The Double Decker Arts Festival could not exist without the support of its sponsors, plain and simple. And this year, the festival has a first time presenting sponsor: the University Museum and Rowan Oak.

Robert Saarnio, the Director of the University Museum, says that the facility’s involvement came as a result of “the exceptional supportiveness and generosity on our behalf, of the university department of athletics and Athletic Director Ross Bjork.”

According to Saarnio, the Athletics Department and Bjork opted to underwrite the fee associated with the presenting sponsor level.

“For the Museum, this is an extraordinary case of university colleagues acting graciously on our behalf, and we are thrilled to have both the University Museum and Rowan Oak recognized in this manner,” Saarnio added. “Our gratitude to Ross and the athletics department is boundless.”

The museum director also said that having their name associated with Double Decker gives the museum and Faulkner’s old home the chance to talk about what they can offer the public.

“The high visibility that accompanies Double Decker presents a wonderful opportunity to share the word with event attendees that this Museum and our Faulkner site are unique places of art, culture and literary heritage right in the heart of our fantastic city,” Saarnio said. “Spreading the word about who we are and what we offer the public is the truly great benefit of our festival sponsor status.”