Partnering in the South: The Merengue, Venture Capitalism and the Grassroots
Monday, October 13, 1:45 pm – 3:15 pm
Dogwood A, M1/Street Level
Organized by Mollie Lakin-Hayes, deputy director, Southern Arts Federation. Presented by Mollie Lakin-Hayes, Felecia Jones, executive director, Black Belt Community Foundation; Gerri Combs, executive director, Southern Arts Federation; Lorenzo Lebrija, communities program director for Miami, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Malcolm White, executive director, Mississippi Arts Commission.
What do middle-school ballroom dancing, arts council “venture funding” and funding/training/networking for small arts organizations have in common? They’re the result of energetic, creative partnerships between Southern public and private funders:
- The Mississippi Arts Commission and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation teamed to address a youth obesity epidemic
- A governor’s improvement initiative spurred a partnership between the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Black Belt Community Foundation
- In a diverse, fast-growing area, a long-term “marriage” succeeds between the Knight Foundation and Miami-Dade Division of Cultural Affairs
Public and private partners bring different expertise and opportunities to the table, and often discover stronger leverage and expanded resources together—join the discussion on finding and building great partners.
Suggested Links:
Black Belt Community Foundation ReportMoving Toward the Art of Good Health
Podcast Interview
Alabama Partnership, Black Belt Community Foundation Arts Initiative
Miami-Dade/Knight Foundation Partnership: Culture Shock Miami
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