ED Talks - Thoughts from the Executive Director

ED Talks - Thoughts from the Executive Director 

 

A little help from that jolly old elf

 

In this holiday season, I’ve been reflecting on what this time of year really means. It’s a season of giving, of hope, and of community.  


And so, in the spirit of that holiday magic, I decided to send a letter to Santa Claus.


I know what you’re thinking: "Isn’t that something for children?"  But I believe that everyone can take a moment to dream and to hope and to ask for a little help—especially for the things that matter most. In my case, that means advocating for the arts and ensuring our community continues to be enriched by creativity, expression, and culture.


This year, my letter to Santa isn’t about toys or personal gifts. Instead, it’s a wish for the arts, for our organization, and for the future of our community. I’m sharing it with you because I want to invite all to join in this hope—to reflect on what the arts mean to you and what you hope for as we move forward into the new year. Here’s what I wrote-

 

Dear Santa,

 

I hope this letter finds you well at the North Pole, surrounded by joy and the magic of the season. We have been especially good this year, making great progress for a new performing arts center. 


My Christmas wish is a simple one. Support for the arts.  


Santa, I wish for more opportunities for our community to come together through music, theater, dance, and visual arts. I wish for every performer to have the support they need to create and to thrive. I wish for our programs to reach more people, to inspire the next generation of creators, and to bring the power of live arts to those who need it, even if they are not believers - yet.


And finally, I wish for everyone to remember that the arts are not just a luxury—they are essential. They make us human, they connect us, and they help us dream.


Thank you, Santa. I know you’ll do your best. I will even throw in a couple front row seats for you and Mrs. C to show my appreciation.


With hope and gratitude,
Blake Smith
Executive Director, ACTF


As we approach the new year, I hope you’ll join me in making these wishes a reality. Together, we can help build a brighter future for the arts, where creativity continues to thrive and inspire us all.


Happy Holidays!

 

Upcoming Events 

 
 
 
A Heartfelt Thank You!

We are absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming support and generosity shown at our Holiday Fundraising Breakfast! To our amazing community, dedicated partners, and cherished friends - THANK YOU for making the morning so memorable.

Your kindness and giving spirit helped us raise an incredible $50,000 in donations! This is a huge step toward bringing our vision of a vibrant performing arts center to life.

Together, we're building something extraordinary!

 
 
 
 
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December 12 - 24, 2024

Christmas Comes Alive!

Have you been listening to the radio? Getting in the holiday spirit with Christmas carols? Executive Director Blake Smith and Operations Director Amber Maiden partnered with 95.7 to bring you Christmas Comes Alive! Local performers bring you traditional and new Christmas carols that will play throughout the day starting December 12 and running until December 24. 

 
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December 13 - 15, 2024

Mid-Columbia Ballet Nutcracker

Executive Director Blake Smith, along with some of our dedicated volunteers, attended the Nutcracker over the weekend. They hosted a table before and after the show, engaging with attendees, answering questions from the public, and showcasing our new renderings for the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center.

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December 17, 2024

CBNA December Annual Meeting

Operations Director Amber Maiden and Development and Outreach Coordinator Riley Osborn attended the Columbia Basin Nonprofit Association's Holiday Party and Annual Meeting. The event featured a panel discussion and Q&A session with special guests Senator Matt Boehnke, Representative Stephanie Barnard, and Representative April Connors.

 

Join Us

Join Us in Shaping the Future of the Arts!

We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team! Whether you're ready to take a seat on our board or contribute to a committee, there's a place for you in our mission to bring the

Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center to life.

 

Committees meet monthly (or as needed) and require 15 - 20 hours of dedication each month. You don't need to be a board member to join a committee!

 

Our Committees

Fundraising 

Marketing/Communications

Operations 

Facilities 

Finance

 

Board membership is application-based, offering a rewarding opportunity to help guide our nonprofit's vision and impact. Board membership requires 20 - 30 hours of dedication a month. With opportunities to attend partner performances and experience the art and culture of performing arts in our community. 

 

No performing experience? No problem! All you need is enthusiasm and a desire to advocate for the arts in our community. Be part of the movement that will create a vibrant hub for artistic expression and cultural innovation. 

 

Ready to make a difference? Join us today! 

Email - amber@artscentertaskforce.com for more information.

 

 

Introducing Yes4mcpac.org, your one-stop resource for everything related to the upcoming February 11 Special Election Ballot Measure. This is your chance to make an impact and help Arts Center Task Force bring the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center to life.

 

On our new microsite you can do things like:

Sign Up for Upcoming Events

Request a Yard Sign

*Yard sign request submissions will close on 12/23/24*

Sign up to Volunteer

Read the FAQs

Learn How to Respond to Objections

Submit Your Questions

 

Take a look and explore today! 

 

Become a Recurring Donor

Recurring monthly donations are incredibly valuable to our organization as they provide a stable and reliable source of funding allowing us to focus on our mission and plan for next steps with confidence. For questions about becoming a monthly recurring donor, contact ACTF Development and Outreach Coordinator, Riley Osborn. 

 

Click the link below to set up your recurring donation with a credit card or checking account, and let the funds be automatically deducted each month- no need to remember or send in payments; your valuable support happens seamlessly.

 

Public Presentations

If you'd like us to speak to your club or organization, please contact us at 

Info@artscentertaskforce.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Studio on Symons Street

 

Need event, rehearsal, small performance, podcast and/or meeting space? Check out ACTF's Studio on Symons Street at 704 Symons in Richland. We have a wide range of video and audio equipment available for recordings, including a green screen and lighting equipment. 

 

Contact Amber Maiden, Operations Director, for details and tours. Amber@artscentertaskforce.com 

 

 
 
 
 

Visit Us

704 Symons Street

Richland, WA 99352 

P.O. Box 2131 (99352)

Contact Us

509-530-1276

info@artscentertaskforcec.com