Creative Capital: A Case Study in Arts Funding

[Source: Creative Capital, July 1, 2010]

On April 16, more than 900 Harvard Business School first-year students were introduced to Creative Capital through a new case study, Creative Capital: Sustaining the Arts. The case, which touches on many of Creative Capital's signature activities—including its unique application process, Professional Development Program and Artist Retreat—was prepared by Professor Felda Hardymon and Teaching Fellow Ann Leamon. Ruby Lerner and board members Lyda Kuth and Ed Colloton traveled to Cambridge, MA, to help teach the case and were privy to a lively discussion among the MBA students about the future of Creative Capital, the nature of philanthropy and the importance of art in America.

In each Entrepreneurial Management course that day, Ruby took questions from students, shared anecdotes about the early days and obstacles the organization has overcome, and took suggestions for addressing current issues. "I had no idea how engaged the students would be," said Ruby. "It was a true privilege to participate as a case subject and in class." Creative Capital: Sustaining the Arts is now available for purchase at the Harvard Business School Press.