Performance at a past Art of We event (photo: David Luke)
Who we are: Upstream Arts is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit arts organization founded in 2006 by parents who witnessed first-hand the positive impact of the arts on their son’s ability to communicate with those around him.
What we do: Upstream Arts uses the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities. We serve people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, emotional, behavioral, and physical disabilities, as well as those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and those with visual impairments. Our programs are led by teams of professional artists and are designed to nurture social/emotional and communication skills vital to success in the classroom, the workplace, and out in the community.
Why we’re seeking sponsors: Upstream Arts is seeking sponsors at all levels for The Art of We, our 4th annual community celebration and fundraiser, taking place from 6-9pm on May 18, 2017 at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. The Art of We will celebrate our impact over the past year while raising funds to advance our work moving forward. Sponsors offset the cost of hosting this event and allow us to keep admission free of charge, increasing access and inspiring our community to donate more generously to our programs for individuals with disabilities.
Benefits for sponsors: Sponsors of The Art of We will benefit from exposure to a diverse new audience from across the Twin Cities disability, arts, and education communities. We are emailing 2,000+ contacts about the event and our sponsors monthly between now and May; mailing save-the-date and invitation postcards to 900 contacts; promoting the event and our sponsors widely on our website, blog, and social media; sharing information about the event at other community programs and events throughout the spring; and distributing a press release about the event to arts and disability writers at targeted media outlets. We anticipate between 250-300 attendees.
Sponsors at all levels will be recognized at the event and on our website. In exchange for a $500+ contribution, your business or organization will be:
- Highlighted in our online newsletter (emailed monthly to 2,000+ individuals)
- Promoted in a blog post and on social media (950+ Facebook; 1400+ Twitter followers)
- Highlighted in the evening’s printed program and slideshow
- Announced and thanked from stage at the event
To participate: Please contact Upstream Arts Executive Director Julie Guidry at 612-331-4584 or via email at [email protected]. Thank you for your consideration!