Marion Cultural Alliance

What Marion Cultural Alliance does

Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts agency founded in 2001 and headquartered at the Brick City Center for the Arts (23 SW Broadway Street) in historic downtown Ocala, Florida. The organization functions as Marion County's central arts convener, operating three programmatic pillars: championing the arts through grants (Cultural Grant Program up to $10,000 per nonprofit, Four Friends Grant Fund up to $1,500 for individual artists, and Megan Boone Performing Arts Grants totaling $6,500 annually), convening the community through rotating gallery exhibitions and signature events (Horse Fever, Block pARTy, Art in the Attic, Applaud the Arts, Annual Auction), and creating opportunities via a tiered membership program, Business pARTnership sponsorships ($100–$2,500+), venue rentals ($650/3-hour gallery), and a 70/30 consignment gallery shop.

MCA's technology footprint is built on third-party SaaS integrations rather than proprietary systems: ArtCall for artist submissions and exhibition curation, Network for Good for fundraising and donor management, OneCause for online auctions, GoToWebinar for public information sessions, and Square for payment processing. The Horse Fever public art project — four herds of life-sized fiberglass horse sculptures displayed across the Painted Horse Trail since 2001 in partnership with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association — has raised over $1.5 million and represents the organization's most recognizable cultural asset. The 2025 redesigned website records 9,600 sessions and 6,100 active users, indicating modest but stable digital reach.

Revenue derives from a diversified mix: individual memberships ($35–$75+ tiered, pay-what-you-can), nonprofit memberships ($100–$250), corporate sponsorships (Standard through Platinum+ tiers), venue rentals, consignment sales (70% to artists), event ticket transactions, planned giving, and commemorative brick donations ($100). MCA serves four primary segments — local and regional artists (seeking exhibition and sales channels), arts patrons (purchasing memberships and event tickets), nonprofit arts organizations (competing for Cultural Grants), and local businesses (sponsoring events and participating in the Art in Business workplace exhibition program). Leadership is a four-person team led by Executive Director Jaye Baillie.

Name

Marion Cultural Alliance

Legal name

Marion Cultural Alliance, Inc.

Website

https://mcaocala.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Marion Cultural Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts agency serving Marion County, Florida, that funds, convenes, and promotes local arts through grants, gallery exhibitions, signature events, and public art installations including the Horse Fever sculpture trail.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Arts Agency Services

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Museums (71211)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Art, Arts Councils & Grantmaking Programs (BPAGAHAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD), Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG), Cultural Centers & Multidisciplinary Arts Institutions (THAJADAJ)

Keywords

• Arts grant funding
• Community arts agency
• Cultural event programming
• Public art initiatives
• Artist exhibition services

Headquarters

HQ city

Flushing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual memberships for individuals ($35-$75+ tiered) and nonprofit organizations ($100-$250 tiered), providing basic benefits and exclusive access to exhibits and events
2. Venue Rentals: Rental of Brick City Center for the Arts gallery space ($650 for 3-hour events) and courtyard ($350), plus additional hourly fees for extended use
3. Event Tickets and Fundraisers: Revenue from signature events including Block pARTy (ticket drawing for original artwork), Art in the Attic (y-ART sale), Annual Auction, and Applaud the Arts gala
4. Gallery Shop Consignments: Art sales through The Shop at The Brick with 70% of proceeds going to artist members and 30% to MCA
5. Buy a Brick Campaign: Commemorative engraved brick donations ($100) for courtyard beautification supporting MCA's arts efforts
6. Business Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship tiers (Platinum+ $2,500, Gold $1,000, Silver $500, Bronze $250, Standard $100) providing high-profile recognition and Business pARTner status
7. Horse Fever Raffle: Raffle tickets for limited-edition horse sculptures, with 12% of proceeds donated to nominated nonprofits
8. Planned Giving and Major Gifts: IRA charitable rollover, securities donations, matching gifts, memorial/honoring gifts, and planned estate gifts

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Marion Cultural Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts agency that operates The Brick (Brick City Center for the Arts), a downtown Ocala gallery hosting rotating monthly exhibitions, a consignment gift shop, and venue rentals. The organization funds the local arts ecosystem through cultural grants to nonprofits, grants for individual artists, sponsorships, and signature events including Horse Fever public art, Block pARTy, Art in the Attic, Applaud the Arts gala, and an annual online auction.

