2005 South Carolinians for the Arts Leadership Summit


Charleston, SC (October 26, 2005)--On October 24 & 25, 2006, volunteer and administrative leaders from nearly 40 non-profit arts organizations from around the state gathered in Charleston for a lively exchange of ideas and creative solutions for complex problems at the inaugural South Carolinians in the Arts Leadership Summit. Sponsored by the Bank of America, South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA), Corporate DevelopMint, and Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., the South Carolinians for the Arts Leadership Summit is especially designed for community and state leaders committed to a strong cultural presence in South Carolina and neighboring borders.

From a national perspective, Chris Leahy, Chief Financial Officer of The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., served as the keynote presenter. Also, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and Greenville Mayor Knox White shared their stories on the dynamics of downtown revitalization, cultural tourism and the return on investment.

John O. Sands, Director of the Lowcountry Program of the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation in Murrells Inlet, L. Bradley Callicott, Executive Director of the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation in Florence, Mary Rainey Belser, Trustee of both the Callie and John Rainey Foundation and The Stringer Foundation in Columbia, and Robert W. Morris, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Greenville presented a highly informative panel discussion From the Donor's Perspective on Funding.

Participants also enjoyed multiple presentations regarding the various sources of funding: Securing Major Gifts by Corporate DevelopMint President June Bradham, CFRE, Mix of Debt and Endowment by Bank of America Senior Vice Presidents Stacy Brandon and Ann Robinson, What Qualifies in SC and How to Get Started by President & CEO of South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) Elliott Franks, III, and Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA Attorney Kathleen McKinney, and State & Rural Funding Opportunities from the Director of Operations, Office of Heritage Tourism, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, George Estes.

"Thank you so much for including Mary Johnston and me in the South Carolinians for the Arts Leadership Summit. Both of us found the sessions informative and we learned a lot from the time built into the conference for interaction between attendees.

I was delighted to learn that the arts are becoming more visible in our state as a catalyst for economic development. I know that each of you has helped change this attitude, and for this you have our sincere thanks.”

Robert E. (Bob) Howard, Executive Director, Greenville Symphony Orchestra