Burnaway Inc Company Profile

Background

Overview

Burnaway Inc is an Atlanta-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing critical coverage and dialogue about arts in Atlanta and the Southeastern United States. Established in 2008, Burnaway publishes a digital magazine that features contemporary art and criticism from the American South, aiming to support and promote the diverse and dispersed network of artists and writers in the region.

Mission and Vision

Burnaway's mission is to support and promote the vibrant creative communities in the Southeastern United States by increasing national recognition of the region's artists and organizations and fostering new voices for the arts. The organization seeks to continue the established tradition of art criticism while exploring the potential of new media to provide a fresh identity and perspective for arts dialogue today.

Primary Area of Focus

Burnaway focuses on contemporary visual art and criticism, covering a wide range of artistic practices and cultural discussions pertinent to the Southeastern United States. Through its editorial program, the organization connects the region's diverse creative communities and develops exchanges between Southern art and national and international audiences.

Industry Significance

As a non-profit publication, Burnaway plays a crucial role in filling the gap left by traditional media outlets that have scaled back or eliminated arts coverage. By providing accessible forums for dialogue and increasing awareness of cultural communities, Burnaway ensures that artists in the South are represented in broader conversations about contemporary art.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Editorial Program: Burnaway produces at least five pieces of content per week, including critical essays, interviews, and artist projects, to provide in-depth coverage of the Southeastern art scene.

• Art Writing Incubator: An annual five-week intensive program that trains emerging arts writers and cultural journalists, fostering new voices in the field of arts criticism.

• Public Programs: Burnaway hosts various public programs, including writing workshops and events, to engage the community and support the professional development of artists and writers.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Burnaway specializes in contemporary visual art and criticism, with a particular emphasis on the Southeastern United States. The organization covers a broad spectrum of artistic practices, from traditional visual arts to experimental and interdisciplinary works, reflecting the region's diverse cultural landscape.

Key Technologies Utilized

As a digital publication, Burnaway leverages various online platforms and content management systems to publish and distribute its content. The organization utilizes social media channels to engage with its audience and promote its programs and events. Specific details about proprietary technologies or scientific methodologies are not publicly disclosed.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Burnaway primarily targets the Southeastern United States, covering states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico. The organization aims to serve artists, writers, curators, and institutions within these regions, as well as national and international audiences interested in Southern contemporary art.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Burnaway operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, relying on grants, donations, and fundraising events to support its operations. In the fiscal year ending June 2021, the organization reported total revenues of $344,622 and total expenses of $346,203. The primary sources of funding include grants from foundations and other nonprofits, individual donations, and income from fundraising events.

Total Funds Raised

Specific details about the total funds raised over the years are not publicly disclosed. However, the organization has received significant support from various grantmakers, including a $35,000 grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation and participation in the $43 million Arts Innovation and Management program funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Notable Investors

Burnaway's funding comes from a diverse range of sources, including:

• Foundations: The Andy Warhol Foundation, Allied Media Projects, and The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta have provided grants to support Burnaway's programs and initiatives.

• Individual Donors: Burnaway engages with individual donors through fundraising events and campaigns, such as the annual Art Crush event, which has grown in popularity and support over the years.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are utilized to support Burnaway's editorial program, including the production of content and compensation for writers and contributors. Additionally, the capital supports the Art Writing Incubator, public programs, and operational expenses necessary to maintain the organization's activities and outreach efforts.

Pipeline Development

As a non-profit publication, Burnaway does not have a product pipeline in the traditional sense. However, the organization continually develops and refines its programs and initiatives to better serve the artistic community in the Southeastern United States. This includes expanding coverage, increasing engagement with diverse audiences, and enhancing the professional development opportunities for artists and writers through programs like the Art Writing Incubator.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Specific details about proprietary technologies are not publicly disclosed. However, Burnaway utilizes various online platforms and content management systems to publish and distribute its content, ensuring accessibility and engagement with its audience.

Significant Scientific Methods

Burnaway employs editorial methodologies that emphasize critical analysis, inclusivity, and representation of diverse voices within the Southeastern art scene. The organization also utilizes data analytics to understand audience engagement and inform content strategy. Specific details about scientific methods or AI-driven capabilities are not publicly disclosed.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Brandon Sheats: Executive Director with over 23 years of experience in arts administration and non-profit management. Brandon has been instrumental in leading Burnaway's strategic initiatives and expanding its reach within the art community.

• Susan Lee Mackey: Editor-at-Large for the Carolinas, bringing over 11 years of experience in arts journalism and editing. Susan contributes to Burnaway's editorial content and fosters connections with artists and writers in the Carolinas.

• Isabella Marie Garcia: Editorial Assistant with 11 years of experience in arts writing and editing. Isabella supports Burnaway's editorial operations and assists in content development.

• Madeline Benfield: Program and Operations Coordinator with 5 years of experience in program management and operations within the non-profit sector. Madeline oversees Burnaway's public programs and ensures operational efficiency.

• Natalie Willis Whylly: Editor-at-Large for the Caribbean, with 13 years of experience in arts journalism and editing. Natalie contributes to Burnaway's coverage of Caribbean artists and cultural events.

Leadership Changes

Specific details about recent leadership changes or appointments are not publicly disclosed.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for arts publications in the Southeastern United States is characterized by a diverse and growing community of artists and audiences. There is an increasing demand for platforms that provide critical coverage and dialogue about the arts in the region. Burnaway's focus on inclusivity and representation positions it as a key player in this evolving landscape.

Competitor Analysis

Burnaway's primary competitors include:

• ART PAPERS: Founded in 1977, ART PAPERS is a non-profit organization based in Atlanta that publishes a quarterly magazine covering contemporary art and culture. With a larger staff and broader scope, ART PAPERS serves a wider audience but shares Burnaway's commitment to arts journalism in the South.

• BmoreArt: Established in 2007, BmoreArt is a non-profit organization based in Baltimore that publishes a quarterly magazine focusing on contemporary art and culture. While geographically distant, BmoreArt shares a similar mission in supporting and promoting local artists and arts communities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Burnaway collaborates with various arts organizations, institutions, and grantmakers to enhance its programs and extend its reach within the artistic community.