Product overview

Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) is a 501(c) nonprofit arts organization serving Marion County, Florida. Rather than a single product, MCA operates as a multi-initiative arts agency offering a portfolio of interconnected programs centered around three pillars: championing the arts through grants and funding, convening the community through events and exhibitions, and creating opportunities for artists and arts organizations. The core offering is The Brick (Brick City Center for the Arts), MCA's gallery venue that hosts rotating monthly exhibitions, The Shop gift gallery, venue rentals, and community programming. Financial support flows through the Cultural Grant Program (up to $10,000 per award, $635,000+ awarded to date), the Four Friends Grant Fund ($1,500 for individual artists), and Megan Boone Performing Arts Grants ($4,000 for theatre educators and $2,500 for music students). MCA's signature initiatives include Horse Fever (a public art project of painted horse sculptures, now in its 25th anniversary), Block pARTy (annual 12×12" art block fundraiser), Art in the Attic (y-ART sale), Applaud the Arts (annual awards gala), and the Annual Online Auction supporting the Give4Marion Campaign. Supporting programs include Art in Business (workplace art exhibitions and horse commissions), the Ocala Metro Art Scene (community arts calendar), and membership/volunteer programs. MCA engages with third-party platforms including Network for Good for fundraising, ArtCall for artist submissions, and OneCause for auction events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Horse Fever: A signature public art project featuring hand-painted fiberglass horse sculptures, launched in 2001.
• Art in Business
• The Shop at The Brick
• Cultural Grants Program
• Four Friends Grant Fund
• Megan Boone Grants for Performing Arts
• Applaud the Arts
• Block pARTy
• Art in the Attic
• Ocala Metro Art Scene

