1. What is your organization or company? Give background history including who, when, and why it was founded.
The organization I am focusing on is the Beaux Arts Foundation in Lexington, Kentucky. It is an entirely student-run non-profit with rotating directors from the University of Kentucky. The foundation was inspired from the original Beaux Arts Balls that began during the classical Beaux-Arts era of architecture in the 19th century. The ball always incorporates a theme and offers opportunities for creativity from the ball-goers, usually in the form of an extravagant costume. It began in Lexington in 1969 by University of Kentucky architecture students who wished to transform the traditional event and turn a profit for local charities.
2. What do they do or make? Describe the products and services and what makes them unique.
The Beaux Arts Foundation hosts two annual fundraisers in which music, art, costumes, fashion, and community come together to raise money for charities that have been selected by the current directors. They are unique because while a Beaux Arts Ball exists at other architecture schools nationally and internationally, the University of Kentucky is famous for their over-the-top “party with purpose.” Every Halloween weekend, the foundation hosts a “Fall Ball” headlined by local musicians, and the proceeds from this event go towards the production of the major spring fundraiser: The Beaux Arts Ball. The Beaux Arts Ball brings in internationally known electronic artists, provides opportunities for design students to create installations and stage backdrops, pairs architecture and fine arts students with the Lexington Fashion Collaborative to produce and present a sustainable and innovative fashion show, and promotes local businesses by inviting food trucks to the event and acquiring sponsorships. They are unique because so many different types of art come together for this annual event and the majority of it is local. The arts are a highly collaborative field, and the Beaux Arts Foundation highlights the possibilities of success when so many artists are brought together for one beneficial outcome. In addition, a large portion of the Beaux Arts Ball depends upon the venue which is encouraged to change each year. The Ball has taken place in tobacco warehouses, parking garages, and conventional music halls.
3. Describe the culture of the organization or company. What is the work environment like, the atmosphere? What is the building like- interior/exterior, architecture, fittings and furniture? How do the employees work together? What are the jobs and roles of individuals? How are they treated by management?
The Beaux Arts Foundation is a fairly casual organization because it is student-run, but still maintains professionalism. The work environment is extremely collaborative, with each member frequently bringing new ideas to the table while also playing devil’s advocate. Over the years the amount of directors has grown, but currently about 10 students fill a director position. These roles include an Executive Director, a Public Relations Director, Music Director, Installation Director, Social Media Director, Historian, Fundraising Director, a Past Director, Venue Director, and a Fashion Liaison. These students are not technically “employees,” as they volunteer all of their time outside of class, work, and homework. Most everyone works very well together. Encouragement to become a part of the Beaux Arts Foundation is large, but the selection process for new directors is strenuous and thorough. Since all the directors are students and involvement is voluntary, not all arguments are calm and collected, but the energy is very passionate and that makes for a great product at the end of the year. The Beaux Arts Foundation aims to foster urgency, responsibility and autonomy, so traditional management is miniscule. They manage the events as a collection of people who are individually held responsible for completion of items. Tasks are delegated to an individual based on category, and decisions are made by majority. The Executive Director serves as “management” only in that they are the primary contact for the foundation and have served as a director for one year prior to filling the Executive Director position.
4. Who is the targeted audience? What are their demographics?
The target audience is young adults. Known for being a “party with purpose,” the ball-goers take the term party seriously. Therefore, most of the attendees are current college students or recent graduates. Both the Fall Ball and the Beaux Arts Ball actually have an age requirement of 18 to attend the event. The Beaux Arts Foundation advocates diversity and creativity, so this brings in a wide array of students from around the region. Majority of the audience is UK College of Design and Fine Arts students and their friends, but there are many people who have been attending the ball for 10 years.
5. What is the organization or company mission statement?
Mission: The Beaux Arts Foundation promotes diversity and originality across multiple art forms at a local and national level. We aim to attract supporters of all kinds who converge to form a heterogeneous crowd that mobilizes the collaborative arts, camaraderie, and optimism to connect with the arts through unique channels that give back to the community.