2024 Annual Report

Posted on by

12/27/2024

Erie Art Company – 2024 Annual Report

Mission: To enrich the Erie community through accessible and engaging artistic experiences, fostering creativity, education, and cultural exchange.

Vision: To be a facilitator of artistic expression, education, and collaboration, making Erie a recognized center for arts and culture.

Executive Summary:

2024 has been a year of strategic planning and foundational development for the Erie Art Company. Focused on community engagement, educational programming, and building a strong organizational structure, the company has laid the groundwork for future growth and impact. While significant operational achievements are still in progress, the dedication of the board and the clarity of the company’s vision are evident. 

Focused Areas:

  • Community Building: Identifying community needs and developing programs to address them.
  • Program Development: Creating diverse and accessible art programs, including classes and workshops. A major project was the Lake Erie LIT Fest .
  • Financial Sustainability: Researching on how to build a strong and sustainable model through grants and fundraising.
  • Operational Infrastructure: Establishing the need to update our Bylaws and administrative processes.

2024 Highlights:

  • Successful Grant Applications: The company secured $18,000+ in grants/donations demonstrating the viability of its mission and the strength of its proposals. We also have been a financial sponsor for FEED and The Music Series at City Gallery.
  • Board Expansion and Development: The board grew to six members, bringing diverse expertise and a shared commitment to the company’s success. They are focusing on effective governance, strategic planning and oversight.
  • Community Needs Assessment: Through meetings and planning, the company has identified key community needs related to arts access and education. Specifically the need for access to affordable space, programming, and materials.
  • Program Planning: Significant progress was made in planning a range of art programs, including children’s classes, adult workshops, and potentially collaborative community art projects with FEED.
  • Legal and Financial Foundations: Development of a more granular grant tracking process.
  • Space Acquisition Plans: Initiated discussions with potential partners and donors regarding securing a suitable space for operations.
  • Collaboration with the Erie County Public Library: The collaboration was discussed with Werner Books as an ongoing partnership for the Lake Erie Lit Fest.
  • Social Media Strategy: Decided to take a targeted approach with each platform, rather than spreading too thin. 

Financial Overview:

The Erie Art Company started the year with minimal funds and is actively working to build a sustainable financial base.A large amount of funding went into the Lake Erie LIt Fest. 

  • Income: $5,000 secured from the Erie Arts & Culture Creative Sector Flex Fund grant.
  • Expenses: Minimal operational expenses incurred. A major portion of these expenses were covered by the Creative Sector Flex Fund. 
  • Fundraising Strategy: Developing a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and additional grant applications. They have decided to pursue a Give Local event and a fundraising auction in the coming year.
  • Financial Goals: Secure funding for operational expenses, program development, and space acquisition.

Program Development:

  • Artist Residencies / Classes: OPEN FEED, FEED’s annual summer program (March 1st – August 31st), fosters multidisciplinary media art through artist residencies, performances, installations, talks, and workshops.  Pairing local and visiting artists, including emerging and pioneering senior digital artists, OPEN FEED provides resources, support, and space for artists to develop their ideas.
  • Community Art Projects: Exploring opportunities for collaborative art projects that engage diverse community members and address local themes.
  • Partnerships: Seeking collaborations with other organizations, schools, and community groups to expand program reach and impact.
  • Potential Programming: Classes, Workshops, Gallery Shows, Pop-up shows, Live Art events.

Challenges:

  • Securing a Physical Space: Finding an affordable and suitable space is a priority and a challenge. The board has decided to table the idea of a home studio for the time being.
  • Building a Sustainable Financial Model: Diversifying funding sources and building a strong donor base are crucial for long-term sustainability.
  • Reaching a Wide Audience: Developing effective marketing and outreach strategies to engage diverse community members is essential.
  • Marketing and Promotion: Although the organization has decided to use a targeted approach, PR marketing is essential for the company’s success.

Future Goals:

  • Secure a physical space for operations by 2025. This could be a storefront or a shared space, dependent on the budget and needs of the organization.
  • Launch a pilot series of art classes and workshops in the coming year. They are hoping to launch in the spring partnering with FEED.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to secure operational and program funding. They are hoping to start working on this in the Spring of 2025.
  • Expand program offerings: to include a broader range of artistic disciplines and community engagement initiatives.
  • Build strong partnerships: with local organizations, schools, and artists.
  • Establish the Erie Art Company as a recognized and valued resource for arts education and community engagement in Erie.

Conclusion:

The Erie Art Company has made significant strides in its foundational year. With a dedicated board, a clear vision, and a commitment to community engagement, the company is well-positioned for future growth and impact. While challenges remain, particularly in securing funding and a physical space, the Erie Art Company is poised to become a vital contributor to the cultural landscape of Erie. The board is committed to overcoming these challenges and realizing the full potential of its mission.

Contact Information:

Brad Ford, Director
814.450.9005
[email protected]

Erie Art Company
www.erieartcompany.com

Lake Erie LIT FEST