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?
Philanthropy and Donors
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!”
The 2025, Final, Never-To-Be-Repeated, Carol for Nonprofit Arts Organizations
I know, it’s tradition. Every year about this time, another carol and generally, you don't read it. But this will be the last one ever, so please make it count. Each year, we attempt a rather bad parody of a famous holiday poem or song to run on the Tuesday before US Thanksgiving, the least likely time you’ll read it. Let alone sing it. This year, we destroyed a … [Read more...] about The 2025, Final, Never-To-Be-Repeated, Carol for Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Why Are American Nonprofit Arts Organizations Failing? It’s Not as Complicated as You Think.
The easiest explanations tend to be the right ones. I’m surprised that anyone in the nonprofit arts sector has any skin left on their hands with all the wringing that’s been happening in the industry about the loss of audience, money, and favor. Every article on the nonprofit arts seems to be the announcement of a death knell, a merger, slashed budgets, layoffs, … [Read more...] about Why Are American Nonprofit Arts Organizations Failing? It’s Not as Complicated as You Think.