A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
Before we pull out the champagne and ring in the new year. I must pause and reflect on last year at the 402 Arts Collective. This time of year seems to make us all pause and evaluate where things are headed in the upcoming year. We often miss out on the tender blessings of all the past year had to offer if we don’t stop and reflect. The joys, sorrows, victories, and challenges alike remind us that life is more livable when we do it together. The beauty and joy of the season that surrounds us this time of year are coupled with the ongoing reality of the needs of our community. I find that there is nothing that brings out the best work from the creative community than the hard-fought challenges we all face. There is nothing more unifying than some tribulation. I have watched many of our artists members this past year grow in incredible ways, personally and professionally. There are many ways to measure one's success, but I feel that the greatest marks you can attain are ones of character. This is the area of growth I have seen the most in our organization, and it makes me filled with gratitude.
This year has truly been perhaps the greatest year of growth in our organization since its beginning in 2011. More creatives have found community than ever before, with over 100 new Artist Members. More creatives have been able to impact lives through our Education programs than ever before, with just over 50 Artist Instructor Members teaching 400 students per week private lessons or classes. More tuition assistance scholarships have been given out than ever before. In 2024 alone, we gave out more than $35k to 43 families/students to help them chase their artistic or musical dreams. Our Artist Mentorship Program (A.M.P.) has had more student referrals than ever from our Community Agency Partnerships, with 11 students taking part in the program. This year alone, we have been able to place one of our Artist Instructor members in 8 different public schools to offer afterschool art classes in the metro area. We were able to raise over $11k towards our “Student Impact Fund” during our Christmas Benefit Concert and year-end-giving campaign. We launched our “Studio Pass” program and have eight members already. Over $12k has been given by our new “Sustaining Members Program.”
From the very beginning, we have been seeking to be a group of artists who hold to a concept we call “The Collective Way,” which is summed up by three distinct core values: Service, Community, & Growth. We do this by building long-lasting developmental relationships and seeking the betterment of others. We know the powerful impact art has had on our lives personally, and we truly want to help the next generation in our community experience the beauty of that in real ways. We have found that the most profound investment that can be made is not just in brick and mortar but in people inside the buildings.
All the work we have done, are doing, and will do is ONLY because of the incredible support we get from the community. As you already know, the art sector is not exactly known for its thriving financial models and economic sustainability. This is especially true when it comes to Art Education. I feel that we have built something special and unique together here at the 402 Arts Collective that could answer the question, “How do we fix Art Education?” here in the Metro and other cities. With a vision so big, strategic, and purposeful, we need even more help in 2025.
Your generosity and open-handedness help us overcome the challenges that art organizations face and allow us to sustain our programs and fuel Service, Community, and Growth. It allows us to continue to build not just more classrooms filled with students but also one-on-one mentoring environments where lives are impacted the most, for the long term. Any gift of any size makes a profound difference.
Although we had a great year, we still fell short of hitting our goal of $80,000.00 by $69,000.00. You can help close the gap before December 31st, 2024!
I would be excited to have the opportunity to tell you more about partnering with the 402 Arts Collective financially. Feel free to contact me and we can set something up!
402-944-1979
ben@402artscollective.org
We can work together this year to help set the bar of how it should be done in a city, in a community, and in lives. Thank you for believing and supporting the mission of 402 Arts Collective.
Filled with Gratitude,
Ben Shafer, Executive Director
To make a year-end gift, please do one of the following:
Donate online HERE
Mail a check
402 Arts Collective
16909 Lakeside Hills PLZ, STE 119
Omaha, NE 68130
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