Forming a New Arts Organization

There are many ways of setting up an arts organization, and in fact becoming a 501c(3) isn't the only way to operate as a nonprofit, either. Hear from Larry Caster, Manager of Skilled Volunteer Services here at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and former attorney for Alcoa, Inc., provide answers to the frequently asked questions about how to set up and operate a sustainable art business.

Presenter Bio: Lawrence (Larry) Castner, Esq. is the Manager of Skilled Volunteer Services for the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. In this role, Larry manages both the Business Volunteers for the Arts and the Volunteer Lawyer for the Arts programs, matching skill-based volunteers with business and legal expertise with artists and arts groups. He has a track record of executing complex projects through mobilizing cross-functional teams, clarifying issues and advocating solutions. Larry is graduated from Dickinson College and from the Dickinson School of Law, both in Carlisle, PA. Larry got involved in the nonprofit sector following his retirement from Alcoa after almost 30 years. Larry began his career at Alcoa in the Legal Department of Alcoa where he provided legal advice to several business units as well as was the lead attorney on many acquisition, divestiture and joint venture projects. He was posted overseas by Alcoa to Alcoa of Australia as its General Counsel. After returning to the US, Larry ultimately moved into the Business Development Group at Alcoa for his final five years, including time spent as the head of Alcoa’s Business Development Group in Beijing. In addition to his work with the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, Larry is an active volunteer in the nonprofit sector, including serving as the President of the Board of the Sewickley Public Library, volunteering with the Executive Service Corps, Lawlinks and the BoardsWork! Progams at the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management where he leverages his legal, business development, and strategic planning expertise from his for profit career to help nonprofits. Larry also is a member of the Trip Leader Council with Venture Outdoors and can regularly be found leading trips for VO on local hiking and biking trails alongside his wife, Priscilla, and often accompanied by his two doodle dogs.