It's commonplace to talk about the need for "audience engagement" - but what does the term actually mean? And how does an arts/cultural organization know if its succeeding? Perhaps it's an intentionally amorphous concept - akin to Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart's famous characterization of the nature of pornography: “I know it when I see it.” Or perhaps it's best considered an aspirational notion - sacred words etched into mission … [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...]
It’s the Experience, Stupid
"Why don't more people attend?" Is it because we don't have a large enough advertising budget - a more compelling social media presence - a better PR angle - an updated logo - enough telemarketing staff - or a more sophisticated database? Is it that we serve uneducated and unenlightened communities - that a lack of arts education leaves a market of just older, educated & affluent participants - there's so much competition from other … [Read more...]
A Beautiful Ritual
A simple observation from the proceedings of the FIFA World Cup: Upon entering the stadium, each team is accompanied by a phalanx of children - each holding hands with a player. It's a beautiful ritual. To the child, it's a beautiful opportunity to stand upon one of the greatest of world stages and feel the energy as some of the world's most elite athletes prepare to perform at the highest of levels. I don't know how they're selected, or … [Read more...]
Speaking, Writing and a little Arts Marketing Haiku
I can rub my tummy and pat my head. I always thought that the list of things I can do simultaneously was vast. Chew gum and walk? Yes. Watch Netflix on my iPhone while jogging on the treadmill at the gym? Sure did - for the entire administration of Jed Bartlet, no less! Play a round of Facebook Scrabble while doing just about anything else (except DRIVING, of course) - Absolutely! So, I was shocked and dismayed to discover that I do not … [Read more...]
In Favor of Genetically Modified Organizations
I prefer my vegetables in their 100% organic state. I don't feel the same way about non-profit arts & cultural organizations. There is nothing sacred about the business model and (dare I say it?) the artistic mission of any arts and cultural organization. That doesn't mean that an organization shouldn't stand for anything. Nor would I argue that it's healthy for an organization's business model or artistic mission to fluctuate all … [Read more...]
How You View the Pie
Do you proceed from the premise that the “pie” is of a set size and we are all competing for a slice – or that the pie is expandable and we all stand to win by creating the means for it to grow. For arts & cultural organization leaders responsible for building audiences, here's a quick test to see if what you BELIEVE is consistent with how you BEHAVE: In the past 7 days, what % of your resources (i.e. budget, time & attention) have … [Read more...]
Not Just Bad for Business
Though I love my home state, these are not proud days to be an Arizona resident. I'm talking, of course, about Senate Bill 1062, the so-called "right-to-refuse-service" legislation that has recently passed our State Senate and House of Representatives - and is currently awaiting the sign/veto decision of Governor Jan Brewer. Over the past few days, there's been an impressive roll call of leaders of business, tourism, economic development, … [Read more...]
The Great Hibernation is Over
Economists appear to have concluded that the "Great Recession" that began in December, 2007 officially ended in June, 2009. So, what shall we in the arts & cultural sector call the pro-longed period of hunkered-down existence that we've endured ever since? For more than six years, we've persevered in the face of withered philanthropy, slashed public funding, preempted corporate sponsorship and the contraction of consumer spending. We - our … [Read more...]
“Erosion of Arts Participation” is the WRONG Headline
As a child, one of my favorite picture books* told the story of six field mice that visit a barn. At the end of the day, they are completely unable to reconcile what they have observed (a cow) because each has seen it from a different perspective - left side, front, bottom, right side, back & top. The story comes to mind as I've downloaded the just-published National Endowment for the Arts' 2012 Survey of Public Participation in the … [Read more...]