MANSFIELD — Surprises can be positive or negative contingent on the circumstances.
For the Richland Academy of the Arts, an unforeseen donation means its capital campaign fundraising efforts have surpassed 50 percent of its goal.
The Academy was recently gifted stock — valued at $350,000 — in support of its $3.7 million Empower the Arts capital campaign.
The unnamed donor has been “greatly supportive of a wide variety of capital projects that have been completed by non-profit organizations over the last 10 years in the Mansfield area,” according to a press release Wednesday from the Academy.
“We are sincerely appreciative of this generous and unexpected gift in support of our campaign to raise funding this year for our special Academy project,” said Dr. Michael Benson, the Academy’s executive director.
“We are excited about how the planned renovations and modernization project will serve our community in the future and the vote of confidence the gift acknowledges.”
Academy ‘grateful’ to its donors
The ETA capital fundraising campaign began in May and has raised nearly $2 million
toward the Academy’s $3.7 million goal.
Edward Akinyemi of C-Harris Consulting, who works with local non-profit organizations and other groups, is helping lead the academy’s fundraising team.
Donors contributing $100,000 or more include; the Richland County Foundation, Robert and Esther Black Foundation funds of PNC Bank and RCF, Thomas Foundation, Taylor family funds of the RCF and Ashland County Community Foundation, Gorman Family Foundation Fund of the RCF and the State of Ohio.
“We are so grateful to our donors who have faith in us,” Benson said.
PREVIOUS REPORTING
Raised funds will be used for the renovation and modernization of the Academy’s two-story, historic downtown Mansfield buildings — to make necessary and better use of the spaces.
Along with creating new classroom space, plans include expensive upgrades to antiquated electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
“Our existing space is no longer a good fit for the Academy’s cultural arts programming in
dance, music, theater, visual arts and martial arts,” Benson said.
“We hope to begin our construction project early next year thanks to the donors who have
given us such a great start.
“Our 33-year-old non-profit organization has outgrown the small rooms and outdated facility, though we want to remain and continue to invest in downtown Mansfield to support downtown redevelopment initiatives.”
(Below are building plan renderings for Richland Academy of the Arts’ facility renovations and modernizations.)
Campaign ‘critical’ to ensure future of arts education and culture
Arts education and performance opportunities are provided by RAA to more than 2,000 students across Richland, Ashland, Crawford, Knox, Huron, Licking, Marion, Morrow and Wayne counties.
Benson previously told the Source that demand for services is growing due to a reduced emphasis on arts education in private and public schools, as well as more parents choosing to home-school their children.
During the 2023-2024 school year, RAA saw growth in several areas, including a six-percent increase in class registrations.
Student enrollment increased by 11 percent and the total number of classes offered grew by nine percent.
According to recent data from the Ohio Arts Council, 69 percent of Richland County public school classrooms offer music and 57 percent offer visual art.
“This campaign is a critical step to ensure the future of arts education and culture in the region,” he said in August. “For over 33 years, the RAA has been a leader and a partner in providing high-quality arts education and experiences for our community.”
Gifts to the campaign may be sent to the Richland Academy of the Arts, 75 N. Walnut St.
To make a gift of stock, “which is easy to do and may provide tax savings,” contact Campaign Director Chriss Harris at chrissharris@embarqmail.com, the release said.
