Benjamin Disraeli might have been referring to the latest irrelevant data on the economic power of the arts in 2021. [Jeez Louise. Why do they make me have to write this?] Let’s start with a basic question. What constitutes relevant data? If you’re really hungry and you find yourself in an apple orchard, which one of these points is the most relevant to you? If … [Read more...] about “Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics” – Another Bad Research Project About the Arts Leads to Worse Conclusions
Change
Changing the Way Nonprofit Arts Organizations Do Business is Hard. Aw.
No, you don’t get to mount that show you’ve always wanted to do. Artistic leaders with nonprofit organizations are notorious for wanting to do “that show” that no one has yet done well. Or do an exhibition of “that artist” whose work was never appreciated before they rediscovered it. Or that lost symphony by Whatshisname. On behalf of your community, the one you pledged … [Read more...] about Changing the Way Nonprofit Arts Organizations Do Business is Hard. Aw.
Protests, Marches, and the Nonprofit Arts Industry: How Change Happens Is Circumstantial
So, just change the circumstances. In this first article for 2023, let’s discuss how change happens. Real change. Decisive change. Permanent change. For better or worse. Change is essential to the betterment of the planet, continent, country, state, city, neighborhood, community. Without disequilibrium, we have stasis. And stasis is only good for those on the top of the … [Read more...] about Protests, Marches, and the Nonprofit Arts Industry: How Change Happens Is Circumstantial
Isolation: Nonprofit Arts Organizations, Can You Help With That?
The “Phantom Effect,” family and friends, and a wish for 2023 for my fellow arts people The year is coming to an end. It seems that every year’s end, I feel sadder and sadder because we as the people of the United States always insist on taking two steps forward, three steps back, four steps sideways, and then get crushed by the old Monty Python 16-ton … [Read more...] about Isolation: Nonprofit Arts Organizations, Can You Help With That?
That Moment When Impolitic Damage Impairs Your Influence
Guilty, as charged. Snark and sarcasm are very powerful, passive-aggressive tools to show how supremely intelligent, talented, and attractive you are. (See what I did there?) It doesn’t translate well to the page, as I am well aware. You have to point out the mockery, else a reader may take it as an actual feeling. I should know, because I’ve done it too many times … [Read more...] about That Moment When Impolitic Damage Impairs Your Influence