Nonprofit Consultants Take Note from Obama

I recently received an email from a company that serves the nonprofit
sector with patron database management, email and other technological
services. Written by the organization's executive director, the
entire email is dedicated to admiration of "Obama's E-Marketing
Victory." In dissecting this portion of Obama's campaign, he points
out six features that contributed to success:

- Crisp, clear writing
- Shorter better than longer
- Singular purpose communications
- Immediacy and relevancy
- Use of video
- Splash page on the site to capture emails effectively

I can't say I'm completely convinced by the splash page idea,
especially since it tends to annoy the heck out of most people.
Overall however, we can't deny the fact that most nonprofits could
learn a ton from Obama's use of the Internet to share his mission,
engage an audience and inspire donations to a cause - three goals
among many that arts websites and email campaigns should be striving
to achieve.

- Courtney

Public Theater Establishes New Production-Sharing Agreement With Broadway

Sorry for the Last Post. I sent the wrong comment regarding the article I referred. This one is correct.

 

In moving its productions to Broadway, the non-profit home of the New York Shakespeare Festival has had its ups (A Chorus Line) and downs (On the Town and The Wild Party, which helped lead to a severe money crunch). Now, with last summer's smash hit revival of Hair, the Public has established a new model for commercial runs of its productions. "For the first time, [Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis] said, 'we have structured a deal where not a dime of the Public's money is at risk,' and the Public maintains complete artistic control. 'We are real artistic and business partners.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/theater/03hair.html?_r=1

 

---Fangzhou

Public Theater Establishes New Production-Sharing Agreement With Broadway

But the underlying problem is one common to all the arts: fear. The arts are rank with it. Fear of being thought ignorant or being revealed as a fraud. Fear of not knowing how to pronounce chiaroscuro, trompe l'oeil or gesamtkunstwerk. Fear because the books we think we should have read bully us mercilessly and the music we think we ought to recognise tortures us on a rack of nagging self-doubt. Galleries and concert hall lobbies are filled with those darting eyes and premature nodding that masks the gentle, creeping terror of those seeking to signify recognition where none in fact exists.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/theater/03hair.html?_r=1

 

---Fangzhou

The Real Problem Between The Arts And Audiences, Revealed

Why are audiences at classical music gigs so uptight? Because the culture industry has its foundations in fear and shame.The underlying problem is one common to all the arts: fear. The arts are rank with it. Fear of being thought ignorant or being revealed as a fraud. Fear of not knowing how to pronounce chiaroscuro, trompe l'oeil or gesamtkunstwerk. Fear because the books we think we should have read bully us mercilessly and the music we think we ought to recognise tortures us on a rack of nagging self-doubt. Galleries and concert hall lobbies are filled with those darting eyes and premature nodding that masks the gentle, creeping terror of those seeking to signify recognition where none in fact exists.

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/nov/30/classicalmusicandopera

 

---Fangzhou

Strategically Downsizing Broadway?

Broadway's been hit by the recssion. But maybe the answer provided in the following article is to produce some smaller plays that aren't so expensive.

 

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122853074242284875.html

 

---Fangzhou

 

Las Vegas Philharmonic Musicians Lose Confidence In Management

The orchestra, which has a $1.7 million annual budget, has a deficit of almost $200,000, sources say. The orchestra lost corporate sponsorships for its Fourth of July concert. The musicians contract expires when the season ends this spring, and negotiations are to begin shortly.

 

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/dec/06/musicians-say-theyve-lost-confidence-board-preside/

 

---Fangzhou

A Roadmap for Social Policy Improvement

In a recent report, "Mobilizing Change:10 Nonprofit Policy Proposals
to Strengthen U.S. Communities" the Aspen Institute proposes ideas for
the entire sector that not only seem to promise improvement among
communities, but help for nonprofit organizations themselves. The
most beneficial aspect of this document is its ability to explain the
needs of each proposal, with regard to both human and fiscal
resources.

The final proposal is an idea to create a "Music National Service
Initiative" – the program, which would be titled MusicianCorps, is
structured very similarly to the program Teach For America, however it
relies much more heavily on charitable funding to pay the Fellows. As
is usually the case with these programs, fancy claims regarding the
benefits of music education provide a bulk of support for the
proposal. Here's hoping that foundations see the validity in these
claims to actually take this program off of the ground.

