Well, maybe “killing” is too strong. But the survey they just asked nonprofit arts leaders to complete proves that they really, really, really don’t get it. When we’ve had years of a rusted-out, wheels-coming-off eschewing of charity among our charitable arts institutions, this brand of irresponsible data gathering continues to ask the wrong questions. Why is this … [Read more...] about Stop Asking the Wrong Questions: How is the Advisory Board for the Arts Killing the Industry?
Development and Fundraising
In Honour of Shakespeare’s Birthday, A Six-Minute, Five-Act Play
“What You Will Is What You Get,” in iambic pentameter Act 1. A board room at a prestigious company. Several board members are present before the meeting begins. BANKER I hear we learn the season’s plays anon, LAWYER Yet this year’s offerings did us but flop. Behooves us great to change the path we take Else we go belly up. WEALTHY … [Read more...] about In Honour of Shakespeare’s Birthday, A Six-Minute, Five-Act Play
Traditional News and Nonprofit Art: You’re No Longer in Charge. They Are.
Here’s another reason for nonprofit arts organizations to make that scene change toward charitable activities. What is “news?” I was in the process of researching communications and public relations strategies and came across an article written by the people at the Pew Research Center. The article, written by Kirsten Eddy, Katerina Eva Matsa, Michael Lipka, Naomi … [Read more...] about Traditional News and Nonprofit Art: You’re No Longer in Charge. They Are.
Doing the Right Thing With Nonprofit Arts Organizations: “Like Walking in High Heels Through Meat”
What do you do when you have the answer, an answer that’s proven, and it doesn’t gibe with institutional, failing inertia? Some procrastinators don’t know that they procrastinate. Some do, and use it to wield power within their systems. Little Donny Dingdong, convicted of 34 felonies so far, vacillates between quick action (when he wants money or paranoically wreaks … [Read more...] about Doing the Right Thing With Nonprofit Arts Organizations: “Like Walking in High Heels Through Meat”
“Dog on a Cold Stone Floor,” or When Nonprofit Arts Organizations Obsess About the Art More Than the People
Art is a universal good. No argument. Nonprofit arts organizations are not art, and therefore are not a universal good. No argument there, either. “But Alan,” said the guy, “what do you have against art? It’s a public good. Hell, it’s a universal good. It requires funding. It deserves to be funded. Why do you tell all these arts leaders that they aren’t worth funding, … [Read more...] about “Dog on a Cold Stone Floor,” or When Nonprofit Arts Organizations Obsess About the Art More Than the People