So, what’s MIX? If you attended the recent Riverfront Park Concert with Blues Traveler, you might have noticed a bright blue and white tent attached to the VIP tent for our MIX members. Many wondered what MIX was and why they were there, so we’re giving you an inside scoop on MIX and how you can get involved! Keep reading below to learn more.
What’s MIX all about?
MIX is a collective of dynamic and creative young leaders who love life in Lynchburg and are committed to building a community of substance around art and relationships.
We’ve categorized MIX as a young donor society, but MIX, to the members, is much more than that.
MIX allows the young movers and shakers in our community to gather and build a community around art, which stimulates ideas, conversation and thought, and allows for stronger and more meaningful connections. The members of MIX believe in the power of the arts and the importance of philanthropy, as well as the importance of the Academy Center of the Arts and our impact on the Greater Lynchburg Community.
The group meets four times throughout the year at exclusive gatherings, held at a different location than the last. “My favorite event was the first MIX event, held at the Historic 1905 Academy of Music stage,” said Elizabeth Stroud, MIX Committee Chair. Additional events have been held in the new Bedford Exchange building, and, most recently, at the Blues Traveler concert last Saturday.
Each MIX event involves art and the performance of art in various forms, as well as the opportunity for organic networking and connecting with other MIX members.
“The big thing we’ve focused on through all of our events is bringing different forms of art to our members – the entrepreneurs, creatives, and movers and shakers in Lynchburg,” said Elizabeth Stroud, MIX Chair. “By putting different musicians, visual artists, and performing artists in front of our members, we’re expanding their understanding of what art is.”
As mentioned above, MIX also focuses on direct giving and supporting the mission and values of the Academy.
“We give an annual gift to the Academy, and many of our members, especially those with children, also participate in classes and camps and attend performances at the Academy on a regular basis,” said Stroud.
MIX donations support the Academy’s outreach programs and help us come one step closer to making the arts accessible to everyone in our community despite economic barriers.
Who can join MIX?
MIX accommodates up to 200 members, who are invited to join by current members. “But, that’s not always the case,” said Stroud.” “If someone is really excited to join MIX, they can reach out to us directly, too.”
The average age of MIX membership, as a young donor society, is 34-35. “We have some members under 26 and some over 40, but the definition of ‘young’ is really up for interpretation. If you feel like you fit in with the young donor crowd, we’re open to everybody.”
Interested in MIX?
Current MIX members enrollment is open until September 30, 2017. New MIX members are invited to enroll starting October 1, 2017. To join, there is a required donation of $200 or more for individuals and $300 or more for couples. All donations are payable on enrollment or by October 31, 2017.
If you’re interested in joining MIX, reach out to us today!
Learn more about mix by visiting academycenter.org/mix/ | For enrollment, email Beth Doyle or Michelle Davis
