Creative Partners is an initiative launched in January of this year to bring innovative artistic collaborations between non-profit organizations and artistic corporations with artistic talent. Launched by renowned grant-maker The National Philatelic Foundation, Creative Partners is a comprehensive collaborative effort to offer creative non-profit leadership, technical know-how, and management expertise to artistic corporations that seek artistic collaborations with non-profits. This effort seeks to support creative artists who have exceptional talents and who, in collaboration with non-profits, present unique visual presentations that enhance the organization's cause. Additionally, Agency supports artistic endeavors that produce knowledge that enhances service to the public, sharpen strategic thinking about art promotion, and create artistic impact at a community level. In short, Creative Partners is committed to supporting artistic endeavors that are not only financially rewarding but which also create meaningful contributions to the communities in which they occur.

As part of this initiative, creative partners pool their resources to support non-profit organizations in the areas of technical know-how, management assistance, and creative ideas. Creative Partnership recognizes that the relationship between artistic corporations and non-profits will be mutually beneficial. Non-profit organizations will build on the creative ideas provided by creative partners, develop those ideas into artistic productions, and use that production to generate greater impact in the communities in which they occur. At the same time, creative partnerships will share revenues with the non-profit organization on an ongoing basis.

In order for creative partnership projects to be successful, there are several basic strategies that must be employed. The first strategy is to ensure that each partner has a strong ownership interest in the production of the other partner's work. For example, if an organization is interested in assisting a local arts organization develop a programming idea, it is important that the artistic production itself reflect the organization's mission and vision. Likewise, an organization that is seeking to expand its capacity to serve the needs of underserved populations should take input from the creative partners on how that project can benefit those populations. Similarly, when looking to expand the creative output of an existing firm, one partner may need to look at ways in which the firm can use its technological expertise to take advantage of innovative technology to expand capacity or increase customer interest.

Agency that often works when working with creatives is to offer "creative services minus the cost." This may include working with companies on a contractual basis to produce innovative services, as well as offering training sessions to creatives on how to best use social media to enhance their ability to produce creative services. For example, a web development firm may take on the role of creating and managing a blog, while a graphic design firm could offer training classes on how to use Adobe Photoshop.

A third strategy for engaging creative partners is to offer assistance where needed. Often times, when two creative partners come together and develop a joint venture, each party is free to pursue their own interests without having to answer to the other partner. This can be beneficial to both sides, as the company develops a product or service that it can promote while the other party develops a solution or product to sell. In some cases, companies find that offering assistance with an idea helps to give them time to think about how to develop it further, and to test market it without having to rely on the assistance of creatives who already know how to do the job. Sometimes the company can help its creatives by providing the infrastructure, such as office space and a marketing budget.

When creating strategic alliances, it is helpful to remember that a creative partnership isn't just about business. Creative relationships are also about creativity. As such, it is important that a creative partner feels free to ask for help and that they trust that the other partner will return the favor when they need it. When establishing creative relationships, it is important to note that it is helpful to choose partners who have a similar vision, but it is equally important for the partnership to be able to adapt to changing times.

Agency is also beneficial to keep in mind that some creative teams feel like they are more like a family than a partnership. When this happens, the relationship can become strained if one party decides that they're done working together. The creative team may need to decide what they want to achieve, and how they intend to get there. In order for a creative partnership to work effectively, everyone involved must be willing to change, adapt, and take risks. However, a creative team that does not engage is less likely to meet its goals, and can even make the mission of the company moot.

Establishing a creative partnership takes time, effort, and dedication on the part of both parties. However, once an agreement has been established, it is very effective at allowing a business to grow while benefiting from the skills of others. Both parties receive a great creative partner, and everyone involved is happier because of the successful partnership.