Become a patron of the arts

PINE ISLAND — The Orange County Arts Council invites you to invest in a local arts project.

Proposals for the council's SPARK program are now being accepted for its "Arts and Agriculture" themed spring event, to be held at W. Rogowski Farm in Pine Island. The council is especially interested in proposals that combine these two Orange County staples.

The more people that come, the more money can be given to local arts projects.

Here’s how it works Individuals or organizations interested in submitting a proposal should complete a proposal template that includes a brief description (500 words or less) of the project they wish to request funds for.

Attendees (those presenting proposals and those there to vote) pay $10 or more towards the SPARK fund for the evening

Food and refreshments are served, and time is given to network and socialize.

Proposals are distributed to the attendees, and project representatives are given 2 to 3 minutes to talk or give a presentation about their proposal.

Everyone attending will then vote for their favorite project. The one that gets the most votes receives the SPARK proceeds generated from the evening to assist with their project.

"We all know about the current state of funding for the arts," said SPARK Committee chair John Simon. "But if you are like me, you still want to see a local art community flourish. Now you can easily take part in that growth. After a nice meal in a beautiful setting, lively presentations, and a discussion about art, you're going to feel amazing knowing that you have helped bring a new art project to completion. The beauty of SPARK is that small individual donations from a large group can really make things happen. Wouldn't you like to help for only $10, dinner included? It's not just about giving but about joining the group and being part of the discussion."

Submit proposals to jen@ocartscouncil.org.