What a grift. It only exists to make folks feel worthless, angry, and divisive. As such, it’s the perfect tactic to sow national unrest. James Truslow Adams coined the phrase in 1931, at the nadir of the Great Depression: “The American Dream is a dream of a social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are … [Read more...] about Born in the DSA*: “The American Dream” Evolved Into the Cruelest, Most Dangerous Con Ever Played
Nonprofit
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
You’re Not Still Planning an Arts Season From YOUR Perspective, Are You?
Are you still looking at plays and symphonies and exhibits as your starting point? A reasonable approach in 1976. Big mistake in 2026. As an arts leader, one running an arts organization, how do you start putting together your season? It’s March, after all, and your marketing people want you to have something to tell the press shortly, right? Do you do what leaders … [Read more...] about You’re Not Still Planning an Arts Season From YOUR Perspective, Are You?