Presenting art is not enough, at least if you’re running a nonprofit. Something has to be done or else the opportunity is lost forever. I was watching the 1953 version of War of the Worlds recently and it struck me that as time passes, the perspective on this particular story changes wildly. Secondly, and more importantly for the nonprofit arts industry, those perspective … [Read more...] about How Does Your Nonprofit Arts Organization Use History to Tangibly Make Things Better?
Freedom of Speech
Last of the Summer Whine
The seven attributes of a successful nonprofit arts organization. You gotta do all seven to win. Before I take off for a month, I thought I’d let you in on the secret to success for nonprofit arts organizations. Note how “raising money” is not among the things on the list. That’s a business practice, not an attribute of success. Of course you’ll have to raise money! That … [Read more...] about Last of the Summer Whine
This Just In: A New (and Unedited) Review for “SCENE CHANGE”
Many in the nonprofit arts sector will decry this manifesto as heresy, only validating its necessity. Harrison presents a radical new vision for nonprofit arts organizations in this nonfiction work. Drawing on his 30 years of experience in nonprofit theater, the author breaks down, in easy-to-understand language, the United States tax code and the ways in which … [Read more...] about This Just In: A New (and Unedited) Review for “SCENE CHANGE”
54 Percent and Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Sustainability is boring. It’s risk-averse. It asks you to improve your impact rather than win It’s a lousy way to run a ballclub. It’s the perfect way to run your arts organization. Back in October, just after the regular season ended for Major League Baseball (MLB) in the US, who said the following? “Nobody wants to hear the goal this year is, ‘We’re going to win 54 … [Read more...] about 54 Percent and Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Pulling at a Few Threads
Certitude has its drawbacks. Redemption might be a better idea. Especially for nonprofit arts folks. Happy New Year, 2024. May you be the year in which the fog lifts. May you be the year in which forgiveness and redemption replace cancellation and blacklisting. May you be the year in which grudges fade. And may you be the year in which disagreements don’t devolve into … [Read more...] about Pulling at a Few Threads