Arts Ambassadors for ACG Campaign

UPDATE 7/28/20: Thank you to everyone for supporting the Arts Ambassador Campaign. Together we have raised $4,030 during this campaign! Special thanks to our Ambassadors (sorted alphabetically by first name): Anna Varney, Annette Nanes, Fern T. Apfel, Hazal Ozturk, Mary Kate McCarty, Matt Chinian, Matthew Macutek, Michelle Vara, Robert Gullie, Rosemarie Rosen, Theresa Swidorski, Tony Iadicicco, Wendy Williams, Willie Marlowe, and W.O. Pettit.

ACG is inviting members, patrons, supporters of the arts to join the movement as “Arts Ambassadors”. This is an opportunity for YOU and others who understand the value of the creative economy to keep it thriving at a grassroots level. Albany Center Gallery is a local, non-profit regional-based arts organization that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility. ACG’s events are free and open to the public, and has paid over $10,000 in stipends to local artists for hire in just the past year. ACG continues to advocate for budding and established artists alike. By supporting ACG, you are also supporting the artists of the region, and helping to diminish the “starving artist” persona by increasing the value of the arts on a physical and social level throughout the region.

How can I become an Arts Ambassador?

1. Email Karina to let her know you are interested kwojnar@albanycentergallery.org. ACG will share your campaign too. But you need to let us know first.

   ​​- We will send you a graphic you can use, if you wish, and suggested words to accompany it. Always tag @albanycentergallery on social media so we see it.

2. Set a goal you pledge to raise: $100-$500 range is suggested (with a deadline!)

3. Advocate! Post on your social media, email and/or call your contacts, etc. Tell people: What does art mean to you? Why is keeping art accessible so important? If you have an ACG story, share it!

4. Be creative. 

   • You can raffle off an item or your artwork where the proceeds are donated to ACG. We can set it up on our website for you.

   • You can video record yourself making an announcement or sharing an art story with a link to donate.

   • You can create a friendly, personalized email to a few contacts explaining to them why supporting the arts is important-- especially during this time. 

   • You can create a FB fundraiser (Learn more on how to make a FB fundraiser.)

   • If you are feeling generous, you can share with your contacts that you are willing to match the funds raised up to a certain amount.

   • If you can, donate to your campaign first! Donors are more likely to contribute to a campaign if they are not the first ones to do so. 

ACG has the goal to raise $5,000 through the Arts Ambassador campaign. This means that if 10 people pledge to raise $500 we could reach this goal! Or 50 people for $100. These funds will help the Gallery doors stay open to bring high-quality exhibitions to Downtown Albany (following all CDC and NYS guidelines), as well as ensure free community programming for the public and specifically, our youth. Times are tough, but we are NY Tough-er. It is up to us to keep the arts alive. 

If you don’t want to be an ambassador and wish to donate only, please do so here. Thanks!

*If collecting funds personally, please write a check made out to Albany Center Galleries, Inc from yourself with “Arts Ambassador” in the memo, once you’ve reached your goal to 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany, NY 12207. Or donate the full amount online (https://albanycentergallery.square.site/) with a note of “Arts Ambassador” so we know how to thank you! Please note that ONLY proceeds DIRECTLY to ACG are tax-deductible.

Email Karina at kwojnar@albanycentergallery.org if you’d like to donate or have questions on being an Arts Ambassador for ACG!