Arts & Business Council Kick-Off

United Arts Collier (UAC) is proud to announce the establishment of an Arts & Business Council, a collaborative effort aligned with Americans for the Arts. This cross-sector initiative is designed to strengthen connections between the arts, business, academia, and government sectors to showcase how the creative economy intersects with and advances civic and economic priorities. The Arts & Business Council will expand and articulate the narrative of the arts as a driver of economic growth and community well-being, contributing to the larger civic agenda and serving as an incubator of ideas and initiatives, as well as a vehicle to channel engagement catalyzing civic vitality.

The creative economy already has a significant impact locally. Arts organizations and their audiences contribute over $147 million annually to Collier County’s economic activity generating over $29 million in tax revenue, supporting nearly 2,000 jobs, and driving income for restaurants, hotels, retailers, and beyond. Advocacy efforts for public arts funding are most effective when framed within this context of measurable economic and social benefits.

The official launch of UAC’s Arts & Business Council will take place on Thursday, January 23rd, 4:00-6:00 PM at the Norris Community Center in Naples. The event will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers discussing the theme:

Catalyzing Civic Vitality through Cross-Sector Collaboration

• Kit Baker, Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer, United Arts Collier
  Advocating for Civic Vitality—What’s Our Community’s Cultural “IQ” Score?
• Mayor Teresa Heitmann, City of Naples
  City of Naples Vision Plan: Supporting the Arts as a Legislative Priority
• Amir Borges Ferreira Neto, PhD, Director, Regional Economic Research Institute, Florida Gulf Coast University Issue Brief: The Impact of the Governor’s Veto on Arts Funding in Southwest Florida
• Jennifer Jones, President, Florida Cultural Alliance Cross-Sector Advocacy
• Mark Nerenhausen, Board Member, United Arts Collier, Former Pres/CEO of the Hennepin Theatre Trust in Minneapolis Keynote: Catalyzing Civic Vitality through Cross-Sector Collaboration
• Elysia Dawn, Executive Director, United Arts Collier Innovation That Actualizes Civic Vitality

Seating is limited for this free, ticketed event. Registration closes January 20th—register here. Donations are welcomed to support this transformative initiative.

We welcome arts & business leaders to join us in taking this bold step to engage & explore partnerships that will optimize the creative economy toward a more vibrant and, connected community.