establishing a local bva program

How do I know if a BVA Program is right for my community?

The critical element needed to start BVA is a broad-based business/arts coalition that is committed to the success of the program. This must be built at the local level.

To help determine if there is a need for BVA and if there are the required leadership, sponsorship, volunteer and financial resources to sustain the program, a self-administered feasibility study is the next step. This is available free of charge from Americans for the Arts - contact the Private Sector Initiatives Coordinator at artsandbusiness@artsusa.org or 212.223.2787 for more information.

BVA Budget (First Year)

Administrative costs for the first year run from 30k-75k depending upon a variety of factors including the size of the market and whether the BVA manager is full time or part time.

How does BVA work?

The basic components of BVA are:

• A professional staff manager
• Effective volunteer recruitment procedures
• Screening and selection processes for the volunteers
• An 5 - 8 hour orientation program to acquaint volunteers with the basic principles of arts management and how to be successful participants in BVA
• On-line Volunteer Orientation Training models are available
• A formal application and assessment process for arts groups requesting assistance by BVA staff
• Orientation for arts groups on how to effectively utilize volunteers
• Careful matching of volunteers based on:
  • 1) appropriate skills to solve the need
  • 2) an interest in the art form represented by the organization
  • 3) personality
• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation processes by BVA staff
• Additional in-service training programs for both volunteers and arts groups on specific management issues
• Social and recognition programs
• One time licensing fee & materials fee apply.

Interested in starting a BVA program in your community? Contact the Private Sector Initiatives Coordinator at artsandbusiness@artsusa.org or 212.223.2787.