Community Arts Support Grant
ACHF Arts Access
Bemidji Symphony Orchestra will hire a full time professional executive director to work in a collaborative and supportive relationship with the music director in the service of a high quality arts experience for the people of the region. We will continue to employ MaryAnne Wilimek as the interim executive director, part time, and she will prepare the organization to hire a full time executive director in the future.Bemidji Symphony Orchestra will document the evidence of more visible collaboration between the board and the orchestra players through stories shared by members of the organization. Evidence of improved strategic fundraising by board members will be documented in the corporate contributor section of our database. To measure strategic marketing efforts the board will review the organization’s branding, and our web site will reach out to audiences in new and visible ways.
Funds allowed the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra to hire a .50 FTE executive director to facilitate, stabilize and unify the activities of the organization. The director designed and manages Bemidji Symphony Orchestra’s confidential database that tracks fundraising efforts, enhances communication with constituents, and informs the budgeting process. The printed and virtual marketing materials are handled in a more cohesive and professional manner, and valuable board time is expended more efficiently due to a board activity calendar and a clearer focus on committee tasks. The director develops organizational efficiencies, fundraising strategies, audience development, and investigates partnerships.