Timarie Harrigan
Companies that are doing it Well
Posted by Dec 10, 2010 0 comments
Timarie Harrigan
It’s great to see so much discussion around the purpose of arts in the workplace, and also watching people speak out on how creativity has affected their professional lives. Especially in these times it is important to remember that the arts help businesses and communities flourish.
As we’ve all been watching funding steadily decline, it is important to talk about how we can resolve this. I think it is important to look to companies that are leading by example, companies that understand the importance of keeping the arts in their giving guidelines through these tough times.
Devon Energy Corporation, located in Oklahoma City, OK, is a great example of this. Company wide there is a deep understanding of the benefits of the arts. John Richels, president and CEO of Devon Energy Corporation said “Arts organizations play an important role in our communities. The arts inspire innovation, promote creativity and foster collaboration – all qualities that are also important in business.” This sentiment is felt through out the entire company, from employee volunteerism to work place giving campaigns and board leadership.
Similar to workplace giving campaigns that Eleanor Oakley referenced in an earlier post (http://blog.artsusa.org/2010/12/09/small-silver-lining-in-current-downturn/), Devon runs a campaign for Allied Arts in Oklahoma City. Though I have to say theirs has quite a twist. Being called Devon’s Got Talent you can probably guess that there are some skilled employees showing off their talents to raise money for the arts. It’s creative collaborations like these that I think arts organizations and businesses should be moving towards. Employees have the opportunity to exercise their creativity in new ways and tie the arts into their corporate culture.
Portland General Electric, the largest utility company in Oregon, made arts and culture a mainstay in their giving by making it one of three main focus areas of their giving when the PGE Foundation was permanently endowed. PGE is known as an early adopter and corporate leader on arts initiatives in its home state. The company’s leadership continues to place op-ed pieces in local media, testify at public hearings and fund crucial arts programs like the Creative Advocacy Network in Oregon.
Both of these companies were honored for their continued support of the arts at the BCA 10 gala this past November. If you work with a company that has shown exceptional leadership in the arts, do remember to nominate them for the BCA 10 2011 (www.AmericansForTheArts.org/go/bca10). It’s important that we recognize these companies for their strong dedication to the arts.