This year, with your help, thousands of people’s lives have been enriched through arts and cultural opportunities in Orlando. Through imaginative educational programs, exhilarating performances and dynamic community outreach initiatives, the visual and performing arts organizations in our community bring their very best offerings to the widest possible audience. At the same time, these activities generate substantial economic impact and encourage business development and corporate relocations in our area.

The Downtown Arts District has seen significant changes and growth in spite of the challenging economic times. We’ve taken bold, innovative steps to make the arts and cultural corridor an even more welcoming and exciting place for both residents and visitors alike. Below is just a sampling of what we’ve accomplished this year:

• Showcased 70 custom-designed guitars in the City raising $186,500 for local charities
• Unveiled OrlandoSlice.com, visited by more than 40,000 people and 950 opt-in members
• Procured SAK Comedy Lab as a permanent resident tenant at CityArts Factory
• Provided promotional gallery space for local nonprofits at the all-new Glimpse Gallery
• Opened two new art galleries at the Plaza Cinema Café visited by 415,000 annually
• Raised more than $200,000 to provide general operating support through charitable giving
• Tracked more than 10,000 attendees to the monthly Third Thursday Gallery Hop

As proud as we are of all we have accomplished, we are excited about what lies ahead and believe that the best is yet to come.

The Arts District is poised to ring in 2010 with the stage set for an exciting era of future growth in the arts and cultural corridor. The launch of this historic year will be highlighted by the kick off of the Art District’s 10th Anniversary celebration and the opening of SAK Comedy Lab at CityArts Factory in February 2010.

Visited by more than 45,000 people each year, CityArts Factory is set to become a landmark cultural destination at the epicenter of the Downtown Arts District. In addition, with the support of Orange County’s cultural tourism grant, CityArts Factory will take on a fresh look, featuring a new brand image, exterior modification, and signature marquee.

None of what we have accomplished could have been done without the generous support from you, our board of directors, sponsors, and volunteers. Your contributions are extremely vital to the success and livelihood of our cultural institutions.

We have an exciting year ahead of us and in this season of giving, we are writing to request that you support our cultural community with a donation to the Downtown Arts District annual campaign. Your contribution ensures our community’s visual and performing arts will continue to entertain, educate, and inspire individuals of all ages, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

This year’s annual campaign runs through February 28, 2010. While we appreciate contributions at all levels, a minimum gift of $500 will guarantee your recognition in annual publications.

CLICK HERE to support our annual campaign by making an online contribution, or mail to:

Downtown Arts District Annual Campaign
29 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801

We hope we can rely on you for future investment in the arts and thank you for your generous support of the Downtown Arts District.

Sincerely,