Company: The Boeing Company
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Industry: Aerospace
Company Size: Large (annual revenues of over $250 million)

“At Boeing, innovation is our lifeblood.  The arts inspire innovation by leading us to open our minds and think in new ways about our lives – including the work we do, the way we work, and the customers we serve.”
                – W. James McNerney, Jr., Chairman, President and
                Chief Executive Officer

Objectives
To support innovative projects that increase participation in the arts, develop audiences and encourage creativity and build strong communities.

Process

• Boeing convened a meeting of Chicago jazz organizations, which resulted in the formation an annual downtown outdoor jazz series.
• The company’s staff works closely with arts organizations, such as Joffrey Ballet, to help them manage growth and development.
• In Orange County, California, Boeing partnered with The James Irvine Foundation and Arts Orange County to launch a capacity-building program for small and midsize arts organizations. 

Results
The downtown outdoor jazz series drew approximately 40,000 attendees in its first year.  It also attracted four major funders that are now working together to support ongoing jazz presentations throughout the city.  Its collaboration with Joffrey Ballet led to a 17% increase in subscription sales in one year and its work with five theater companies in the northern suburbs of Chicago resulted in a joint marketing effort that created greater visibility and increased audiences for each company.  By supporting small and midsize arts organizations, the company stimulates growth and diversity in the arts community.  (2007)

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