- Courtney

Free Advertising? Yes, Please.

How do you find the link to Google Grants? Google it. That's how
simple it is to get started in acquiring mega website promotion for
your non-profit organization. The donation by Google is in-kind and
uses AdWords advertising to direct users who are likely to find your
site/organization useful.

While the application process is somewhat lengthy, many organizations
have seen significant traffic directed to their sites through this
program, many times resulting in donations. The ads are unobtrusive
and once again – FREE. If your organization has the ability to choose
accurate and effective AdWords, the potential to reach qualified
audiences is virtually limitless. Google even provides free analytics
to allow further knowledge of patron online behavior.

- Courtney

College Radio Lives On…For Now

As the old saying goes, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" – one could
say that with reference to the Internet, college radio stations are
doing just that. Recent coverage in the NYTimes
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/arts/television/07sisa.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2)
suggests that "college and other noncommercial stations have taken the
lead in Internet broadcasting" and most college station DJs are found
to have blogs of their own (often utilized to publish their
playlists). Some DJs also like the idea that predetermined playlists
aren't enforced at college stations – a situation one would most
certainly face in the commercial arena.

So does anyone actually listen to these stations via radio anymore?
Apparently, not so much. Record companies and band managers aren't
likely these days to spend money advertising or promoting through
these stations when they're not expected to reach more than a few
hundred listeners.

- Courtney

Snobs in the Art World? You don’t say.

In her book, "Seven Days in the Art World," author Sarah Thornton
reinforces the notion most people already have about buyers of
high-priced contemporary art. By presenting the reader with
"day-in-the-life" research, Thornton attempts to understand the
reasons this art is purchased. From auction houses to art fairs and
artist studios, it becomes clear that they purchase because they have
money – lots of it. Central to the author's depiction of each
scenario is the aggressive insularity she observes in most patrons.
Probably a fun read, but depressing all the same.

- Courtney

GuideStar Survey Reports the Obvious

Everyone expected that charitable donations to non-profits would
decrease in the wake of economic troubles, so why not have a survey
that confirms it? The survey is somewhat uncertain though, at least
in its summary wording. The report states, "Last year, however, 60
percent of this group predicted that contributions during the 2007
giving season would exceed those from 2006, whereas this year, 49
percent said they expect decreased end-of-year donations." Does this
mean that conversely, 51% percent expected increased end-of-year
donations? If so, that's not such a terrible increase in those
expecting smaller gifts. The survey also showed that for many
organizations, the demand for services has increased, similar to last
year. This prompted GuideStar's CEO to state that he hopes donors
will realize that every gift makes a difference – how is this scenario
different from any other time in the world of non-profit fundraising?

For those interested in reading the full gloom report:
http://www.guidestar.org/news/features/2008_survey.pdf

- Courtney

Do Not Twitter Without Love!

With most "how-to" guides for social networking tools, you'll be told
what to do. Being that most often people reading these guides have no
idea what to do, this would seem pretty logical. However, with tools
like Twitter that promise new ways to reach audience members and sell
their mission (and it's free!!), it's understandable that non-profits
sometimes let excitement take over and fail to remember the overall
goal of the organization – to make a personal connection with each
patron.

Bless the hearts of bloggers who have taken the time to remind
non-profits of this by pointing out many ways in which
social-networking can turn your audience off – especially with options
like auto-follow that can make you look more like a spammer than an
informant. Beth's Blog
(http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2007/12/the-six-signs-t.html) goes
so far as to help non-profits realize whether or not Twitter is
actually a good fit. The overwhelming trend in all of this advice is
something we can all take to heart every time we sit behind a computer
screen – try not to lose the human element, and most importantly, do
not Twitter without love!

- Courtney

CAC Layoffs

Most of us are well aware of the toll being taken on arts
organizations by "dire economic circumstances" – unfortunately,
getting to that desired bottom line frequently means cuts in staff.
Recently the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati let 4 members go -
3 full-time and 1 part-time. The museum's ED explains that previous
budget adjustments weren't enough to convince the board that goals
could be accomplished.

