BRAVA – Business Recognizing Arts Vision and Achievement
BRAVA is a sparkling celebration of the arts in our community and a testament to the power of partnerships.
Members of Eugene’s arts and business communities gather at BRAVA to find inspiration, make new connections, and honor the local people and organizations that are finding innovative ways to embrace and support the arts. BRAVA embraces the unique flavor and flair that make Eugene so special by celebrating the arts, culture, and boundless creativity that infuse our beloved city.
The spring BRAVA event celebrates innovative arts-and-business partnerships and recognizes local artists, arts organizations, and businesses that have made significant positive contributions to the quality of life in our community.
The fall BRAVA event seeks to inspire through the work and words of a noted thinker, artist, or arts and business activist.
Both BRAVA events feature a Spotlight Performance by a local artist or art organization. Past performers include #Instaballet, Eugene Springfield Youth Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Fantastique, Harmonic Laboratory, Kelly Thibodeaux, Oregon Contemporary Theatre, West African Cultural Arts Institute, Eugene Opera, and Radio Redux.
BRAVA events are among Eugene’s most-anticipated celebrations. Since 2010, BRAVA has provided a unique platform for recognizing the positive cultural and economic benefits of the arts and business partnerships.
ANNUAL AWARDS
The Arts & Business Alliance of Eugene presents four awards at the spring BRAVA event:
- The Eugene Arts & Letters Award is presented to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the arts and culture of Eugene;
- The Fentress Endowment Award is awarded to a local arts organization for its exceptional work and achievement in the arts;
- The Arts & Business Partnership Award recognizes the prior year’s most noteworthy arts and business partnerships.
- The Dave Hauser Business of the Year Award recognizes a local business that has demonstrated consistent and significant support of the creation and presentation of art in our community.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
The fall BRAVA event includes an inspiring keynote address.
Past speakers include:
2020 – Dr. Richard Antoine White, Musician and Motivational Speaker
2019 – Stephanie Pruitt, Poet and Arts Advocate
2018 – Andrew Robinson, brand anthropologist
2017 – Clayton Lord, vice president of Local Arts Advancement Americans for the Arts
2016 – Jeff “JC” Geiger, author and local arts provocateur
2015 – Patricia Dewy Lambert, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the University of Oregon’s Arts and Administration Program
2014 – Brian Rogers, executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust
2013 – Suzanne Bonamici, Oregon State Representative
2012 – Randy Cohen, vice president of research at Americans for the Arts
2011 – Kari Westlund, Travel Lane County; Jon Ruiz, City Manager of Eugene; and Dave Hauser, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
2010 – Eric Friedenwald-Fishman, founder and creative director of the Metropolitan Group
BECOME A BRAVA SPONSOR
We offer many benefits to BRAVA sponsors, including speaking opportunities, logo display, and head table seating. For levels and details see our sponsorship page or contact ABAE Executive Director, Kelly Johnson at director@artsbusinessalliance.org
Find information on the 2024 Spring BRAVA here.
The Creative Academy is a series of engaging activities that explore the link between creative thinking and business success. Led by local artists, Creative Academy is fun and accessible for everyone—no prior art experience is needed.
Studies show that business innovation happens when professionals (even those in roles that are not traditionally defined as creative) understand the creative process and take the time to embrace it.
Encouraging creativity in the workplace can:
- Improve morale
- Hone problem-solving skills
- Increase employee engagement
- Increase productivity and performance
- Encourage bonding and collaboration
- Foster curiosity and imagination
Everyone has creative potential. The key is learning to nurture and develop creativity regularly, just like an exercise program.
VIDEO LIBRARY
Local artists lead engaging activities in FREE under ten-minute videos. Whether you are working from home, at the office, or on the road these videos could easily be incorporated into team meetings, retreats, or daily practice.
You can access the Creative Academy video library here.
