Write, speak out, enact your own scene change. That would be the best birthday present ever. Question everything, including what seems to be obvious. The nonprofit arts sector is evolving, ever so slowly, into a new paradigm in which charitable acts measure success. Scrape off the old “sell the most tickets” barnacles; they’ll only hinder progress. Remember what … [Read more...] about It’s Your Turn Now.
Philanthropy and Donors
For the Thousandth Time, Art is Essential. Arts Organizations Are Not.
No one is arguing against the former. Certainly not me. All I'm asking is how is your nonprofit arts organization disproving the latter? There will be naysayers from now until the end of time. “You can’t make art and keep greedy bastards from burning up the planet.” “You can’t measure art; there are no tangible metrics.” “You can’t prevent or stop a war with art.” … [Read more...] about For the Thousandth Time, Art is Essential. Arts Organizations Are Not.
Stop Asking the Wrong Questions: How is the Advisory Board for the Arts Killing the Industry?
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?
Seattle Center is Falling Apart: Notes from the East German Judge
“Seattle’s Living Room” requires a billion dollar renovation. Here’s a thought… I sat in on a convening of arts leaders from across the country recently and heard so much unfounded hope, you’d have thought it was a tent meeting. I heard participant after participant blather on about what they wished for in 20 years, rather than answering the question at hand, which was, … [Read more...] about Seattle Center is Falling Apart: Notes from the East German Judge
“SCENE CHANGE 3” Just Named to Kirkus Reviews’ “25 Best Indies of 2025!”
If you're serious about succeeding as a nonprofit arts organization, you're going to want to pick up the trilogy by going to scenechangebook.com or your favorite bookstore. Happy new year, folks. I just wanted you to know that the final book in the Scene Change trilogy has been getting fantastic reviews and offers success stories in the midst of this calamitous financial … [Read more...] about “SCENE CHANGE 3” Just Named to Kirkus Reviews’ “25 Best Indies of 2025!”