In my most recent post I spoke to the problems created by managing directors (CEO's, presidents, executive directors) of performing arts organizations being increasingly asked to make artistic, mission-related decisions as they increasingly move away from their own artistic expertise and acuity.  This is a distinct problem that must be addressed.  For one, simply recognizing that people in these roles are by necessity making artistic decisions, would help.  Currently this function is purposely ignored, so as to maintain the … [Read more...]

In my recent research into organizational structures, one of the most curious elements I found was how leadership positions change in relation to organizational size.  As organizations move from small to large, their CEO's tend to possess less direct arts experience.  Immediate reflection on this datum elicits an obvious response: of course! The demands of the job become so intense as to preclude growth and involvement in the art form itself (and that this is understandable and okay). Is it okay?  How does this happen?  In … [Read more...]

There's a lot of talk in the NFP arts and culture worlds about this new hybrid organizational model, the L3C.  First, here is a brave attempt at a definition of it. Quoting and paraphrasing Emily Chan of the Nonprofit Law Blog, "The low-profit, limited liability company, or L3C, is a hybrid of a nonprofit and for-profit organization.  More specifically, it is a new type of limited liability company (LLC) designed to attract private investments and philanthropic capital in ventures designated to provide a social benefit.  Unlike … [Read more...]

The National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA) Survey of Public Participation in the Arts shows clearly that adults are accessing the Internet for a significant portion of their arts experiences. The Survey summary lists that approximately 30% of adults are accessing the Internet on a regular basis.  If you have not checked out this survey, the summary is available at (www.arts.gov/research/NEA-SPPA-brochure.pdf).  What I find particularly interesting in the changing nature of artistic participation is the desire for  participants to … [Read more...]