In this excerpt from "The Case for Cultural Fluency," Mikel Ellcessor introduces the concept of Cultural Fluency as it can be applied by arts and culture leaders. You can read and download his full white paper here. It’s déjà vu all over again. Picture this: you are in a meeting and you have been in this meeting many times. After another detailed mapping of the problem, someone takes a stab at a solution and says it: “We have to move beyond the current audience and into new audiences and communities.” This feels like success, right? … [Read more...]
Guthrie Theater’s debt to women and diversity
Do nonprofit cultural organizations have a particular responsibility to reach into and represent all parts of the community? Does the benefit of nonprofit status require us to take more risks than commercial theatre? A recent article explores the Minneapolis community’s reaction to the lack of diversity in a local theatre’s upcoming season. While this piece focuses on the choices of one artistic director, other leaders in the field have also argued that not all organizations should feel obligated to be diverse. On the other hand, leadership … [Read more...]
What Is the Real Function of an Arts Organization?
In this Urbanophile post, Aaron Renn questions some cities' decisions to fund large arts complexes but not the art taking place inside those walls. Renn gives interesting examples of both cities that are defined by their buildings and those known for their arts. I'm very interested to hear your thoughts on this one. The Urbanophile » Blog Archive » What Is the Real Function of an Arts Organization?. … [Read more...]
Video: Diane Ragsdale on Surviving the Cultural Change (Version 4.0)
This video is of Diane Ragsdale's keynote "Surviving the Cultural Change (Version 4.0)" at the Arts Alliance Illinois Members' Meeting on June 21, 2010. In this speech she challenges arts organizations to adapt to the cultural changes that have been taking place. Which of Diane's suggestions resonate with you? What are you doing (or going to do) to adapt to the cultural changes taking place? Watch Diane Ragsdale on Surviving the Cultural Change (Version 4.0). … [Read more...]
Barry’s Blog: OUR BUSINESS MODEL IS OUTDATED AND HARMING US
A thought provoking article on business structure. Barry's Blog: OUR BUSINESS MODEL IS OUTDATED AND HARMING US. … [Read more...]