The Pablo Center at the Confluence announced Wednesday, July 22, that it has sent on its share of donations from Together Chippewa Valley (TCV) to its eight local nonprofit arts partners.
The Center was a charter member of TCV, which was formed to coordinate a response to support ongoing community needs during the COVID-19 crisis. Its goal was to raise funds through a first-of-its-kind community-wide initiative, collectively supporting local nonprofits’ missions.
The effort exceeded expectations, with a total of $180,567 in donations received from Chippewa Valley individuals and organizations. Each participating local nonprofit received $9,484, which the Pablo Center has divided among its partner arts nonprofit organizations.
Partners listed
Each of those partners will receive $1,185.50. Organizations that will benefit include the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra, Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra, Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, Chippewa Valley Writer’s Guild, Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra, Eau Claire Children’s Theatre and Eau Claire Jazz Inc.
B.J. Hollars, director of the Writers Guild, said “this latest act of generosity from Pablo Center at the Confluence is further proof of our city’s commitment to arts at all levels, and in all genres.
“Pablo‘s willingness to pay it forward inspires all of us to do the same,” he added. “The Chippewa Valley Writers Guild can’t wait to do its own small part to continue to help in the ways it can. When we collaborate, we all win.”
Pablo and other comments
Jason Jon Anderson, the Pablo Center’s executive director, said “the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every portion of our economy including the creative economy. With 90 percent of arts organizations facing extinction nationwide, Pablo Center is focused on keeping the engines of our creative economy running.”
He added that the Center is “proud to be passing our entire portion (of TCV receipts) on to the smaller arts organizations who share in calling Pablo Center our regional home for the creative arts.”
Ann Sessions, executive director of the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, thanked the community members who donated to the TCV campaign, as well as the Pablo Center for “graciously donating their portion to help reduce fees for local arts organizations using the facility.”
“During this difficult time, we are extra appreciative of financial help. The arts are about being together and we look forward to the day we can be together safely,” she added.
Elizabeth Hart, the chamber orchestra’s general manager, also expressed appreciation and noted that artists get paid by the performance rather than working “for organizations that could apply for some of the CARES ACT relief.” She said that when performances are cancelled, ticket sales and other revenue streams dry up and community support can’t be relied on in an uncertain economy.
“Art is necessary for people to engage in cultural identification. Without the elements in place that allow its production, that important piece of our humanity is lost,” Hart said. These contributions will enable “arts organizations to plan for the future and be ready when we can reopen the doors.”
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