arts & business council®

Business Volunteers for the Arts®

What is a BVA?
With the goal of creating relationships between the arts and the private sector, the Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA)  program connects business professionals with nonprofit arts organizations. BVA is a national program operated by a network of organizations around the country under the leadership and coordination of the Arts & Business Council of Americans for the Arts. Since 1975, thousands of business professionals have shared their expertise and talents on a wide range of consulting projects through BVA.

This highly successful BVA model is available to local communities across the United States. Each BVA chapter is a licensed affiliate of the BVA Council, which serves at the national headquarters for the growing network of partners in local communities. This strong network of organizations continues to strive toward the following objectives:

• To help nonprofit arts organizations improve their business practices
• To provide rewarding opportunities for business professionals who wish to contribute to their community and become involved directly with the arts
• To increase business leadership on behalf of the arts

Nationally, it has generated over $100 million in donated services, cash, and other in-kind resources. This program provides high-caliber consulting services that might otherwise be unavailable. Arts groups also develop relationships with business executives that can lead to new board members, development of in-kind resources, and funding. The volunteers hone management and leadership skills and forge new business contacts, as well as have fun and get connected to arts groups in their community. As an example of the work BVAs do, read the testimonials of participants.

Become a Volunteer for Business Volunteers for the Arts® in Your Community
Local Arts & Business Council affliates manage BVA programs in their area. Most affliates have online application forms that ask for your business skills and arts interests. Once your application is processed and accepted, you will participate in a brief training course and then be matched with an arts organization in need.
 
How to Get Help from a BVA in Your Community
Are you an arts manager looking for help in accounting, human resources, marketing, technology, or some other business area? A Business Volunteer for the Arts® can help by providing pro bono consulting services on a project of well-defined scope. Check out the local Arts & Business Council affliates to see if there is a BVA program in your community.