DONATION FAQ

Why is there a $65,000 shortfall? Where does this money usually come from?

The Fair has relied on artist fees, souvenir sales and national corporate support to meet our $350,000 annual budgetary requirements in the past. The national economic downturn happened right in the middle of our corporate sponsor recruitment this past fall. Michigan was hit especially hard, and the national sponsors were suddenly very reluctant to advertise/sponsor events in the Midwest this year. This reduction in sponsorship accounts for $45,000 of the $65,000 shortfall.

Ann Arbor is a relatively small town as well. We don’t have many large corporations of our own to look to (and the ones that actually are based here are going through tough times of their own). Although the local businesses are very supportive, they simply don’t have the monetary funds to give as heavily as the national corporations. Times are tough for all of us, and we’re not the only organization caught in the perfect storm.

Due to construction on our fair site, we’re also losing around 30 booth spaces this year (and the artist fees that would have come with them, resulting in a $20,000 loss). In keeping with our artist-centric mission, we’ve taken on this financial burden as an organization instead of passing it along it to our artists –in already difficult times, the strain of increasing booth fees could be very harmful to them. Additionally, we’re hoping that it will give each participating artist a stronger chance at success.

Is the fair going to close?

No.

If the fair isn’t in danger of closing, why are you asking for money NOW?

It would irresponsible for us to burn through the small reserves we have and wait until there’s no money left before we ask for help. Looking at the city, county, and state projections for the next three years, it’s obvious that the economic situation will get worse before it gets better. By asking for donations now we’re hoping to proactively address the problem and ensure that the caliber of our event remains strong.

After fifty years and all those patrons, why does the fair need money?

The Original Fair is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization. While the Fair generates great revenue for local businesses, the Fair itself does not charge and does not make a profit from these visitors (or from artist fees, which go directly to operational costs). For all of those fifty years, the Fair has operated as a free event. Not charging our patrons is very important to our artists because it allows a larger number of visitors to view and purchase their work. It also ensures that this event is accessible to the entire community. Furthermore, unlike most non-profit organizations that rely in part (often a large part) on donations to meet their annual operating costs, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original has never before conducted a broad based call for donations - not once in our fifty-year history. This is almost unheard of in the non-profit world.

Shouldn’t the Fair just charge higher artist fees? Or lower fees, so that more artists will attend and pay?

In keeping with our artist-centric mission, we’ve taken on this financial burden as an organization instead of passing it along it to our artists –in already difficult times (the artist unemployment rate is twice that of other professional workers), the strain of increasing booth fees could be very harmful to them. Additionally, we’re hoping that it will give each participating artist a stronger chance at success. Also, we currently have the lowest artist fees of any of the four Ann Arbor Art Fairs. We can’t lower our rates in hopes of attracting more artists because we have no room for additional artists - we are 30 booth spaces short this year as is.

How is this $350,000 budget spent?

This money goes towards permits, insurance, on-site electricity, tents and other rentals, free onsite activities (performances, art activities, workshops, demonstrations), general advertising, promotions, jury costs, staffing, office overhead, and infrastructure at the site.

Who exactly is the Fair asking for money?

Anyone who is a supporter of the arts! Businesses, individuals, artists, or art lovers. Whether you can spare $5 or $50, your donation would be a huge help!

Can I still help out even if I can’t make a donation right now?

Absolutely! Fill out a volunteer application today and join us in putting on the 51st Fair this summer, July 21st-24th 2010!

Still have questions? Send us a note at mriley@artfair.org or call us at (734) 994-5260.