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...]
Leadership in Arts — Part 1
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...]
The L3C: Innovation or Gimmick?
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...]
Will Internet Art Displace Tradition?
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...]

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Tom Aageson on Arts Entrepreneurship — Student Work
Jim...this is a terrific initiative....it reminds me of Paducah's work to restore housing stock with artists as well as ArtSpace.org....Tom Aageson on New Degree Program
This academic track is very important as ground work for the world of cultural and creative enterprise. While the...Dominick Balletta on Arts Entrepreneurship Degree
A vital need for these entrepeneurs is the ability to assess exactly what they want to do and what are...Mark Pomerantz on New Degree Program
Any objecting to reprinting this in the USASBE (www.usasbe.org) newsletter? USASBE is the academic organization of entrepreneurship educators.Lori Hager on New Degree Program
Great conversation. There have been many arts entrepreneurship programs emerging in the last couple of years. It is...Debbie on New Degree Program
I would argue for the need to have more-indepth accounting and law classes given that start-ups may not have the...John R. Jackson on New Degree Program
Dear Vicci, Excellent point and I hope it is strongly considered. I am the Executive Director of Arts High Foundation...Tamiko Terada on New Degree Program
I am a current MFA student in the Arts Leadership program at Seattle University. It has similar objectives to...Vicci Johnson on New Degree Program
Hey Folks, consider a different angle. ...John Brown on New Degree Program
I'd advise a look at Chicago Shakespeare Theater's program with The Theatre School /DePaul -- not for its curriculum, but...