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Art That Moves
An Interview with Marnie Kiel, Vice-Chair of Ballet Edmonton Board of Directors
What draws you to the ballet?
Sitting quietly in the dark theatre on opening night, after a long week, anticipating magic as the light slowly rises on
the dancer on stage, you feel something transformative happening. It is incredible how art can elicit such emotion and inspiration. Ballet Edmonton is the city’s only professional contemporary ballet company, and it delivers Art That Moves.
you have a lot of passion for the ballet, but why sit on the board?
As spectacular as being in the audience is, so is the experience of serving on the board among ambitious professionals with a shared love for contemporary ballet. I am also inspired by our community outreach program, Art Connects, which brings dance at no cost to kids facing barriers. The pride and confidence the children develop is incredible to witness. Being on the board is important work because, as a smaller arts organization, we require all hands on deck to fulfill the substantial efforts that fund operations, deliver performances, and run the Art Connects program.
The operating capital doesn’t come from government funding and grants?
Despite our lean budget, grants account for merely 22% and ticket sales for only 4% of the capital required. The remaining 74% comes from fundraisers, donations, and sponsorship. Keeping this incredible art form alive is important to me. Art, in all its forms, inspires and connects people. Edmonton is fortunate to have a platform where performances are accessible and inclusive—patrons attend in everything from jeans to sparkles.
How does the board raise money?
With grit! We host a number of fundraising events each year including BE Home Tour—an opportunity for the public to tour some of Edmonton’s most interesting homes. There’s also the BEYEG Challenge, a team-based survivor/scavenger hunt game, and Art and Sole, an evening of dance, food, cocktails, and fashion. As for most organizations, the Covid-19 crisis meant cancellation of our fundraising events. We’re fortunate to have some generous sponsors and donors, but we require further support.
How can we get involved?
We invite businesses to consider sponsorship as part of their marketing plans. We offer great value to sponsors, with your message reaching over 5000 dedicated patrons of our performances, events, and publications. It is a unique opportunity to showcase your company’s dedication to an organization that contributes to the fabric of Edmonton’s arts and
culture scene. Eight sponsorships of $5000 each from a company or generous family will make an incredible difference!
mArnie kieL
baLLET EdMOnTOn mkiel@aldergroup.com I balletEdmonton.ca
Christina Louise Photography