Arts administrators worry. We worry about cash flow. We worry about achieving and sustaining consensus. We worry about attracting and retaining quality staff team. We worry about logistics. We worry about outstanding grant applications and whether last year's donors will continue their support this year. We worry about deadlines and opening nights. We worry about why ticket sales are underperforming budget expectations. We worry about … [Read more...]
A Small Detail, A Big Idea & Why You Should Care
Let's marvel at a small detail that reveals a big idea... Here's the opening sentence of a just-received press release from the City of Mesa (AZ)... Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. (NYSE: SC, “Santander Consumer USA”), a consumer finance company focused on vehicle finance, third-party servicing and delivering superior service to more than 2.5 million customers across the full credit spectrum, announced it will expand its operations to … [Read more...]
What is Audience Engagement? (Part 3)
This is SUCH a great thought-provoking conversation, I'm thrilled for it to continue… Again, delighted (and grateful) to share the wisdom of respected friends and colleagues on the question: What is the meaning of the word “engagement”? And how does an arts organization know if it is succeeding? ————- Bob Booker – Executive Director of the Arizona Commission on the Arts When two people make a statement of love, support, and promise to … [Read more...]
What is Audience Engagement? (Part 2)
It’s commonplace to talk about the need for “audience engagement” – but what does the term actually mean? Let's pick up from yesterday's discussion... Here again, I’m delighted (and grateful) to offer the insights of respected friends and colleagues on this question: What is the meaning of the word “engagement”? And how does an arts organization know if it is succeeding? ————- Doug McLennan - Founder & Editor of … [Read more...]
The Immorality of a Broken Business Model
I no longer eat beef. It was a decision inspired by listening to Meat Week on NPR's Morning Edition in the summer of 2012. I imagine that the series was intended to whet the nation's appetite for summer grilling season, yet somehow I emerged from the experience with the precise opposite result. As the entire process of producing beef was illuminated, I concluded that I no longer wished to be a consumer of that product. So, you'll understand … [Read more...]