Art Bond: A New Arts and Culture Funding Initiative

February 10th, 2010

Press Release, For Immediate Distribution

Anne Bertrand, Chairperson of the NBFA, Announces a New Arts and Culture Funding Initiative

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Anne E. Bertrand, Chair of the New Brunswick Foundation for the Arts (NBFA), was at the Playhouse at noon today with a very special message: she was announcing a brand new funding initiative to promote the arts and culture in New Brunswick. Called the "Art Bond Project", the new funding initiative is part of NBFA's long term strategy to support the growth of New Brunswick's artistic and cultural life.

The "Art Bond" endeavour was designed to involve the whole community. With this in mind, the NBFA planted the seeds for it several weeks ago by sharing its news with community leaders and explaining the opportunities this exceptional funding tool could provide. All funds collected through the "Art Bond" will be contributed to an endowment fund for the sole benefit of arts and cultural organizations.

"An innovative idea, some people say; a catchy concept, according to others. What I say is that this is a highly participatory initiative that will be able to change the way we finance the arts and culture and ensure that they are a part of our everyday life in communities throughout the province, now and in generations to come. The "Art Bond" offers a way to pool the funds that every one of us, across the province, wants to dedicate to the arts, in a single endowment fund," says Ms. Bertrand. "It's a voluntary contribution that will support artistic and cultural activities in our province, in our cities, towns and villages, and will help our artists develop their talents by providing funding so that arts groups and cultural organizations can organize more events and festivals."

The "Art Bonds" are available for $250 each, and are eligible for charitable tax deductions. They can be paid as a one-time donation or in twelve payments of $20.83 each. "Just think," Ms. Bertrand reminds us enthusiastically, "it will only take 5000 individuals buying one "Art Bond" to build an endowment fund of 1.2 million dollars annually. The Art Bond isn't an official investment tool, but it is a fantastic way of investing in the arts and in culture."

"Today, I'm asking each and every one of you who calls New Brunswick home to take part in the "Art Bond Project". Your donation will contribute to our province's financial, physical, psychological and cultural well-being. By participating in the "Art Bond Project", you will be doing something that's good for you, for your children, and for future generations—helping to build a stronger, more beautiful and more stimulating community."

The NBFA continues to invest funds it raises in a healthy and dynamic infrastructure to support the continuing vitality of rich artistic expression and diverse cultural achievements in New Brunswick. In the past year, the NBFA established partnerships with the public and private sectors, prepared a new Web site to encourage donations and to promote the arts and culture in New Brunswick. Various programs and activities have been introduced to meet the financial objectives and philanthropic interests of the generous donors who contribute to its mission. The NBFA welcomes questions and comments about its programs, and encourages everyone to contribute enthusiastically to its mission of sustaining the growth of the arts and culture in our magnificent province.

The New Brunswick Foundation for the Arts was created in 1992 to foster and promote New Brunswick’s cultural and artistic life.

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Contact: Denise Violette, Executive Director, 506-460-6600