How do you determine the difference between your company’s suspected real issues and the actual real issues? What happens when you’re wrong? Presenting problem: Our nonprofit arts organization is broke. Real problem: Our nonprofit arts organization chooses to continue to provide art and nothing more, believing that the production of our version of art is a universal … [Read more...] about The Present “Presenting Problem” Problem Presents Problems for Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Leadership
Ren Faires vs Basements: How Risky Is Nonprofit Art When No One Dies If You Fail?
I’ve had this completely wacky, unfounded theory of the production of art on a stage. It’s called, for lack of a better name, “Ren Faire vs Basement.” The theory goes that “Ren Faire” art (art presented at a Renaissance Faire, Fringe Festival, or by buskers, improv groups, and standups) uses approximately the same process during respective creations. The key is: they don’t … [Read more...] about Ren Faires vs Basements: How Risky Is Nonprofit Art When No One Dies If You Fail?
If Your Nonprofit Arts Organization’s Audience Is Comprised Solely of Ticket Buyers, You Missed the Point, the Boat, and Your Chance
Have you stuck by your audience? Are you stuck with your audience? Would you like to get unstuck? Subscriptions are dead. Subscriptions are not dead. Frequent buying of tickets is a pipe dream. Frequency is occurring at nonprofit arts organizations that aren’t yours. Ticketbuyers are old, want to be entertained, and dying off. Ticketbuyers are old, want to be … [Read more...] about If Your Nonprofit Arts Organization’s Audience Is Comprised Solely of Ticket Buyers, You Missed the Point, the Boat, and Your Chance
Nonprofit Arts Organizations: Sometimes, Old Trees Die, Too
With all the finger pointing and desperation, it’s important to remember that senescence changes everything, including your desperate nonprofit arts organization. This isn’t about trees. Did you know that ginkgo biloba trees can live to be 5,000 years old? After sifting through all the latest harangues, arguments, and blame pieces (including my own) about whose fault it … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Arts Organizations: Sometimes, Old Trees Die, Too
Yes, You Do Have to Show Your Nonprofit Tax Returns to Anyone Who Asks, No Matter What.
Anyone. Without questions or delay. But you knew that already. Right? Money makes people nervous. Especially tax records. It is no different in the nonprofit arts world now as it was for Al Capone, who was finally imprisoned for tax evasion. I understand the notion of keeping your finances under wraps. But you can’t, both literally and strategically. Literally, you … [Read more...] about Yes, You Do Have to Show Your Nonprofit Tax Returns to Anyone Who Asks, No Matter What.