Donations
The Erickson Center for the Arts’ Board of Directors is very grateful to all our donors, near and far, for their enduring support. Our efforts continue to further the vision of the Erickson Center as the heart of Northern Michigan’s cultural and artistic activities.
The majority of our operating budget relies on the financial support of our donors. Thousands of hours are donated by over 120 dedicated volunteers to ensure that financial donations from individuals, organizations and businesses make the Erickson Center for the Arts a successful organization.
Our goal is to develop additional events, classes and programs to better serve you, your family, friends, future generations and the Curtis community. However, it will take continual funding to accomplish these goals. Whether you are a year round, seasonal resident of our community or a visitor who vacations in our area, your donation will support a cause that will enrich the mind, body and spirit of many. Thank you for your financial consideration. Your generosity will help make the Erickson Center for the Arts a source of pride for all of us.
Erickson Center Endowment
To promote long-term financial sustainability, the ECA Board of Directors established the Erickson Center Endowment Fund. Donations to this fund are never spent but accumulate and grow over time utilizing various investment strategies. Our endowed fund uses the earnings in accordance to our board approved spending policy for these funds. The donations (principal) are not used. Once a fund is endowed, it is endowed forever and cannot be changed.
Many donors favor contributions to an endowment fund as they can be reassured that their contributions will help to generate needed revenue for the Center for years to come. If you are looking to contribute to the Center in a way that helps insure the long-term sustainability of the Center, you may want to consider the Erickson Center Endowment.
Please consider us in you estate planning as well. Information regarding the tax-advantages of planned giving is readily available on the internet.
Steinway Piano Capital Campaign Now Completed
Over the past several years, the Erickson Center has promoted a growing number of musical events featuring the piano. We have been able to attract nationally known pianists such as Bob Milne (acclaimed as the worlds best ragtime pianist), a Steinway Certified Artist, Dr. Sergio Ruiz and Canadian acclaimed concert pianist, Derek Yaple-Schobert. In addition, “An Evening of Piano” featuring local pianists has become a popular event over the last two years.
Due to this growth in musical programming featuring the piano, in the summer of 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a Capital campaign to raise funds for the purchase of a quality piano for the Center. Such an instrument will improve sound quality and help to attract additional pianists to our community. A committee of knowledgeable pianists was formed to recommend a high quality instrument. The committee recommended the purchase of a Steinway Grand piano at a cost of $58,000.
The campaign goal was met, and in June 2016 the Erickson Center for the Arts purchased a Steinway & Sons Model O grand piano. This beautiful instrument has become a cherished asset not only to the Center and all who visit, but to our community as well.
Thank you to all who so generously donated to this campaign.
Arts & Education Level Capital Campaign Now Completed
In September 2011, a capital campaign was launched to fund Phase 2 of the Erickson Center project. The project was completed with the Grand Opening of the Arts and Education Level(lower level) in June 2012. The additional space provides classrooms for art and cultural education, gallery space to display the work of local artists, studio space for guest artists to create original art works and conference rental space. Many pieces of art are for sale in the Waterfront Gallery & Gifts on a commission basis. The additional space also includes an administrative office and storage areas.
