The Gainesville Chamber of Commerce in north Florida named the University of Florida Performing Arts (UFPA) the 2011 Best Overall Small Business last week, recognizing the arts nonprofit as the best in the state.
According to a statement it released to announce the honor, UFPA is recognized for providing programs and opportunities to individuals and patients, bridging artistry and health care. For many of those served, the UFPA provides a chance to attend and experience live performing arts in a professional venue for the very first time.
The group’s Partners Program handles distribution of free tickets to UFPA performances and programs for “the physically and mentally challenged, at risk students, and other underserved populations.”
Another UFPA program is called AIM Together, which partners the university arts group with Shands Arts in Medicine (AIM), allowing those served to experience and develop artistic and creative abilities.
According to the UFPA website, AIM Together “brings world-class performing artists from UFPA’s season into health care settings to provide performances and interactive arts events” to those who would otherwise be unable to attend, “due to illness, age, disability, and challenging socio-economic and geographic circumstances.”
The Florida arts group is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The UFPA oversees four regional arts venues: Phillips Center for Performing Arts; University Auditorium; the Baughman Center; and the Squitieri Studio Theatre.
Pilobolus, Joshua Bell, Aaron Neville, and the Munich Symphony Orchestra are among the artists scheduled to perform for UFPA.
UFPA’s says its mission is to bring cultural and artistic education for students, residents and visitors in North Central Florida. The group states that continually educating residents and visitors alike brings valuable resources to the state.
In line with this vision is a question from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, “What can arts and culture do for business and what can business do for arts and culture?” According to the Affairs Division, the answer for the economy is to share cultural tourism dollars, “make certain that arts and culture are included in local and regional development and growth plans,” and “encourage international cultural relationships.”
Studies have found that arts and culture play a significant role in student achievement and contribute to lifelong learning, according to the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs. In its strategic plan Culture Builds Florida’s Future, it recommends that cultural advocates and government leaders form partnerships and work together to incorporate the arts and culture into public policy.
Some examples include providing attractive parks, vibrant downtowns, lively neighborhoods, and preserving historical structures and districts.
Tourism is a major part of Florida’s economy. The sunny state has suffered recently from home foreclosures, and has a higher unemployment rate than the country’s average, over 10 percent. It is believed well-run arts organizations can make a tangible contribution to the state’s economy.
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