"After many years of quiet, shy hand-holding, the relationship between the Lexington business and arts communities is showing signs of an unabashed public display of affection.
At a time in Lexington's history when the arts are being understood and warmly embraced as a priority of economic development, the business community is represented in the leadership of LexArts' 2007 Campaign for the Arts by two local business owners, each determined to see the city blossom with the fruits of creativity. Chairing the campaign is Andy Haymaker, a commercial agent with Haymaker/Bean Commercial Real Estate, president of HM Homebuilders, vice president of Haymaker Development Company and managing member for both HM Mundy Properties and Haymaker Land Company.
Haymaker, aware of the LexArts campaign slogan, "Cultivate Creativity," was excited by the implications when, in his inaugural speech, Mayor Jim Newberry talked about Lexington becoming the "Athens of the West."
"I'm happy as a lark that that's the attitude of our government," he said. "Visually, what do you think of when you think of Athens? You think of the Parthenon and sculpture. And it's the same with all the other great cities, whether it's Rome, Paris or New York. The most memorable things about great cities have always been art in some way or the other."
Haymaker said his experience as a real estate developer has made him well aware that "a vibrant arts sector enhances the quality of life and strengthens the whole community."
A supporter of the arts "to the ninth degree," Julie Young, who has owned and operated The Paperweight for more than 27 years, will serve as vice chair of the campaign.
Young's passion for the arts came bubbling to the surface when asked why area businesses should be supportive. "Let me give you a good example," she began. "I've been helping The Chamber Music Festival of Lexington get started. UBS, the worldwide brokerage company, is going to be the major sponsor. They sponsor art events all over the world." Also sponsoring the event will be Highbridge Spring Water and Fasig-Tipton, the site of the August concerts. "This is going to be a huge chamber music festival! You're going to have three concerts; you're going to have master classes; you're going to have practice sessions." All of this, she noted, shows support of the arts in the business community. "It enhances the quality of life. It is something that everyone needs," she said. "I mean, it keeps your brain going after looking at numbers all day!"
"If you don't have a city that's worth living in," Haymaker began before stopping to think for a moment and adding "you can have the best business in the world and if you take it to Gary, Indiana, you're not going to get people to come work for you."
Arts organizations receiving an arm around the shoulder from the 2006 LexArts campaign included Actors Guild of Lexington, Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras, Lexington Art League, Lexington Children's Theater, Living Arts & Science Center, the Lexington Philharmonic, the Explorium, the UK Singletary Center for the Arts and the Paragon Musical Theater.
In light of the coming equestrian games, business and the arts may be reaching the hug-and-a-kiss stage in Lexington. Can the patter of little feet be far off?
Information about contribution levels and benefits can be found online at lexarts.org/campaign.
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