BANGOR — The city of Bangor Commission on Cultural Development will host a free workshop on how businesses can partner with the arts on3:30- 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at WBRC Architects Engineers, 44 Central St. The workshop will be of specific interest to business owners and leaders of cultural organizations; however, all are welcome. Advance registration is requested by calling 992-4234 or go to bangormaine.gov/culturalworkshops.
Serving as panelists will be Ray Bolduc, George Kinghorn, Matt McLaughlin, Kerrie Tripp, and Kassie Zeigler. They will discuss how the arts and culture impacts local businesses and the economy, the various ways of integrating art into business practices, and the kinds of return on investment that exist as a result. A question and answer session will follow.
Ray Bolduc, a principal at WBRC Architects and Engineers, said that WBRC frequently hosts and sponsors arts organizations in Bangor. Its employees volunteer with dozens of local charities and organizations.
George Kinghorn is the director and curator of the University of Maine Museum of Art, which maintains a permanent collection of more than 3,600 works of art, presents 12 changing exhibitions annually, and offers an array of educational programs for all ages.
Matt McLaughlin is the current chairman of FUSION:Bangor, an organization that works to connect and engage young professionals in the Bangor region. He serves as the director of public relations, marketing, and business and industry for Eastern Maine Community College. Kerrie Tripp is the executive director at the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau where her work spans campaigns for development of Maine’s first casino, the Cross Insurance Center, area festivals and promotion of the Greater Bangor Region as a preferred destination.
Kassie Zeigler is executive director for community networks and foundation at St. Joseph Healthcare. She is a lawyer and also holds degrees in English and art history. She is a member of the St. Joseph Healthcare Art Commission established by President Mary Prybylo to incorporate art into the healthcare setting as a way to improve healing, and bring in elements that encourage reflection, contemplation and tranquility.
This workshop is fourth in a series that will address the professional development needs of artists in our community. Other workshops will include Grant Writing and the Application Process on Wednesday, Sept. 2, and Marketing, Representation and Networking on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
For information, visit bangormaine.gov/content/1538/1415/1425/default.aspx.