Page 2 of 3
SpareTime is similar to other fund-raising websites like Kickstarter in that it connects non-profits with supporters. There are key differences, though. SpareTime users will be able to create a site profile that will track where they've worked, who they've given to and what their interests are. Users can upload transcripts to the profile, so that it can serve as a resume. The site, by tracking user histories, will then be able to suggest to individuals projects they might like to get involved in.
SpareTime will also generate impact reports — what sorts of projects are getting what kind of traffic and by whom — information that should prove valuable to the non-profit community.
The user behavior tracking technology that SpareTime will use was developed by fellow ARK Challenge start-up MineWhat, which won $150,000 in investment in the ARK Challenge competition held Nov. 1 in Bentonville.
SpareTime goes into Beta testing in January. When it goes online — Shelton and Snyder hope that will be later in the spring — non-profits can post their projects on the site for $5. If the posting fills a long-time position, SpareTime will get another $5. SpareTime will also get a transaction fee of 5 percent off donations. SpareTime can also create pages for non-profits, another revenue stream.
Snyder and Shelton have found a way to make money and satisfy their desire to get community projects more quickly off the ground.
The Arkansas Arts Center was thinking outside the box when they decided to create the "Party in a Box" drive to attract a new crowd. Here's how it works: For $500 an Arts Center supporter can buy a party for 12 — details about the party come in a box — and the Arts Center takes care of the rest. The partying newcomers are welcomed with a reception, food and drinks and a tour of the galleries and the stacks with curators, for example, or a get-together with Museum School or Children's Theatre staff — whatever the box buyer wishes. The idea, Arts Center Director Todd Herman said, is to "build relationships, so when people write those checks it's not just to a brick building but people they've met, programs they now know about and spaces they've toured."
A long overdue rehab of the Arts Center's website will, like SpareTime, offer a personal member page that will keep a record of what classes you've taken, tickets you've purchased — "a personal account of your relationship with us," Herman said. "It helps us know what you are interested in" and target pitches for support accordingly. The new website will, of course, have a blog that Herman and staff will contribute to, linked to Facebook.
Another new event — an adult evening for a children's theater performance. This year, the Arts Center's "Vampires, Bunnies and Bloody Marys" drew about 100 grown-ups who made merry and then who saw a "slightly altered" version of "Bunnicula," the kids' play about a vampire rabbit. A party tied to children's theater was a membership lure for parents of youngsters who may not be familiar with the Arts Center's offerings. Feedback was great; the event will be repeated every season for one particular play.
The bi-annual Tabriz fund-raiser, a pricy, black-tie dinner and auction, will again target younger folks who can wear high heels but are not yet well-heeled with a late-night "studio party" following the big event.
Another new idea: An opening night lecture for every major exhibition, to make seeing the work a "more enriching experience."
Speaking of...
-
Bauhaus show, symposium Friday at AAC
May 22, 2013Photographs, architectural plans, furniture and a talk by design experts. /more/
-
Tabriz haul: $550,000
May 15, 2013The biennial Tabriz auction of the Arkansas Arts Center will net at least $550,000 for the Arts Center's coffers, which will wipe out the current year's budget deficit of $216,280. /more/
-
Takei came, Purple Moon coming to Arts Center
April 18, 2013Performance to interpret Wendy Maruyama installation. /more/
-
Coming Friday: Ron Meyers
March 21, 2013With his "Potter's Menagerie." /more/
-
Opening today: "52nd Young Arkansas Artists"
March 15, 2013The annual exhibition of work by students all over Arkansas in grades K-12 opens today at the Arkansas Arts Center. /more/
- More »
Comments (1)
Showing 1-1 of 1
More by Leslie Newell Peacock
-
Ten to watch at the Little Rock Film Fest
Films not to miss.
- May 16, 2013
-
Arkansas doctors explain importance of expanding insurance coverage
Arkansas is an unhealthy state, with mortality rates higher across the board than the nation's.
- Mar 7, 2013
- More »
Latest in Cover Stories
-
Ready for Riverfest
Good times start rolling Friday.
- May 23, 2013
-
Riverfest fast facts
Riverfest 2013 three-day discounted tickets will be available at select Walgreen's locations around the state. These tickets will be sold for $17.50 (while supplies last). Admission at the gates is $35 for a three-day pass, cash only. Online tickets can be purchased for $30.
- May 23, 2013
-
Live entertainment schedule
The Riverfest calendar.
- May 23, 2013
- More »
Event Calendar
-
Re: Sister who opposed Faubus dies
This week's Tin Can Alley (2nd file, you'll want to start at around the 6:15…
- on May 25, 2013
-
Re: Best of Arkansas 2012
Where is the 2013 Ballot???
- on May 24, 2013
-
Re: Sister who opposed Faubus dies
What Orval Faubus did in 1957 was not a governor gone all mavericky. He was…
- on May 24, 2013
Site Index
News
Cover Story / Arkansas Reporter / The Week That Was / Smart Talk / The Insider / The Observer / Editorial / Max Brantley / Ernest Dumas / Gene Lyons / Bob Lancaster / Words / Guest Writer / Letters
Entertainment
A&E Feature / To-Do List / In Brief / Movie Reviews / Music Reviews / Theater Reviews / A&E News / Art Notes / Graham Gordy / Books / Media / Dining Reviews / Dining Guide / What's Cookin' / Calendar / The Televisionist / Movie Listings / Gallery Listings
This Week's Cover
Quick Links
Special Publications
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
