Howdy Partner!

Community partnerships are something that we hear about all the time in the arts. While a community partnership is often with another arts organization, the partnership can also be with a business, a university or a local government entity.

Partnerships are different from sponsorships which often consist of a corporation or individual donating xx amount of money to have their name listed as the sponsor of an arts program. Sponsors usually do not have direct involvement with the creation of the program that they are sponsoring.

Partnerships, on the other hand, are generally ongoing and often are involved with creating the artistic product. A good example of a partnership is when a theatre chooses to partner with a local university theatre department. They may share rehearsal space, workshops, artistic staff, administrative staff, etc.

When you decide to establish a partnership with another organization, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before signing the partnership agreement.

1. Make sure the organization that you are considering partnering with has values that are consistent with your organization. Don't let the allure of financial support or free rehearsal space cause you to compromise your organization's values or mission.

2. Make sure that what you are getting out of the partnership is of value to your organization. Both entities in the partnership should receive equal benefits...you want to create a win-win situation for both partners.

3. Carefully look at the financial aspects of the partnership. What will this partnership cost your organization? Both entities of the partnership should share in any costs, as well as in any revenue that might be generated as a direct result of the partnership. Always try to place a value on any in-kind services or use of free space that is part of the partnership.

4. Make sure the marketing plan is thought out and the duties of promotion are shared. Any press releases sent out or ads placed about the partnership or its programs should receive approval from both parties.

5. Outline how box office will be handled if there are tickets to be sold as part of the partnership. What financial reporting will be required and when will the reports be submitted to both partners?

6. Make sure you have a written partnership agreement! This is not the time for a hand shake agreement. Be sure to spell out what each entity will provide in the partnership and what each entity will receive from the partnership.

Finally, make sure that you limit your partnership to one year at a time. After each year sit down with the key players and discuss what worked in the partnership and what changes need to be made, before you sign on for another year.

Partnerships can be of great benefit to an arts organization, especially smaller organizations

with limited resources. The important thing is to set them up correctly from the beginning and evaluate them regularly.