ARTA'S Act Two Nonprofit Status Pursuit

ARTA is ready to support the needs of theater practitioners as we return safely to our vocation. We’re hoping you might lend a hand as we get ready to take an important step as an organization that was created for you. 

Founded in August of 2019, we were driven by the belief that WNY theater practitioners are stronger together. We set out to create a unified voice committed to advocacy, education, opportunity and community. While the shut down in March of 2020 was a hard blow for all of us, we have continued to grow and have found creative ways to care for, educate and inspire one another. A volunteer Council of thirty has worked tirelessly to make strides in equity and inclusivity, draft a standardized set of industry best practices, and expand our reach in the community. All the while we’ve helped our friends in need with our ARTA pantry and COVID fund. It’s been a great Act One. We’re ready for Act Two: it’s time to take our service to the community to the next level. 

At our Council Meeting on 5/3/21 we voted unanimously to move ARTA forward from an “unincorporated association” to a “nonprofit organization” incorporated under Internal Revenue Code section 501 (c)(6). With the backing of legal counsel we are convinced that this status appropriately aligns with ARTA’s objectives. As a collective of theater practitioners, we have goals to improve standards across our industry, providing benefits not just to individuals but to the theater community as a whole. We believe strongly that this puts us in line with a trade association or business league as opposed to a charitable organization. While we can pursue the idea of a charitable 501(c)(3) foundation under the umbrella of ARTA in the future, we are convinced that the 501(c)(6) status gives us the teeth and protection we need to be the transformative change makers we set out to be.

In order to reach this goal we will need a total of $1700 to cover lawyer and application fees. ARTA is our membership. We’re asking you to invest in our collective future, no gift is too small. Thank you for your consideration. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have at [email redacted]. 

If you’re ready to be a part of this exciting next step, we are gratefully accepting donations through this Gofundme campaign.

We are ever thankful for your support and look forward to the return of theater in Western New York!

Sincerely,

Kristen Tripp Kelley and Alexandria Watts

ARTA Co-Presidents