One of the full time positions being cut is public relations director,
and as an online reader aptly points out (in this article:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081205/BIZ01/812050346/1076/BIZ)
by commenting, doesn't it seem counter-productive to discard a
position so vital to a museum's, well, publicity??

Possibly…but possibly not. Author David Finn (who has written
extensively on the subject of museums as a photographer, himself) asks
the question, "Is there a Legitimate Role for Public Relations in the
Arts?" and answers by claiming that the arts are far from being overly
promoted. Perhaps more importantly, he points out that "public
relations can play the important role of helping to find common ground
on which both business and the arts can seek to achieve their
objectives." Indeed.

- Courtney

New Concert Series Targets Busy Professionals

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra premiered it new concert series, Afterworks, last Wednesday to a full house.  The series targets busy professionals, offering a concert featuring a single work, and guaranteeing to have you out the door and on your way home by 8pm.  For the inaugural concert music director Peter Oundjian chose "The Planets" by Gustav Holst.  The concert opened with a short talk by CBC Radio host Tom Allen, touching on the composer's life and music.

This is one series to watch and possibly copy if you want to attract a younger audience who places a high value on time.

http://www.thestar.com/article/548129

--Evan

Windsor Symphony Performs Electric Viola Solo

Yesterday the Windsor Symphony Orchestra premiered "Russian Romance" by Brent Lee which featured electric viola - or more precisely, an electric violinola.  Played by Alexander Mishnaevsk, Detroit Symphony's principal violist, this custom built instrument combines the range of the violin and viola and rocks!

The piece itself has many crossover elements, mixing classical styles with snippets of Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix.  Perhaps this is the way to attract younger audiences?

http://www.windsorstar.com/Entertainment/Rockin/1029526/story.html

--Evan

Bailout Extends to the Arts

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra may have to declare bankruptcy if a bailout loan is not approved by the Norfolk Economic Development Authority.  The symphony accrued a $1.5 debt in the last year as a result of reduced single ticket sales and donations and may not be able to meet payroll is the loan if not approved.

The Nashville symphony is one of the few to have declared bankruptcy in recent years and has since recovered, but it is always a risky proposition that may destroy donor confidence.  Other arts groups seem to be in trouble as well - the Virginia Musical Theater recently received $200,000 from the Virginia Beach City Council.

http://hamptonroads.com/2008/12/virginia-symphony-warns-bankruptcy-without-1m-loan

--Evan

Cleveland Orchestra's Bridge Fund Plugs Hole In Budget (Again)

For the third fiscal year in a row, a Bridge Fund comprising special contributions has patched what would have been a significant hole in the Cleveland Orchestra's budget. The Bridge Fund was a $17 million pot created in 2004-05 for the purpose of covering future deficits. It is one piece of a long-term 'turnaround' plan enacted that year by trustees and community leaders to stabilize the orchestra's books… According to the plan, the orchestra aims to balance its books without the fund beginning in 2010.

 

http://www.artsjournal.com/music.shtml

 

--Fangzhou

Cut staff for saving money in music organization.

Overture Center announced this morning it will cut 15 positions — about 25 percent of its authorized workforce — to balance the facility's budget next year.

The move, which would cut four vacant jobs and 10.8 occupied positions, would eliminate the most city positions at one time in many years.

The cuts would save $467,400 in wages and benefits. The following article gives a detail explanation about the reason of laying off.

 

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/317148

 

---Fangzhou

 

Impressionist & Modern Art and Contemporary Art New York November 2008

It is said that the November sales of Impressionist and Modern Art and Contemporary Art presented a major test of the market since the beginning of the worldwide financial crisis. The New York sales differ from the other auctions held within the new financial climate in both scale and scope. The combined result for the two weeks of sales at Sotheby's and Christie's was $775,747,825.

There are two ways to interpret that very substantial number. From the perspective of the press, the sale totals were evidence of a collapse in the art market. Numerous stories worked through this theme. On the other hand, collectors and dealers, as well as art managers and auction house experts, all viewed the below estimate results as encouraging, much to the surprise of the journalists. Why the disparity in these two views?

