Researching Nonprofit Organizations in the State of Washington

If you're researching nonprofits organizations in the state of Washington, try this link to the secretary of state's office: http://secstate.wa.gov/charities/ Here you can get good basic information, including an overview of the organization's operating budget for the past fiscal year.

"What's the Mission?" AND the "Money money money" one

The first time I read this article, or collection really, I just skimmed through the names of organizations for ones that either cought my eye or were familiar to me and I was most suprised to see Cornish College of the Arts in the list. Most of the statements were those of theatre, dance and music companies. I just didn't expect to see an educational facility included. Also, I had never thought of this private institution to be a "non-profit" organization considering how much money moves in, out and through the school (as displayed by the palacital decor of the legendary Seventh Floor).

-----*SEGWAY*-----
Wow! The first sentence really says a lot. ITs sort of ironic to think that SO much money goes through "non-profit" organizations.
I found it very interesting that Phoenix, a city that has always been just two hours away from home, contributed $30 million more than a city like SEattle. I'll have to spend some time in Phoenix when I got back home.

Seattle Economy

It's definitely important for the arts to shout out their economic impact because the arts community in this area is growing rapidly. The people of the PNW should be aware of the impact the arts is having here. This article stimulated my mind to question the percentage of Seattle's economy that nonprofit arts organizations actually makes up. And I'm not really sure where to find that information... But knowing that our artforms are being recognized and are on the rise in popularity is a great encouragement to me!

Art's Pump It Up!

Well, I think that it is very important for artists to make a case for their art. Sometimes the public is not always going to keep on giving, because the artists voices will grow thin. Sometimes the public needs to be reminded just why art is important, so it's important to always speak up about your art form, and thats what mission statements are for.
I loved to read about how much Seattle supports it's artists. I'm excited to one day work in this town.

What's the Mission?

Backwards Company:
First of all, I like the name of the company. I also like how the company is committed to work that is mostly ensemble-based. I thought that this was interesting. I also thought that it was awesome that they really supported younnger artists. I'm interested in seeing what they do in their "ensemble-building rehearsal processes". I think that the end of thier mission statement was a little corny though... "We are change. We are relevant. We are Backwards Company."

ACT:
I liked ACT's mission statement, but I do feel like they could expand on some of their statements. I love their commitment to the city. They are a very local-based group.

Book-It Rep Theatre:
I loved how Book-It's was sweet and to the point. I wouldn't change a thing about it. A person can get lost in a wordy mission statement, but Book-It made it very clear about what they do and what they value as a theatre company.

The Arts Contribution

I think that the contribution that the arts in Seattle provide is almost underestimated. The non-profit arts industry contributes alot to the city and the average person would not think about the $330 million dollars that is going to Seattles economy, This is important to know since it really isn't somehing you think about, but definately should be known.

Milk Pole Snow Crane

Swinging left to right and right to left
never telling the others which way he's going.
He carries supplies, important pieces of what he's
building; creating a new life in a city so wide
awake.
All the while, she falls gently in the distance onto
the sharp crags, gingerly she maneuvers
herself, careful not to get hurt.
But the passersby see only the colors brightly
plastered against the wet wood, screaming
for them to enter in their parade.
Pedestrians jump and skip around the sidewalk
as the cold plastic blocks their path.

Local Mission Statements

The Empty Space Theatre Company's statement struck me by how short, yet full of life it is. The idea of bringing audience and artist to a common ground through an uncommon experience is one that I've never heard but makes perfect sense. I love that theatre should be a big "event" at Empty Space and it makes me want to see one of their productions.

The mission statement of Implied Violence is nuts. Crazy and all over the place. It caught my attention because it is written so contradictingly. What I got out of reading it was that to fully even attempt to understand what they do, I have to just get out and see a show there. To me, one of the most real pieces of their mission statement is this: "Implied Violence is an intimate, intelligent, connected group of emerging artists who create work with and for one another." While that would work as a whole and complete statement, the contradictions add much more character.

I like the ACT's statements about audience loyalty and the loyalty of the audience. It's a great presentation of teamwork.

ACT has appealed to me since our first field trip. The mission statement doesn't change that fact. "The standard is evident in the quality of artists, the variety of work, the electricity between audience and performer, the overall experience of our audience, our relationship with young, talented new artists, the quality of our staff, and most particularly in the loyalty of our audience. We are committed to enriching the cultural life of downtown and the aurrounding region." It is the fact that ACT makes their passion obvious to the public and to the artists who perform there, and their dedication to the audience. Without the audience, whoever is in it, is the most important part of theatre.
Implied Violence's mission statement was so very interesting. The attitude that is evident in it is passionate, but for what? It seems there is a lot of freedom within the organization to create pieces of theatre, or not, that are important to the people personally. The source for inspiration comes from so many aspects of life that it feels very very interesting.
Finally, the Northwest Film Forum sounds like it is incredibly helpful for aspiring film makers. The exploration of different types of film, historical for example, would help so much in the actual creation and flexibility of these artists. I love the last bullet: "to create a fertile environment for filmmakeing, specifically by establishing a filmmakers' endowment," because that is what is needed to learn and flourish, for any type of artist.

Snow on mountains, milk crate, cranes, posters

Walking through streets
Congested arteries of a city
Swept by rain
Brisk air
So biting when it hits my
Bare
Exposed
Neck
I stop
Looking past many winking cranes
Red and yellow monsters
Or awkward perched flamingoes
Nestled between mountainous buildings
Plastered with
Dog-eared and delinquent posters
They call it
Urban texture
Looking past
The Needle
Seattle’s own Eiffel Tower
I see jagged teeth capped with white
Like
Morning milk
Set welcoming in crates
Carried into houses of worship
Where the people partake
Of their morning coffee