Before the other shoe drops

I haven't written much about how nonprofit organizations are handling layoffs- but this blog entry is exemplary of what is happening to many people in industries all over the world, but will probably lead some substantial shifts in arts organizations in this region. Are non-profits bloated, and the layoffs correcting this problem? Do nonprofits need to reevaluate their structures- to still hire and train quality people, pay them a living wage and pay-it forward in their communities? Is the industry as a whole going through a purge- because we only have the highest concentration of arts organizations for a city our size?

I for one, appreciate the value our organizations add to our communities and culture, and want them to be responsible- with regard to their practice of hiring, training and growing dedicated nonprofit workers. I know many people who have quaked about layoffs- and I, myself have not been immune. Let's hope we get through these times, with the strength of communities and reevaluating how we can run strong organizations.

Best of luck!

Making a case for the arts

Penelope Burk's Blog has it, the quintessential case for the arts. Read the whole blog here.

Here is the final statement she makes:

The case for the arts exists on its own merit. It is not apologetic; it does not take a second place to healthcare or human services or education. The arts are as vital to life as breathing, food, shelter and health. If you work in development in the arts, please give yourself the right to break out, the commitment to not compromise, and the inspiration to capture the essence of what the playwright, the composer, the choreographer, the painter and the author are trying to communicate about the human condition.

What the arts can offer now, in a world full of anxiety and trouble, is even more vital.

Though art forms may be different, arts are vital to the human spirit- anyone involved in the arts can say that- we were either saved by expressing ourselves, or a glimpse into an other's expression. Especially in times of uncertainty, all arts are vital to inspire, encourage, reaffirm and simply feel alive. Making the case is difficult and essential. Anyone have a favorite case for an arts organization they can share? Comments are always open.

A new year, again

I wonder what is to come for Seattle Arts Organizations this year, actually the arts everywhere. We are in the midst of tough economic times, but the organizations that make it use crisis as an opportunity. The trends I would like to see arts organizations adopt in the upcoming year are:

• Work together. Forge strategic partnerships with other organizations in your area. In November I saw an amazing, and controversial performance in one large performing arts venue, a week later I saw a performance by the same choreographer's protege. What a lost opportunity, for cross-pollinating audiences! As an audience member (at both) my experience could have been enriched, and an important relationship could have been cemented in two regional arts forums.

• Work cross-discipline. Know your neighbors and work together to engage your community. An art gallery and performance space can have some great cross-over.

• Use technology to engage new audiences. Most of the online tools are free- free for anyone to use, so why aren't you using them? Use them well, post often, use multi-media forms, let your audiences engage online without controlling content.

• Make your organizations community spaces. In economic hard times people are looking to connect with their community more, and our art spaces do have the unique opportunity to create that. Be open off hours, invite the community in and open the relationship.

• Engage volunteers and pay them handsomely with your appreciation and sense of belonging. Volunteers are your biggest fans- they can be your greatest resources too, and if you don't know something one of them certainly will.

• And finally, crisis is an opportunity. Use this time to really communicate with your patrons- they are worried too, so ramp up emails/newsletters and blogs.

Happy New Year!