The first ARTfeast in 1998 included a handful of Santa Fe galleries that asked for donations during their Friday evening openings. Today, ARTfeast has grown to a weekend of artful events combined with sensational savories and drink, the proceeds from which benefit art programs for Santa Fe’s youth.
Who is ARTsmart?
ARTsmart was founded in 1993 to address the lack of funding for art programs and supplies in Santa Fe public schools. In a city built on and sustained by the arts, ARTsmart is committed to funding the creative thinkers of tomorrow.
How does ARTsmart raise money?
Every year ARTsmart organizes ARTfeast as its major fundraiser. Contributions are made through ticket sales, event and program underwriters, donors, and the volunteerism of hundreds of businesses and educators.
Where does the money go?
Through 2011, ARTsmart will have distributed just under $1,000,000 to ARTsmart projects, public school programs, art related organizations and endowment funds.
In 2011, $138,095 will be distributed as follows:
- $20,000 to the Santa Fe Public School Art Department for art supplies and programs for students.
- $30,000 to a Visiting Artist Program for Santa Fe Public Schools administered by ARTsmart
- $44,525 to ARTsmart’s two endowments: ARTsmart General Fund and the ARTsmart Scholarship Fund at the Santa Fe Community Foundation.
- $7,290 distributed to Santa Fe Public Schools elementary school art teachers for supplies and programs.
- $11,000 to ARTsmart art projects: K-12 special projects with Santa Fe Public Schools including a plate project, greeting cards, metal sculptures, and an honorary artist project. Also, projects with New Mexico School for the Arts and FACT.
- $5,000 for art programs provided by Fine Art for Children and Teens.
- $10,000 to the ARTsmart Scholarship, $4,000 distributed to a high-school senior pursuing art in higher education and $2,000 each to the previous scholarship recipients.
- $10,280 returned to the high school students and schools with whom we share the proceeds from the 2011 auction sales of their art work.