Week 3:Assignment - Applying the Jigsaw Method

    One of the major limitations, especially within the Dallas area, is the heavy bias towards white postmodern art.  Other ethnic groups, and cultures, and virtually ignored and their influence greatly limited.  This hindrance serves to discourage those who otherwise are very interested in art from contributing as they pursue other interests.  It also serves to provide a very limited look at society to the elite and powerful within the community.  My proposal will benefit the local artists, and the cultures, by getting proper viewing of their works.  It will also serve to foster a better understanding of minority groups and cultures through their art.
    My employer has a extensive access to the upper class within the Dallas area since that is their target audience for their projects.  Furthermore, my employer is already heavily involved in the art community as a strategic business endeavor.  I propose that instead of the permanent art work within the offices that my employer house local artists work for a month.  This art for each month would feature a certain culture or ethnic group, and would highlight the local artists within that group.  Mid way through the month there would be an evening with the artists where our existing customers and prospects would be invited.  This would give the artists an opportunity to present their work to the leaders of the Dallas community, and importantly explain their work and its significance for their culture or ethnic group.  This would also benefit the artists in that it would give them a forum to sell their work, and in turn provide encouragement to up and coming artists to pursue their ambitions.  In addition, where appropriate, local musicians for this group can perform during this evening, and have an opportunity to explain their work and background.
    This would benefit my employer by further solidifying their involvement within the art community of Dallas.  Furthermore, it would be a minimal cost endeavor to get additional face time with existing customers and prospects to solidify their customer service touch.  At the same time my employer would be enhancing their position as being socially conscious and of building goodwill with all of the groups in the community.
    The director of marketing for our company, Samuel Stiles, is heavily connected within the community, and would make an excellent, and critical, person to sponsor the project.  Furthermore, Samuel Stiles is heavily involved with the Dallas art community, and would possess the necessary contacts to find the artists to host their work.  Secondly, Joseph Hernandez who also it with my employer is a leader within many civic groups, many of which are geared towards minorities.  Importantly these connections include the Dallas Urban League and many Hispanic connections.  Finally, our CEO, Marty Weiland, will be a critical asset to the team since he sits on the board of all of the major art venues.  Furthermore, he is personally connected with the guests who would be attending these events, and would need to garner their support and interest in attending.
    I propose that Samuel Stiles be the person to champion this cause.  He has the critical connections, as well as Marty's ear, to see these things through.  Furthermore, he would more easily recognize the value this would be for the company, and thus more willing to champion the cause.  Secondarily, he also works very closely with Joseph Hernandez, and would easily be able to leverage his abilities and connections.

© Erik Smith 2005
Licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License