Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) recently mailed its Annual Report 2015, the first annual report for the non-profit organization, to every household in the Mercer Island community.

The Annual Report 2015 highlights the work of the founding Board of Directors, professional partners, MICA resident users, and many individuals and organizations in the community who have labored to create an organizational structure that will support the creation and building of a center for the arts on Mercer Island.

Art Brings Us Together is the central theme. MICA will provide a focal point for creating and experiencing art in all its forms, benefiting all from preschoolers to seniors. It will also redefine the town center, focusing and nourishing the social and economic life on the Island. MICA’s mission lives in the union of the arts, community, and education.

“A remarkable group of your fellow citizens have volunteered their time and money to create a beautiful new home for theater, music, dance, and the visual arts on the Island,” said President / Board Chair, John Gordon Hill in his Message from the President.

The Annual Report 2015 introduces the MICA Board of Directors, 15 community volunteers who represent significant professional experience and community service in finance, legal, construction, fundraising, and nonprofit and arts management.  MICA’s resident users are also introduced:  Youth Theatre Northwest, Children’s Dance Conservatory / Island Youth Ballet, Musical Mind Studio, Music Works Northwest, Russian Chamber Music Foundation, and Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL).

Revenue raised by December 31, 2015 is just over $5 million at $5,006,945 and expenditures as of December 31, 2015 are $934,839.

“Over the first two years of MICA’s existence, a majority of our disbursements have been related to the study, planning, and design of the arts facility with emphases on the resident artists and long term operational stability,” said Board of Directors officers Peter Hutt, Treasurer, and Dirk van der Burch, Comptroller. “Disbursements were covered by early donations leaving a comfortable level of liquidity for the organization as we enter 2016.”

MICA also debuts Friends of MICA in the Annual Report 2015. Friends of MICA is a new program enabling anyone to immediately support and get involved in the Center for the Arts.  Individuals, businesses, and nonprofit groups are invited to join the founding group of Friends of MICA. All Friends of MICA will be invited to an annual meeting and an annual Friends appreciation event, and will receive a monthly e-newsletter with program and event information and project updates.

MICA’s Annual Report 2015 also highlights general information and facts on the central issues to the project including: economic impact, location, facility, and sustainable operating model. MICA has created several resources to provide detailed information and updates on the conception and planning for the Center for the Arts. Readers can obtain information on frequently asked questions by visiting MercerIslandArts.org/FAQ or by visiting the MICA office at 7710 SE 29th St. Questions can also be emailed to [email protected].

The new Mercer Island Arts Calendar, found online at MercerIslandArts.org/Calendar, is highlighted as one of the community resources MICA is providing in the new year. The Annual Report 2015 concludes with a look to the future with additional opportunities for more community feedback, participation, involvement, and support as a Friend of MICA.

[Media Release]