The Center for Arts in Natick is proud to announce the launch of the TCAN Innovation Fund, a new initiative created to support the future of artistic excellence at TCAN.
The idea for the Innovation Fund emerged through TCAN’s recent Strategic Planning process, during conversations about how the organization can continue to evolve in an increasingly competitive cultural landscape — while remaining true to its mission of presenting exceptional, accessible arts experiences in an intimate setting.
As TCAN grows, so does the complexity of presenting the kind of programming our audiences value most. Engaging higher-profile “marquee” artists, cultivating the next generation of emerging performers who may not yet draw capacity crowds, and building meaningful relationships with artists all require a willingness to take thoughtful risks. Until now, those risks have had to be absorbed directly by the operating budget.
The TCAN Innovation Fund changes that.
Gifts to the Innovation Fund provide dedicated financial backing that allows staff to pursue ambitious programming with confidence — investing in artists and ideas that move the organization forward without jeopardizing the stability of day-to-day operations.
The fund also supports the behind-the-scenes work that elevates the experience our audiences enjoy on stage. This includes participation in national industry conferences and showcases such as the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) and the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), as well as the use of professional research and contracting tools like Pollstar Pro and Prism, which help TCAN identify artists, analyze performance history, and manage professional offers and negotiations.
An additional priority of the Innovation Fund is the professional development of TCAN’s staff — ensuring that the people who shape the organization are equipped with the training, resources, and insight needed to lead TCAN into its next chapter.
While many of these tools and strategies are standard at larger-capacity venues, TCAN must thoughtfully adapt and leverage them in order to continue its growth as a premier suburban arts destination.
The TCAN Innovation Fund offers our community a meaningful way to contribute directly to this work — shaping the artists who appear on our stage, the quality of their performances, and the frequency with which they return.
To make a gift to the TCAN Innovation Fund, please visit this page.
Together, we can ensure that TCAN remains a place of discovery, artistic ambition, and unforgettable shared experience for years to come.
