She goes on to point out that, here in Georgia, “we’re rich in history and natural beauty and icons of the business world. But, without a vibrant arts culture, we’d be missing something. I can’t imagine a strong community without strong arts.”
The Arts Fund is a partnership between The Community Foundation and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and its focus on the stability of arts organizations is a natural fit for Tome, given her vantage point as CFO of The Home Depot. “In my job, I have lots of responsibilities, but the financial health of my organization is an ever-present priority. It’s all about stability in good times and bad. The same goes for arts organizations. The main priority of the Arts Fund is to help steady small and mid-sized arts groups in the Atlanta area. Survival can be really tough, and it’s not the fault of the artists—there are so many variables beyond their control. I’m always thrilled when we can provide a grant that lets a group hire a financial officer and then that person is able to pay for his or her own salary. That means that the artists aren’t having to worry about something as fundamental as stability.”
“In my time with the advisory board, we’ve also enhanced the stability of the Arts Fund itself by promoting long-term strategic thinking. Rather than just knowing where the Fund is now, we’re also thinking about where we want it to be in years to come. And that ensures that we continue to support the arts community.”
Tome remembers arriving in Atlanta and joining the various flagships of Atlanta’s arts scene. It was much harder for her to discover the less well-known groups. “The Arts Fund focuses on small and mid-sized arts groups because they’re the ones who would really struggle without us. The big organizations have various established funding sources. And that’s wonderful because those major organizations are mainstays of our cultural landscape. But, for the community to be complete, we also need smaller groups and they really rely on The Community Foundation. The Arts Fund is a major component of their finances.”
Clearly, The Arts Fund provides financial support. But Tome is quick to point out that there’s more to the work than just money. “It’s also about awareness. That’s what helps a group become self-sustaining. For example, we might fund a development position that then generates consistent awareness of that particular arts group. Without that employee, smaller organizations can go unnoticed; with that position, the artists stay connected with their audience.”
“Through working with the Arts Fund, my eyes have been opened to the wonderful artists living and working in this area. I have been overwhelmed by their passion and tenacity. Theirs is truly a labor of love. So many of these gifted people are performing while also running the back office while also fundraising. It’s incredible how their love for their art keeps them going. And that is so inspiring. We’d be lost without all that they do for this community.”
When asked about the connections that her work with The Community Foundation has provided, Tome’s answer is simple but powerful: “I’d have to say that through the Arts Fund, I am connected to the very best of the metropolitan Atlanta area. It’s been an incredible experience for me. I am so glad I said, ‘Yes.’ It’s just been wonderful.”