The following article is referred as a private market review from Sotheby's, which may provide a possible answer to this question.

http://www.sothebys.com/liveauctions/amr/la_prevmarket_impsCntp_1108.html

---Fangzhou

Identifying the Right Grantmaker

Identifying the right grantmaker for any program or project is a straightforward, step-by-step process that can greatly increase arts organization's chances of securing grant funding. This article, "Taking Research to the Next Level," addresses what to do in the event that all of  previous research hasn't uncovered the most promising leads.

 

 

http://www.grantstation.com/Public/News_Views_px/trackstosuccess.asp

 

---Fangzhou

Identifying the Right Grantmaker

Identifying the right grantmaker for any program or project is a straightforward, step-by-step process that can greatly increase arts organization's chances of securing grant funding. This article, "Taking Research to the Next Level," addresses what to do in the event that all of  previous research hasn't uncovered the most promising leads.

 

---Fangzhou

Should Subscription Revenue be used to cover current expenses?

Many organizations rely on subscription sales to carry them through the late spring and summer months however the Virginia Symphony is learning the negative effects of this plan. Over the past few seasons subscription sales have been declining and single ticket sales have done the same. As a result the Symphony is struggling with covering costs. To deal with the lack of revenue Virginia Symphony has started eliminate positions and will be canceling 3 performances this coming spring.

Read Article.

So the question remains, should we use future subscription revenue to cover the costs of the current season? Something to think about.

--
tom

LA MOCA Utilizes Facebook For Help

The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art is like many arts organizations right in financial trouble.  Their case is so serious that the future solvency of the museum is in question.  The leaders of MOCA responded with an initiative called MOCA Mobilization,  a grassroots effort to right the ship before it is too late.  Recently, they announced on their Facebook page an impromptu gathering at the MOCA for friends of the museum to gather and discuss the financial trouble and importance of keeping the institution going.  450 people came, not a huge number, but probably a very loyal and active group that will spread the word like wildfire.  It looks like the MOCA is going to its membership base instead of asking for a wealthy board member bailout.  In the long run, engaging the members this way could really strengthen the organization.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/11/hundreds-show-u.html

XOXO

Nate

Public Theatre Strikes New Deal with Boradway

According to this New York Times Article the Public Theatre has continuously maintained a love-hate relationship with Broadway. However with the revival production of HAIR the public has enetered a new contract which gives them equal say in all artistic and business matters.

This is an interesting contract as it is something the Public Theatre has struggled with for many years. In working for non-profit theatres we might need to consider when to sacrifice the artistic vision for financial support.

--
Tom

--
Thomas McLaughlin
Candidate MA/MBA Arts Administration
University of Cincinnati - CCM
Operations Director
New Stage Collective
mclaughlin.tj@gmail.com
513.309.7551

Do Free Tickets Actually Work?

In an attempt to attract young people to the theatre, the government is providing 1,000,000 free tickets to individuals under the age of 26. A major concern for theatres is will this incentive actually work.

In evaluating this initiative many questions arise:

Does the cost of a theatre ticket actually deter interested young people from attending a performance?
How will this initiative affect a performance that could sell-out at the regular ticket price?
Is simply attending one show enough to make an individual avid theatre participant?

While there are many concerns with this government subsidy, theatres across England need to evaluate the best way to implement this plan. Starting in Febuary 1,000,000 ticekts will be subsidised by the government.

This article is interesting because it points out the strong government support for the arts in Europe. I also find it intriguing that arts organizations across the world are dealing with the same issuses of audience development.

Read The Times Article


--
tom

--
Thomas McLaughlin
Candidate MA/MBA Arts Administration
University of Cincinnati - CCM
Operations Director
New Stage Collective
mclaughlin.tj@gmail.com
513.309.7551

Deceased Composer/Pianist makes RSC debut

Polish Composer and Pianist Andre Tchaikowsky posthumously made his stage debut in The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet.....well, his skull did anyway.  Although he died from cancer 26 years ago, he donated his organs to science and his skull to RSC specifically for this purpose.  Apparently, he had always wanted to pursue a career as an actor but never quite made it...until now.  He has finally achieved the elusive triple threat...composer, pianist, skull.  For the RSC, this seems to be a smart albeit unorthodox Marketing/PR move to get some free press.  

