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...]
Gard Foundation Symposium at Wingspread
As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Robert Gard's Arts in the Small Community, the Robert E. Gard Foundation, along with the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread and the Wisconsin Arts Board, is sponsoring a gathering of thought leaders in arts-based community development (and related fields) at the Wingspread Conference Center in Wisconsin September 7-9. While due to the size of the Wingspread facilities this is … [Read more...]
Are You Getting Enough Bang for Your Buck?
by Zannie Voss Director, National Center for Arts Research This post is part of a series in conjunction with TRG Arts on developing relationships with both new communities and existing stakeholders through artistic programming, marketing and fundraising, community engagement and public policy. (Cross-post can be found at Analysis from TRG Arts.) In the National Center for Arts Research’s Edition 3 report on the health of the U.S. arts and … [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...]
Cultural Equity
On May 23 Americans for the Arts released its new Statement on Cultural Equity. Before going any further, let me acknowledge that I'm a white guy of a certain age and have no expertise to comment on it. Nevertheless, I'm vitally interested in this. My interest is based on 1) a deep personal conviction about the issue and 2) an awareness that without embracing substantive steps toward equity and making real changes as a result the nonprofit arts … [Read more...]
Artists and Relationship Building
by Laura Zabel This post is part of a series in conjunction with TRG Arts on developing relationships with both new communities and existing stakeholders through artistic programming, marketing and fundraising, community engagement and public policy. (Cross-post can be found at Analysis from TRG Arts.) There is a lot of work right now on building demand, value and interest in the contributions of art and artists to places, social change, … [Read more...]
New vs. Existing: A Time for Every Patron
by Chad Bauman This post is part of a series in conjunction with TRG Arts on developing relationships with both new communities and existing stakeholders through artistic programming, marketing and fundraising, community engagement and public policy. (Cross-post can be found at Analysis from TRG Arts.) As a chief marketing officer, consultant and now managing director, I’ve participated in my fair share of marketing committee meetings. One of … [Read more...]
“The Work Will Do the Work” ??
by Chris McLeod This post is part of a series in conjunction with TRG Arts on developing relationships with both new communities and existing stakeholders through artistic programming, marketing and fundraising, community engagement, and public policy. (Cross-post can be found at Analysis from TRG Arts.) “The work will do the work.” Wait. Not so fast. As a strategic arts marketing consultant I spend a lot of time speaking with (and … [Read more...]
Relationships and Public Policy
by Karen Gahl-Mills This post is part of a series in conjunction with TRG Arts on developing relationships with both new communities and existing stakeholders through artistic programming, marketing and fundraising, community engagement, and public policy. (Cross-post can be found at Analysis from TRG Arts.) I had an interesting conversation with a smart colleague today, on the topic of the role of cultural organizations in civic affairs. We … [Read more...]