I had naively thought that the Arts Presenters conference was primarily a showcasing opportunity. While there are of course a multitude of showcases spread throughout the city, the conference's headquarters at the Hilton are abuzz with panels and focus groups where presenters, managers, and artists are tackling issues such as marketing, fundraising, arts in education, and audience development. Zimet began with a variety of interesting, if sobering, financial statistics. Point being, one need not target giant corporations like Microsoft, or have access to extremely wealthy individuals. In fact, it is often more effective to approach smaller companies when requesting sponsorship or funding.
Many small donations can add up to a large slice of one's required budget.
By becoming a sponsor, a corporation can invite its employees, clients, and prospects to premieres, dinners on stage, backstage tours, and open rehearsals. Zimet reminded presenters not to underestimate the power a performing artist can wield, nor the appeal of exclusivity. The next panel I attended was quite the opposite of exclusive, focusing instead on cross-cultural exchange and inclusivity. Such festivals have sprung up throughout the region. The other panelists described similar work and progress that has been made in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Poland.