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24700349-5012749,00.html

Nate

Lacking Crossover Appeal, Pianist Dropped From Record Label

Concert Pianist Yundi Li has recently been dropped from his recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon and it seems that it wasn't because of his playing.  Still in his mid-twenties, Li is considered one of the premier concert pianists in the world, but you probably haven't heard of him.  Deutsche Grammophon has had trouble marketing the virtuoso, one who exemplifies the old standards of the concert pianist. He is well trained, highly musical, understated in performance, but has generated excellent reviews.  On the other hand, DG has had no trouble marketing its other twenty-something pianist Lang Lang.  Flashy in performance and unidiomatic-some say unmusical-he is one of the rare classical musicians to have appeal outside of classical music circles.  It looks like DG is putting even more of its resources behind him.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122790914204065299.html

Nate

Skip iTunes - Go to the Source

The Boston Symphony Orchestra has dived into the business of selling digital music with the introduction of their own online store.  Currently, they offer downloads of music from 17 different recordings, current and historic.  The Chicago Symphony was one of the first to offer digital music for sale, but still sells a much larger volume of physical recordings - traditional recordings outsell digital 10 to 1.  The best part, selling digital music is cheap!  No product, storage, or storefront is required.  Which major symphony will be the first to offer recordings through digital download only?

Boston Globe Story: http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/12/02/bso_launches_its_own_music_download_service/
Boston Symphony Digital Music Store: http://www.bso.org/bso/shop/productCategories.jsp;jsessionid=NU111FZ2EIKMMCTFQMGSFEQ?id=bcat13360032

--Evan

Gender Pay Gap in the Arts

In a report released by the National Endowment for the Arts, women artists suffer from the same gender pay gap as women in other fields.  What I find most interesting is that the gap is larger in the culture centers of Los Angeles and New York, generally considered to be progressive cities on social issues.  It may be that smaller cities, with only a handful of arts organizations, and given the prevalence of union contracts, offer fair pay.  Freelancers then, and those working outside of union contracts may be the victims of this pay discrimination.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2008/12/nea-women.html

--Evan

Detroit Symphony 37/11 Club

The Detroit Symphony is targeting young professionals in a new way with the 37/11 club.  Membership is available anyone under the age of 37 and offers tickets to select concerts for only $11. Registration over the web is quick and over 1,300 people have already signed up.  This seems like a great idea for future audience development of a generation just starting to attend arts events.  Maybe the next step would be a private 37/11 social network?

http://www.detroitsymphony.com/page.aspx?page_id=99

--Evan

Maestro Quits Due to Marketing

Conductor Gennady Rozhdestvensky refused to conduct several Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts on the account of the symphony's marketing strategy.  Apparently Rozhdestvensky was not satisfied with the amount and types of exposure that he personally was receiving.  Tension is already present between the marketing and artistic departments over programming - does this make things even more complicated?

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/offended-by-marketing-maestro-quits-concerts/

--Evan

YouTube Symphony Orchestra

Ever want to play at Carnegie Hall? Upload your audition to YouTube! Carnegie Hall is partnering with Google to create the world's first online symphony orchestra. Composer Tan Dun has created a four minute piece and "you tubers" are encouraged to download parts and then upload themselves playing. A panel will pick a group of finalists and then the public will choose the winners in American Idol style. Think you have what it takes?
--
Ashley

A YouTube Orchestra?

In an attempt to increase the amount of classical music on YouTube and build a community of classical music enthusiasts, YouTube and Google have announced that musicians can audition for a special Carnegie Hall concert. Google commissioned Tan Dun to compose a piece for orchestra. Entrants then download the sheet music for their part, and then upload their audition to YouTube. A jury panel picks a shortlist of finalists, and then the winners are chosen by YouTube users. The winners then get to perform in a Carnegie Hall concert conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. 

Although it is a good opportunity for musicians, a major aim of this project is to raise the quality of content posted on YouTube. This is certainly a revolutionary project, and I'm sure that many highly talented musicians will submit auditions. I do doubt, though, that this one project will significantly increase the amount of interest in classical music on YouTube beyond the length of the concert. It will be very interesting to see the response to this initiative.

Read the NYTimes article 

--Erika