the community.