I’ve been having a lot of conversations lately about metrics and measurement in the arts — the various ways we look for evidence that we’re making progress on mission, or making a difference in some area of our community. And for many I speak with, metrics are a matter of concern and frustration: Why must […]

If you’re curious about the prospects of the Low-Profit Limited Liability Company (L3C) business entity for arts and cultural enterprise, and you’re in or near New York on November 16, then get thee to Columbia University between 2:00 and 6:00 pm. I’ll be moderating an afternoon symposium on that very topic featuring many of the […]

During the public forum I helped coordinate last week with my American University colleagues and the National Endowment for the Arts (archived video available here), panelist Shahin Shikhaliyev said something that grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go.

For many reasons, the questions of ‘audience engagement’ have been simmering in my head in recent weeks. For one, I’m working on a project on that very topic, as an advising consultant to AMS Planning & Research for TCG’s Audience (R)Evolution initiative. For another, I’m prepping for this Thursday’s ‘How Art Works’ public forum with the […]

If you have an interest in getting money given to you by strangers, you might be equally interested to know that September 15 is Free Money Day (via GOOD). So, on Saturday of this week, you will find individuals standing on street corners not ASKING for change, but giving it out. And if you’re so inclined, […]

On Thursday, September 20, from 2:00- 5:30 pm Eastern Time, I’m thrilled to be coordinating a public forum at American University alongside my brilliant Arts Management colleagues. The subject is the tiny question of “How Art Works” to impact the lives of individuals, communities, and society.

Nobel prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman knows a bit about happiness. And his research suggests that we’re easily confused about what will make us happy. Kahneman calls this the ‘focusing illusion,’ which leads us to overemphasize a whole series of factors that might make us happy, while ignoring the factors that really matter

As a counterpoint and antidote to my post yesterday on the dark and difficult side of creative placemaking, I felt compelled to share the bold and brighter side. From the astounding mind, mission, and vision of Robert E. Gard in 1969

KCRW’s ‘The Business’ offers a fascinating conversation (beginning at 22:44) on the more complex and nuanced aspects of ‘creative placemaking,’ challenging the assumption that it’s always good for everyone. The place, in this case, is Rabun County, Georgia, where the movie Deliverance was filmed 40 years ago.