Courtney Mersereau from BCA member company RBC Wealth Management is an example of a Greater Portland young professional eager to help in the arts. She is currently on the executive committee for the Young Patrons of the Portland Art Museum. She’s the kind of person arts groups want to engage.

Growing up art was all around her. “My parents and I have always bonded over our love of musicals. I would memorize every single word after seeing a show and we’d blast it throughout the house, going about our business and singing along.  I think I truly learned to express myself through art as a dancer and gymnast.  I played just about every sport growing up but committed to competitive gymnastics early on and dance was essential to my training. I think it’s telling that when I finally reached a high enough level where I got to choose my own floor music, I was in 7th grade and chose Phantom of the Opera. Attending Literary Arts’ Portland Arts & Lecture Series has also been one of my favorite activities with my mom.”

Asked about what advice Courtney has for colleagues ready to engage, in the arts.

“My recommendation for anyone looking to get involved is to make sure you attach with the mission personally. If it feels like an obligation, you will be less committed and less present which hurts both your reputation and slows down the work of others involved.  On the same note, don’t be intimidated! Fresh ideas and innovative thinking are why many of these organizations are reaching out to young professionals.”

Some other cool examples of ways that the next generation of civic leaders have taken the lead in arts philanthropy:

Reason To Party: Chapters of this group throw fun parties and charge for admission – the funds are then dedicated to a specific arts group. Branded as “party with a purpose” chapters in San Francisco and Sacramento, Reason to Party is “a movement to make philanthropy fun, cool and accessible. We design unique events to raise funds, inspire awareness of worthy causes, and cultivate future philanthropic leaders.”

We hear there should be more than parties to engage young people in the arts. But parties are a great start!

Young Tampa Bay: This group, started in 2009, “gathers culturally conscious young professionals throughout the Tampa Bay area who are passionate about supporting the arts, history and culture. Through its network of members, YTB uses its influence to further philanthropic endeavors. YTB fosters a sense of community by serving as the link between artists and art patrons.” The group takes over restaurants, arts venues, public spaces and produces activities to engage its members in the arts.