Last April, I wrote here about the results of the State of the Sector survey by the Nonprofit Finance Fund, which disclosed worrisome figures about the art sector. For example, the vast majority — 65% — of the 417 arts groups that participated in the survey had less than three months’ cash on hand.
This year, the NFF would like to gain a broader, more accurate picture of the non-profit sector, and though I have never made a request of readers like this, I’ve agreed to help with the outreach by posting about it. I’m doing it because, as regular readers know, I frequently advocate for better statistics in the arts world.
So, if you are in a top position responsible for your organization’s finances — or can call this survey to the attention of whoever is – here’s the link to the 2011 survey. The deadling is Feb. 15. To refresh your memory, the NFF is a community development financial institution that makes loans to non-profits.
Actually, there’s a little news on another statistics front. At their just-ended meeting, members of the Association of Art Museum Directors agreed “to develop an improved and expanded data collection and analysis tool for members in recognition of the importance of data for internal and external audiences. The second phase of this project will look at ways for sharing this information with the public.”
I should declare victory, but I’ll await the time when the better information is shared (should I still be writing this blog).
The AAMD agreed to a few other things at their meeting, including new guidelines for the use of digital images (to be published shortly), a commitment to “constructive dialog” with institutions contemplating deaccessioning for purposes outside the scope of currently permitted uses, and some revisions to the professional practices guidelines (also to be published soon). Read more, in a press release, here.