Arts and cultural organizations need successful relationships with businesses in order to thrive. This how-to guide provides arts councils, arts administrators and their organizations' board members with indispensable tools to help them build strong, sustainable corporate partnerships. The Artful Ask offers innovative talking points, interviews and research that will help convince businesses of both the tangible and the intangible benefits of sponsoring arts events, performances and programs. This easy-to-read handbook takes a frank look at today's business environment, social responsibility and cause marketing, offering concrete ideas on how to enhance fundraising and friendraising. It includes examples of successful partnerships, as well as discussions with business executives who have taken their partnerships with arts organizations to the next level.