The seven attributes of a successful nonprofit arts organization. You gotta do all seven to win. Before I take off for a month, I thought I’d let you in on the secret to success for nonprofit arts organizations. Note how “raising money” is not among the things on the list. That’s a business practice, not an attribute of success. Of course you’ll have to raise money! That … [Read more...] about Last of the Summer Whine
Arts and Culture
“You Know, That Happened Before I Was Even Born.”
That’s your excuse? Really? I’m tired of hearing it. It’s a lazy excuse, a stupid response, and dangerously elitist nonsense. I talked to a reporter recently about a story I was putting together (it’s a doozy, but it’s going to take some time, so I’ll be taking time out this summer to work on it). He mentioned that he didn’t understand what was so important about it, in … [Read more...] about “You Know, That Happened Before I Was Even Born.”
Nonprofit Arts Leaders: Just Like the Overhead Myth, Ratios are Ridiculous
Plus: a bonus, non-hypothetical question for you! Now that the end of the fiscal year has passed, and while you're busy toting up the red ink and how you'll hide it from the board and your funders, let's all try not to make the same mistakes regarding your marketing budget for the coming year, okay? This one’s not for the marketing folks. They know what they’re doing. … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Arts Leaders: Just Like the Overhead Myth, Ratios are Ridiculous
This Just In: A New (and Unedited) Review for “SCENE CHANGE”
Many in the nonprofit arts sector will decry this manifesto as heresy, only validating its necessity. Harrison presents a radical new vision for nonprofit arts organizations in this nonfiction work. Drawing on his 30 years of experience in nonprofit theater, the author breaks down, in easy-to-understand language, the United States tax code and the ways in which … [Read more...] about This Just In: A New (and Unedited) Review for “SCENE CHANGE”
When the Money Keeps Rolling In, You Don’t Ask Why — Or Should You?
Cronyism is disgusting – and a way of life for large Seattle nonprofit arts organizations As we discussed last week, the Seattle nonprofit arts-mosphere is imploding and re-forming. Seattle Repertory Theatre is merging with Seattle Children’s Theatre. ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) is merging with the Seattle Shakespeare Company. These mergers appear to be strictly … [Read more...] about When the Money Keeps Rolling In, You Don’t Ask Why — Or Should You?