Derek Collamati has been named director of development at Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts. He is responsible for all fundraising activities for the organization. That includes the capital campaign, major gifts, endowment development, annual giving, special events, corporate and foundation giving, as well as oversight of all marketing efforts. Collamati has a B.A. from Stonehill College.
PBN: What approach will you bring to the Pawtucket Armory Association?
COLLAMATI: The key to development work is passion for the mission. I have always said that a development officer is a salesperson, but you have to believe in what you are selling! Throughout my professional career, I have had the good fortune of working with organizations that I believe in. I have never had to fake my enthusiasm and that is extremely important. People know when you are being genuine; enthusiasm inspires enthusiasm. And, that’s how you make a worthwhile impact.
PBN: What are some accomplishments of the organization thus far and what do you see for its future?
COLLAMATI: Since Armory Arts took over ownership of the dilapidated Armory building, $850,000 was raised to convert the annex of the building into a theater and the home of the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre. Along with season subscriptions growing from 94 to 1,850, The Gamm recently embarked on its 25th year; with more than 28,000 theater patrons attending and professional artists performing before 96 percent capacity audiences.
Following the success of the annex project, $4.25 million was invested into updating the “castle” portion of the Armory to house the Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Just recently graduating its first class with over 95 percent of the students going on to higher education, The school is proving to be a national model in arts-driven public school education.
We are now planning and have secured initial funding for the third and final phase of our effort, which will see the 11,000-square-foot Drill Hall transformed into a professional theater for Gamm, JMW and the community.
PBN: What events can the community look forward to?
COLLAMATI: We are currently preparing for the 26th annual Foundry Artists Show. … In addition, we began presenting in our Drill Hall with a five-date, summer music series. •
