2642 N. Summit Ave., Milwaukee
(414) 962-3055 | pianoarts.org
Facebook: facebook.com/PianoArts
Blog: pianoarts2016.blogspot.com
Year founded: 1995
Mission statement: PianoArts develops innovative ways to foster appreciation and performance of classical music by identifying and training new generations of pianists with exceptional musical and verbal communication skills, preparing them for performance and presenting them to diverse audiences.
Primary focus: Exceptional young artists are identified through a biennial North American Competition co-presented with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Fellowships, artist residencies, performances, mentorships with professional musicians, teaching opportunities and prizes that provide funds for education are awarded by international juries to the most outstanding competitors.
Other focuses: PianoArts fellows, collaborating with local professional musicians and teaching artists, present community concerts in neighborhood churches, schools and other community centers. More than 1,500 local students participate yearly in a PianoArts curriculum-based general music education program that culminates with an unforgettable concert presented by the fellow.
Employees at this location: One.
Executive leadership: Sue Medford, founder and artistic/education director
Board of directors: Martha Brown, Jamie Mae Yu, Steven Ayers, Andrews Sill, Jeri-Mae Astolfi, Steven Basson, Dr. Patricia Ellis, Jennifer Gettel, Stefanie Jacob, JoAnne Nissen, Rebecca Ottman, Jeffry Peterson, Eric Tillich and Maria Zellmer.
Key donors: Public grants from the Milwaukee Arts Board, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Dorothy Inbusch Foundation, Edmund Assaly Memorial Fund from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Pieper Electric Inc./Ideal Mechanical, Sigma Alpha Iota Fraternity, and Milwaukee Music Teachers Association; along with individual contributors who support the PianoArts competitions and community programs.
What roles are you looking to fill? PianoArts is seeking in board members of a mix of ages and ethnicities who represent the PianoArts fellows and the neighborhoods that we serve. We seek board members with expertise in marketing, fundraising, community relations, planning and organizing.
Ways the business community can help: During the competitions and festivals, businesses provide our international guests with hotel rooms and meals. Businesses take out ads in our program books and provide volunteers for the events.
Key fundraising events: PianoArts will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its debut competition with weeklong concerts and a Wisconsin Youth Piano Competition co-presented with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in June 2019.
