The 45th annual Uncommon Cause arts fundraiser is going virtual beginning with an Online Art and Design Auction and Student Sale that will launch on Aug. 19 and run through Sept. 9.
That event will feature work by local creatives and students enrolled in the J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program. Proceeds raised from the online auction and sale will directly support artist-led and student-led programs, as well as provide resources for local creatives in 2021, according to organizers.
The nonprofit Columbus Area Arts Council’s event, its biggest fundraiser, grossed a record $215,000 last year at Harrison Lake Country Club with 325 people attending.
The Uncommon Cause name for the event comes from its roots at a benefit ball featuring a Chicago-based orchestra at the original Commons in 1975 in downtown Columbus.
The overall goal is $100,000 net this year, according to Kathryn Armstrong, arts council executive director.
“I know that it seems like a big goal in a year like this one,” Armstrong said. “However, if we don’t have a goal, then we’re not properly advocating for the cause.
“And looking ahead, this pandemic may cause us to begin to have new conversations on how we all work together on the fundraising side.”
Right now, donations can be made at artsincolumbus.org/donate. More ways to support the arts council will be announced soon, she said.
The arts council is perhaps best known for free programming. One such example is its ever-popular First Fridays For Families gatherings featuring local to national performers for youngsters and their families. Those events represent more than entertainment. The presenters often are highlighting everything from character development to creativity to arts appreciation.
“ … With the community’s support, we can continue to develop our creative work by increasing artist services, resources to the community and providing everyone access to the arts,” Armstrong said.
She said that skipping the fundraising never seemed like a realistic possibility.
“In fact, we are just as busy as we would be any other year because of all the different initiatives we’re working on,” she said. “So the arts council has not slowed down, even though our team got a little smaller just like some other organizations.”
The organization is made up of one full-time and one part-time staffer besides Armstrong.
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The UnCommon Cause’s Online Art and Design Auction and Student Sale will launch on Aug. 19 and will be live until Sept. 9.
Information: artsincolumbus or the Facebook page for Columbus Area Arts Council.
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