ArtsWest today, Sept. 22, is launching its 500 at $50 Campaign, a grassroots fundraising response to the current economic situation.
 
“This is an opportunity for us to reach out further into the Greater Seattle community,” said KayLee Jaech, ArtsWest’s development director, “We are inviting individuals, who believe that the arts are essential to a thriving community, to become part of ArtsWest.” 
 
ArtsWest, along with most other local arts organizations, experienced budget shortfalls in 2008 from decreased grants and contributions. 2009 has also seen a significant decline in government, corporate, and foundation funding.
 
“These were stalwart supporters of the arts in Seattle and, when the economy rebounds, we hope they'll support us again,” said Alan Harrison, ArtsWest’s executive director. “But to safeguard the present and take us to the future, ArtsWest and many other arts organizations need local, individual support.
 
“As the executive director of ArtsWest, a parent, an artist and a community member, I strongly believe that the arts are important for our kids, community and culture. They're also a remarkable economic engine for the region, providing 30,000 jobs in Seattle alone.” 
 
According to a 2009 report from ArtsFund, ArtsWest has provided a $5 million positive economic impact on West Seattle since settling at its current venue in 1999.
 
“Funding from 500 @ $50 will go directly to the heart of what ArtsWest does,” said Jaech. “One donation of fifty dollars alone pays for one actor to perform one performance of one play.  Reaching our goal of 500 donations of $50, or $25,000, would cover all of ArtsWest’s production costs for the 2009-2010 Season, including the Theater Education Program.”