Definitions are important to me. That's probably a reflection of my former life as an academic. (Or, I suppose, it could be why I was an academic.) They've also become critical to my work as an advocate for community engagement. I have presented numerous attempts at defining things like audience development, audience engagement, community engagement, and arts-based community development for the purpose of clarifying each and, more importantly, … [Read more...]
ABCD and Community Engagement
For those who have been fostering connections between art and communities for years, the term Arts-Based Community Development is well known and, while not a perfect expression of the work, one that is immediately recognizable and understood in the field. It is a work for which I have nothing but admiration, regardless of what it's called. I'm a firm supporter of it. I would even go so far as to say that the work that arts organizations produce … [Read more...]
Library Lessons
A July article in the New York Times (Adding Classes and Content, Resurgent Libraries Turn a Whisper Into a Roar) told of the resurgence of libraries in New York City. Many readers might focus on the following paragraph: In the 2016 fiscal year [New York City] libraries received $360 million for operating costs, $33 million more than the year before — the largest increase in recent times. For the 2017 fiscal year, which began on Friday, city … [Read more...]
Fifth Anniversary Highlights: Transformative Engagement
During the month of August, Engaging Matters is republishing some of the most widely read articles from the five years this blog has been in existence. In a post from last December (Transformative Engagement), I introduced a new stage in my thinking about engagement. Engagement is a funny word. Among other things, we have to consider who is engaging with whom toward what end. Ultimately, though, if the work does not lead to some change in the … [Read more...]
Fifth Anniversary Highlights: The “Pandering” Straw Man
During the month of August, Engaging Matters is republishing some of the most widely read articles from the five years this blog has been in existence. The criticism that community engagement is "just giving people what they want" is, in some circles, as pervasive as it is maddening. A February 2014 post, The "Pandering" Straw Man addressed that issue. This post is not part of a series, so it may seem a bit out of context. I’ve addressed the … [Read more...]
Fifth Anniversary Highlights: Considering Whiteness
During the month of August, Engaging Matters is republishing some of the most widely read articles from the five years this blog has been in existence. One of the most pressing issues facing the future of the nonprofit arts industry is the role of race and culture in our work. Guest posts by Roberto Bedoya (Considering Whiteness, copied below, and The White Racial Frame) are important and have been widely read. My own response to his challenge … [Read more...]
Fifth Anniversary Highlights: Art for Art’s Sake?
During the month of August, Engaging Matters is republishing some of the most widely read articles from the five years this blog has been in existence. Several times I have suggested it’s necessary to understand that some of our internal, somewhat coded language is off-putting to the world beyond our inner circles. “Arts for arts sake” is one example. Art for Art’s Sake? There’s No Such Thing (from early in 2012 and copied below) attempts to … [Read more...]
Responding to Pain
Communities are hurting. African-American. Other communities of color. Their allies. Law enforcement. You don't need to be particularly "tuned in" to know this. What is your arts organization doing in response? The answer to this question is a powerful indicator (forgive me: "metric") of the depth and quality of institutional commitment to and capacity for engagement. "Nothing" may indicate an assumption (even an unconscious one) that arts … [Read more...]
What Can Be Left Out
Last time I commented on an experience I'd had at the Charlotte Jazz Festival. (What You Can Leave Out) I observed a pianist doubling on harmonica who on one occasion had considerable difficulty getting the harmonica out of his hand so he could get both hands on the piano part. While extricating himself from the harmonica he did what all good jazz pianists do, played the essential notes with his other hand until both were available. This is not … [Read more...]
Making Friends
It has been over a year since I found an excuse to write about Nala (our dog). (Art and Puppies) The time to do so again has come. Recently I was walking her and saw a woman eye us and back away. As we passed she said, almost apologetically, "I'm afraid of dogs." I could have explained to her that Nala is a sweetheart who just wants to be loved and to love everybody, but as we passed I simply said, "I understand." This raised two thoughts that … [Read more...]