No one is arguing against the former. Certainly not me. All I'm asking is how is your nonprofit arts organization disproving the latter? There will be naysayers from now until the end of time. “You can’t make art and keep greedy bastards from burning up the planet.” “You can’t measure art; there are no tangible metrics.” “You can’t prevent or stop a war with art.” … [Read more...] about For the Thousandth Time, Art is Essential. Arts Organizations Are Not.
Nonprofit Management
Stop Asking the Wrong Questions: How is the Advisory Board for the Arts Killing the Industry?
Well, maybe “killing” is too strong. But the survey they just asked nonprofit arts leaders to complete proves that they really, really, really don’t get it. When we’ve had years of a rusted-out, wheels-coming-off eschewing of charity among our charitable arts institutions, this brand of irresponsible data gathering continues to ask the wrong questions. Why is this … [Read more...] about Stop Asking the Wrong Questions: How is the Advisory Board for the Arts Killing the Industry?
Doing the Right Thing With Nonprofit Arts Organizations: “Like Walking in High Heels Through Meat”
What do you do when you have the answer, an answer that’s proven, and it doesn’t gibe with institutional, failing inertia? Some procrastinators don’t know that they procrastinate. Some do, and use it to wield power within their systems. Little Donny Dingdong, convicted of 34 felonies so far, vacillates between quick action (when he wants money or paranoically wreaks … [Read more...] about Doing the Right Thing With Nonprofit Arts Organizations: “Like Walking in High Heels Through Meat”
“Dog on a Cold Stone Floor,” or When Nonprofit Arts Organizations Obsess About the Art More Than the People
Art is a universal good. No argument. Nonprofit arts organizations are not art, and therefore are not a universal good. No argument there, either. “But Alan,” said the guy, “what do you have against art? It’s a public good. Hell, it’s a universal good. It requires funding. It deserves to be funded. Why do you tell all these arts leaders that they aren’t worth funding, … [Read more...] about “Dog on a Cold Stone Floor,” or When Nonprofit Arts Organizations Obsess About the Art More Than the People
You’re Not Still Planning an Arts Season From YOUR Perspective, Are You?
Are you still looking at plays and symphonies and exhibits as your starting point? A reasonable approach in 1976. Big mistake in 2026. As an arts leader, one running an arts organization, how do you start putting together your season? It’s March, after all, and your marketing people want you to have something to tell the press shortly, right? Do you do what leaders … [Read more...] about You’re Not Still Planning an Arts Season From YOUR Perspective, Are You?