Products and services

• The Brick (Brick City Center for the Arts) MCA's primary gallery venue located in historic downtown Ocala at 23 SW Broadway Street. It houses rotating monthly art exhibitions, The Shop gift gallery, and an adjacent landscaped courtyard. The venue serves as the central hub for MCA's arts programming and is available for public visits and private rentals.
• The Shop at The Brick A seasonally curated gallery gift shop featuring handmade jewelry, ceramics, photography, fine art, prints, books, and Ocala memorabilia crafted by MCA artist members. Artists consign work on a 70% maker / 30% MCA split. The shop accepts submissions via ArtCall from active MCA members.
• The Brick Venue Rental The Brick's gallery and courtyard are available for private event rentals including weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings, and art shows. The venue accommodates up to 80 guests indoors and 40 in the courtyard, with gallery rental at $650 for 3 hours including tables, chairs, and courtyard access. Extended rates are available for additional hours.
• Gallery Exhibitions MCA curates monthly rotating exhibitions at The Brick gallery showcasing local and regional artists. Exhibitions range from solo shows and group exhibits to juried competitions and community-themed displays. Each exhibit opens with a public reception and runs for approximately one month, with exhibition proposals reviewed by a Gallery Committee.
• MCA Cultural Grant Program MCA's primary grant program awards up to $10,000 to nonprofit arts organizations for performances, exhibitions, and educational programs across Marion County. Launched in 2001, the program has distributed over $635,000 to more than 42 organizations supporting 135+ initiatives. Grants are awarded annually following a competitive review process, with funds presented at Applaud the Arts.
• Megan Boone Grants for Performing Arts Established by actress Megan Boone with MCA, the program includes the Laurie D. Reeder Performing Arts Grant ($4,000 for Marion County theatre educators) and the Nancy A. Atkinson Music Grant ($2,500 divided among up to three music students per cycle). Applications open April 1 with awards issued by December 31 of each year.
• Four Friends Grant Fund A permanent MCA endowment generating occasional one-time grants of up to $1,500 for individual artists and arts educators in Marion County. Recipients are expected to 'pay it forward' through a community workshop, performance, or demonstration within 60 days of the award. Applications are accepted online at any time.
• Horse Fever Public Art Project MCA's flagship public art initiative launched in 2001 in partnership with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association. The program features life-sized hand-painted fiberglass horse sculptures displayed throughout Ocala/Marion County on a 'Painted Horse Trail.' Four herds have been introduced, raising over $1.5 million for MCA's arts programs and local charities.
• Horse Fever 25th Anniversary MCA's 25th anniversary celebration of Horse Fever featuring two initiatives: TRIBUTE 25 (a one-of-a-kind horse sculpture by Sharon Crute available via $75 raffle tickets) and CELEBRATION (a community paint-by-numbers horse sculpture designed by Maggie Weakley with public painting days). Proceeds support MCA and local nonprofits nominated by ticket purchasers.
• Block pARTy MCA's annual fundraiser and exhibit featuring 12×12" art blocks created and donated by local, regional, and national artists. The event includes an Opening & Awards Reception and a VIP Drawing Event where ticket holders randomly select original artworks. Tickets are $50 per block ($90 for two, $135 for three). Funds support MCA's cultural grants, exhibitions, and arts programming.
• Art in the Attic (y-ART Sale) MCA's annual y-ART sale featuring previously enjoyed art at affordable prices. Hundreds of works including paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs are sold. The event includes a VIP Sip & Shop Reception for early access and the opportunity to purchase art before the general public. Funds support MCA's arts programs.
• Applaud the Arts MCA's largest annual gathering of artists, arts organizations, members, and the business community. This signature event kicks off the cultural season with the announcement of arts awards and cultural grant recipients. The gala features tapas, libations, entertainment, and recognition of outstanding advocates, educators, and community leaders in the arts.
• Annual Online Art Auction MCA's annual online art auction hosted during its September exhibition, with 100% of proceeds supporting the Give4Marion Campaign. The auction uses the OneCause platform for real-time bidding and culminates in an in-person party at The Brick two hours before the auction closes.
• MCA Arts Awards Annual awards established in 2016 recognizing Vision, Arts Education, and Service in Marion County's arts community. Awards are presented at Applaud the Arts and have honored over 40 leaders, educators, and advocates since inception. Powered by Duke Energy. Categories include Vision Award, Arts Education Award, Service Award, and in select years a Spirit Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Art in Business An MCA program connecting local artists with businesses through rotating workplace gallery exhibitions, custom commissions, and creative partnerships. MCA assists with artist selection, exhibit curation, installation, and 3–6 month rotation schedules. Current partners include Angie Lewis State Farm and Reveille Wealth Management. The program also facilitates custom Horse Fever sculpture commissions for businesses as public art landmarks.
• MCA Membership Program MCA's tiered membership program with four individual tiers ($35, $55, $75, and donor-determined) and three nonprofit organization tiers ($100, $150, $250 based on operating budget). Benefits include exhibit reception invitations, event discounts, newsletter subscriptions, shop discounts, and for artist members, free event postings on Ocala Metro Art Scene, access to shop and gallery calls, and Four Friends Grant eligibility.
• Business pARTnerships MCA's corporate sponsorship and partnership program with five tiers: Platinum+ ($2,500+), Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500), Bronze ($250), and Standard ($100). Business partners receive recognition throughout the year as MCA Business pARTners, including logo placement on MCA's website and event materials.
• Buy a Brick Campaign A commemorative brick campaign where donors contribute $100 to receive an engraved brick installed in the courtyard at The Brick. The courtyard features a selfie mural by local artist Justin Alsedek and a water feature. Bricks can be used to honor loved ones, memorialize events, or celebrate the arts and community.
• Ocala Metro Art Scene A comprehensive online arts and culture calendar and community platform for Marion County, hosted at ocalametroartscene.com. The platform provides event listings, a Creative Talent Directory, and serves as the primary community arts calendar for Ocala/Marion County. MCA's artist members receive free posting of events on the platform.
• Gallery Events & Workshops MCA's calendar of gallery events including workshops, artist talks, community celebrations, Spoken Word Ocala (monthly open mic nights held first Fridays in the courtyard from 6–8 PM, free admission), and CELEBRATION Community Paint Days associated with the Horse Fever 25th anniversary.
• Volunteer Program MCA's volunteer program with opportunities in events, gallery operations, clerical/admin work, gift shop support, and marketing. The program rewards volunteers with free gallery admission (15+ hours), shop discounts (25+ hours), priority access at Art in the Attic (40+ hours), and free MCA yearly membership (50+ hours).

