A new online network, artAngels plans to create a new way to support the Bay Area's local artists. artAngels intends to become an online charity hub where arts supporters can learn about and contribute to organizations. On the Website, art patrons can find detailed descriptions of organizations from all major art forms including music, film, dance, theatre, visual arts and the literary arts. The Website lets visitors locate organizations by name or by art form.

Free to registered arts organizations, the password-protected system permits updates to the organization's information, work and accomplishments. Each organization's profile includes a "WishList" describing what the organization needs, such as volunteers, computers, and rehearsal space or office space. Website visitors are invited to sign up to be an "art angel" and lend time or expertise to organizations that need assistance.

Founder Cate Riegner won a $50,000 award from Absolut/Seagram's "Absolut Angel" contest in 2000 for her idea to bring art and technology together to further the development and appreciation of the arts. "We want to be Angels for artist," says Arch Angel Cate Riegner. "In this period of tremendous social and economic change, we hope to inspire other Angels to join us in strengthening this community."

Richard Newirth, director of cultural affairs for San Francisco says "artAngels benefits the arts community by providing a site that links art patrons to the arts groups they care about. I think that artAngels offers great service to the arts community by creating a new way to support our cultural organizations."

artAngels, a registered nonprofit, is dedicated to creating an engaging, secure and convenient setting where patrons can access artists and art organizations to guide their giving. The organization intends to expand over the next three years building online communities in other cities around the United States.