Whether it’s catching the latest play at the LSPU Hall or delighting in the sweet sounds of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, it’s easy to see (and hear) that the arts are alive and well in Newfoundland and Labrador.
A thriving arts scene is integral to a vibrant community, and thanks to the support of firms like Cox & Palmer, a full-service, top ranked Atlantic Canadian law firm, the arts will continue to flourish here for many years to come.
Spanning almost three decades, Cox & Palmer’s support for arts and cultural organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador is steadfast and includes everything from financial support and volunteer board involvement, to pro-bono legal services. Four years ago, the firm decided to better coordinate its efforts to support and showcase music, visual and performing arts, and literary arts in the province. After much research, and receiving unanimous partner support, the BRAVO! – Supporting the Arts program was born. To date, the BRAVO! program has partnered with nearly a dozen arts and cultural organizations in the province, contributed over $250,000 to support these organizations, and reserved or purchased over 2,000 complimentary tickets for individuals to enjoy arts and cultural activities.
“From our firm’s perspective, the intention was to establish and provide long-term support for arts organizations – and we have been very successful in accomplishing that. The majority of our BRAVO! partners have been with us since the beginning of the program in 2011,” says Paul McDonald, partner at Cox & Palmer and chair of the BRAVO! program.
“There is so much artistic talent and vibrancy here. We are thrilled to help encourage it, and as a firm to be associated with it.”
The organizations that Cox & Palmer have partnered with under the BRAVO! program for 2015 include: RCA Theatre Co. & LSPU Hall; Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra; Opera on the Avalon; SPARKS! Literary Festival; St. Michael’s Printshop; Shallaway Youth Choir; Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues Festival; and St. John’s Native Friendship Centre. McDonald points to two of their more recent partnerships, with the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council and Visual Artists Newfoundland and Labrador, as perfect examples of how recognizing artistic achievement can aid the greater good.
“In addition to bringing more visibility to the artists themselves, we believe that this recognition also helps inspire other individuals to pursue their artistic talents, which is something the entire community can benefit from.”
“Cox & Palmer considers selections for BRAVO! based on previous experiences with each organization, the goals and needs of each organization, and the firm’s overall sponsorship portfolio,” McDonald explains.
“Over the years Cox & Palmer has supported organizations from music, visual and performing arts, and literary arts, and we hope to continue and expand on this in the future.”
The BRAVO! program has helped contribute to a beautiful (and mutually beneficial) friendship amongst the business community, the arts community and the general public. McDonald says while Cox & Palmer is proud of the part they’ve played, “the arts organizations receiving our support have repaid it many times over with their first-class contributions to the artistic life of our province.”
“We help our partners offer high-caliber artistic performances and opportunities to the local community. The BRAVO! program exposes the public to wonderful artistic activities occurring right in our backyard,” he says.
“Without a doubt, the credit goes to our partner organizations for their phenomenal work in and for the arts – but I have to say, we are pretty thrilled to play a supporting role.”