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $635,000 awarded to 42+ nonprofits supporting 135+ initiatives impacting 385,000+ individuals
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Duke EnergycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Primary sponsor of MCA Arts Awards since inception in 2016. Annual support powers recognition of Vision, Arts Education, and Service awards. Duke Energy logo featured on all award materials.
• Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Founding partner for Horse Fever public art project. Collaboration began in 2001 to create life-sized painted horse sculptures celebrating Ocala's equestrian heritage. FTBOA contributed to raising over $1.5 million for arts and local charities. Continued partnership for 25th anniversary TRIBUTE 25 raffle.
• Marion Senior ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Art of Aging exhibition partnership showcasing artwork by local artists ages 55+. Partnership highlights power of creativity to support healthy aging and enrich lives at every age.
• Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion exhibition celebrating the bond between humans and companion animals.
• Robert Boissoneault Oncology InstitutesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for Art of Aging exhibition and Block pARTy 2026. Supports senior arts programming and community cultural events.
• Joan Pletcher Real Estate NetworkcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Sponsor for Applaud the Arts 25th Anniversary Gala. Platinum-level Business pARTner supporting MCA signature events.
• Jenkins Subaru of OcalasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for Cats & Dogs: A Portrait of Devotion exhibition at The Brick.
• BJ TrophiessupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for MCA Arts Awards, providing recognition trophies for Vision, Arts Education, and Service award categories.
• Southstate BanksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerOpening Reception Sponsor for Art of Aging exhibition.
• Angie Lewis State FarmcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorArt in Business pARTner hosting rotating gallery exhibitions. Platinum Business pARTner. Custom horse sculpture commission completed.
• Reveille Wealth ManagementcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorArt in Business pARTner hosting rotating gallery exhibitions in workplace, showcasing works by regional artists.
• Megan BoonecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerActress and director who established Megan Boone Grants for Performing Arts with MCA, honoring Laurie D. Reeder and Nancy A. Atkinson. Annual contribution of $6,500 for theater and music education.
• WUFT (Artistry in Motion)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreater Good Series partnership with Community Arts Organizations in Alachua and Marion Counties. Artistry in Motion program showcases AIM artists.
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerArt in Public Buildings Project at FDOT Ocala facility. MCA hosting information sessions for artists to submit artwork for public art installation opportunities.
• College of Central FloridasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHorse Fever 20/20 sponsor and recipient of Sunny Daze horse sculpture. Educational partnership supporting arts programming.
• Amazon SmilesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMCA designated as charity on Amazon Smile program. Shoppers can support MCA with 0.5% of eligible purchases.
• Network for GoodsupportingTechnology or IntegrationFundraising and data management software platform used for online donations, memberships, and event registrations.
• Brick City DigitalsupportingTechnology or IntegrationWebsite development partner maintaining mcaocala.org digital presence.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Ocala Civic Theatre: Community theatre serving Marion County and a recent MCA Cultural Grant recipient. Operates within the same local arts ecosystem that MCA convenes and supports.
• Dance Alive National Ballet: Marion County-based professional ballet company and MCA Cultural Grant recipient. Part of MCA's local arts ecosystem and recent grant beneficiary.
• Ocala Symphony Orchestra: Marion County-based performing arts organization and MCA Cultural Grant recipient. Operates within MCA's beneficiary ecosystem and shares the same donor and audience base.
• Appleton Museum of Art (College of Central Florida): Art museum located in Ocala and a recent MCA Cultural Grant recipient. Operates in the same geography with overlapping mission around visual arts exhibition and education.
• Alachua County Arts Council: Arts council serving Alachua County (Gainesville area) with grant programs and artist support. Neighboring Florida county with parallel community arts mission and already a programmatic partner via WUFT's Artistry in Motion.

Direct peers

• Arts Council of Hillsborough County: Local arts council providing grants, programs, and public art initiatives in Hillsborough County. Similar structure to MCA in serving a single Florida county through grantmaking and events.
• Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville: Local arts agency providing grants, advocacy, and cultural programming in the Jacksonville region. Comparable grantmaking and community engagement model to MCA.
• United Arts of Central Florida: Regional nonprofit arts agency serving Central Florida counties through grantmaking, advocacy, and arts programming. Direct comparable in mission, funding model, and community arts council structure.
• Brevard Cultural Alliance: Florida-based local arts agency providing grants, advocacy, and cultural programming in Brevard County. Directly comparable structure, mission, and funding model to MCA.
• Creative Pinellas: Local arts agency supporting arts and culture in Pinellas County, Florida. Comparable county-level nonprofit arts council structure with grantmaking and community programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MCAocala
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCRNuY-U9nKF7_zAUQ8n_J5g
• Facebookfacebook.com/mcaocala
• Instagraminstagram.com/mcaocala
• TikToktiktok.com/@mcaocala

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Marion Cultural Alliance