$1949 by Age 40: Funding The Fund for the Arts

A Conversation Between Generations X and Y

Published On: February 01, 2012

I like to think of myself as an older sister to Nick, non-judgmental and just old enough to provide a little life-advice. Reality is that I’m closer in age to his mom than to a sibling, but despite our age difference we have a shared passion for the arts. Recently we threw a party to encourage Baby-boomers, Gen X-ers, and Generation Y to share our passion…Fund for the Arts. Here are some of the questions and answers that linked us together in our journey to engage others in our Louisville Arts Community.

AL: What was your first arts experience?

NP: I remember going to A Christmas Carol when I was a kid, love Actors Theatre.

 

AL: What was your most memorable arts experience?

NP: Well, you could say my first piano recital when I forgot the music and went blank right in the middle of the performance, but years of counseling has helped erase that memory, so I will go with Phantom of the Opera. I saw it first in Louisville and have seen it 5 more times since, all across the country and once in London.

 

AL: London, lucky you! Well what made you decide to give to the Fund for the Arts (FFTA) for the first time?

NP: I think it was going through the NeXt program that gave me an upfront view of our incredible arts community in Louisville. I wanted to get more involved with ‘giving’ as a part of that. Put my money where my mouth is, and I’ve got a big mouth. It is important to me to see the money put to good use and that is the best thing about giving to FFTA. It doesn’t go to a black hole, you can work with them to make sure the monies are well spent in areas that you are passionate about.

NP: I love that I can direct my funds, but I want to know what challenges face the FFTA in the future. Is my investment meaningful?

AL: Your investment is absolutely meaningful. The FFTA Board and staff work tirelessly to protect the community’s investment in arts. To do this, we must define the challenges and face them head on. Right now we are focused on innovation and relevancy. Everyday we ask how we can innovatively raise monies for our Cultural Partners and the many other arts in Louisville, Southern Indiana, and beyond. Just this year, we introduced an internet-based project fundraising site called power2give. It is an awesome addition to our fundraising portfolio—in just 10-weeks we’ve raised over $200,000.

NP: That’s impressive, but if someone isn’t currently part of the arts scene what can they do tomorrow in order to get involved? 

AL: I think the best way to get involved is to choose a favorite art form, whether it is performing or visual. Become a season ticket-holder or get a membership—this allows you the chance to experience the arts first hand. Through first-hand experience, you find out your true passion then the rest . . . volunteering and donating are a no brainer. Even if you personally find you are not passionate about art, take a moment to think back to your childhood. If you cannot fondly remember a single art project or school field trip to a museum or a live performance . . . I implore you to donate NOW so another child does not grow up without that cherished art memory. And if you DO have that precious memory . . . I implore you to donate NOW so the tradition continues.

NP: I know there are different levels of donor recognition but what is the main reason someone would want to be in the Charles Farnsley Society?

AL: I became a founding member of the Charles Farnsley Society as a way to honor the tradition of past arts leaders. In 2008, Owsley Brown II suggested formation of the society as an acknowledgement of FFTA’s formation in 1949 by Mayor Charles Farnsley. We now have 216 society members who honor the tradition of these and many other arts leaders.

NP: So THAT’s the reason you asked me to lead our first Farnsley by 40 group?

AL: Exactly, it’s a way to get involved. At age 25 start by donating $250 to be part of the group.

NP: Brilliant...then we can step-up to the Charles Farnsley Society. At age 30 we donate $500. At age 35…$1000 by age 40...$1949. Yet we get to jump right in and participate with our current arts leaders.

AL: You got it! So go out and tell all your friends, and I know you have a bunch, to become a part of the ARTS GENERATION!

Angela Leet is a Fund for the Arts Executive Committee Member and Chair of the Charles Farnsley Society. Nick Phelps is a NeXT graduate and Chair of Farnsley by 40.

—Photographs by Josh Miller