Arts & Business Council will “Power Art” at
Awards Luncheon 2009

A full-scale, all-out celebration just as we’re dealing with fallout from a challenging economy? Is the concept of the Arts & Business Council’s Awards 2009 just too much? Or…do we need exactly what this event offers?

“Power Art,” the theme of this year’s event, is a chance to feel good about what our business and art communities have accomplished together, an opportunity to recognize and applaud the heroic workplace talent that benefits our region’s most important asset, second only to education, the arts and cultural sector.

Superhero is not too exalted a name for the 1,500 business and legal professionals who participate in our programs each year. To sustain and nurture the arts, these men and women work diligently on the frontlines and behind the scenes to expand audiences, solicit support, improve financial systems, craft business plans, build new databases, draft contracts, negotiate business deals — you name it, they do it!

There is an increasing amount of hard evidence that the creative sector plays an important role in building an attractive environment for business relocation, generation of new jobs and providing nourishment for youth. That’s why our business partners continue to step up to the plate, sponsoring Council programs and initiatives and encouraging their employees to actively engage with the arts. And it’s the reason we’re unveiling the Anne d’Harnoncourt Award for Artistic Excellence in May at our Awards Luncheon.

An extraordinary talent from many viewpoints — as an art historian, curator, fundraiser, leader, visionary — Anne d’Harnoncourt’s legacy reminds us that working together pays great dividends. Her name symbolizes the immense impact that can be made when harnessing people power.

So join us in the Grand Ballroom of the Pennsylvania Convention Center as we set aside two hours on May 15 from 11:30 – 1:30 to jumpstart another year of people power — you won’t be disappointed! With dazzling performances by members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, cast members of the Walnut Street Theater’s “The Producers,” and a local Brazilian Capoeira dance group, this year’s Luncheon is sure to inspire and entertain. Looking back to see what we’ve achieved, we’ll really be looking ahead to envision what’s possible.

Reserve your table or individual tickets today at: www.artsandbusinessphila.org/secure/awardsreservation.asp

TD Bank is the presenting sponsor for Awards 2009 and will be joined by these other generous sponsors: Comcast, Electronic Ink., Independence Blue Cross, KPMG, PECO, Saul Ewing LLP, Shire Pharmaceuticals, UPS and Verizon.