Update

Yesterday, four people from my department resigned. It felt like they knew something that I didn't. I told one of them that apparently I had made alliances with the wrong people (the ones leaving)... But I was jesting (of course).

---

Today I dove in and begged for alcohol. Trusty Kirin said "yes" and I feel secure enough to guarantee them exclusivity.

I also secured DJ Omar to spin at the event. I think I'm gonna try to ask Jay to photograph the event.

And I still don't have confirmation of the budget yet. Oh. I need to get going with my asks as well. It's been almost a month - I need to start pumping them out.

Generous

Today I looked up synonyms for generous. It's useful to do so in my job, not so much as I've forgotten its meaning or context, but more so because I was looking at a myriad of ways to thank someone for being so generous to the museum. This person has not only given their own money over the years, but has prompted his friends to give of their money and of their time.

The philanthropy is high here and the success of the devo department depends on it. This is so markedly different from both RCH and NAATA that it is staggering.

On that same subject (sort of) today, Emily Sano, the Asian Art Museum Executive Director went down to City Hall to discuss our proposed budget. The museum staff is on edge, expectant on how this may impact the staff (layoffs?). She'll be answering questions about the necessity of the proposed budget. Nonprofits always exist with this cloud of funding loss hanging over it.

Math

As an addendum - 1% is pittance. Now I feel like I cheated because I always give way more than this every year. But I guess, technically, I can still pledge to give, even if I would have given without the pledge.

---

Something funny today, a fellow devo-person said she wanted to be a "hitman for the arts" to help seal the deal on estate giving.

Just One Percent

I've signed up to give one percent of my gross annual salary to charity at pledgebank. In giving, you realize the best results are achieved, when the asker has given as well. "Join me!" is a compelling testimonial.

Nicola also works at a npo and she's dedicated to reaching her goal. 400 is a lot of people.

I'm not a tree hugging hippy - but I've decided it's about time to stop being rubbish and give a bit back to Society. I'm not going to get on my hobby horse about it, but it would be lovely if you'd join me. Or just tell your friends.

Funny

We get a daily update of donations from the development systems team. A donation is always a good thing, but this made me laugh. It seemed oddly upbeat considering the parameters of the gift.

Good afternoon, everyone!

The gift(s) received today are:

ESTATE GIFT
Jane Smith $30,000.00 "Remainder due on death of Jane Smith"

Tibet Gala and Exhibit

I attended my first Asian Art Museum event as Development Coordinator. I decided to go all the way and dress in a loaned traditional Tibetan dress.



The feeling of the event was dramatically different from events that I've been a part of previously. I mean the guest list included Clint Reilly's wife and Jerry Brown!



An expectation of a certain status permeated the event as things like caviar and champagne were served.



The exhibit, TIBET: Treasures from the Roof of the World, is the first protest-worthy exhibit in the new building. It put a slight damper on the festivities as Tibetans greeted the incoming guests with postcards and signs proclaiming "Warning Stolen Art Inside."



Interestingly, talking with some of the protesters, they expressed an eagerness to see the exhibit during its run - because really they wouldn't have an opportunity to view the objects otherwise. They were mostly my age (30 or younger), so many were born here or left Tibet at an early age.

The protest was more to shed light on the current issues in Tibet and create dialogue about the curatorial choices made in relation to the exhibit. It will be interesting to see how many Tibetans will be curious enough to cross the protest lines to see their cultural artifacts.