So You Want Nonprofits To Act More Like For Profits?
Wed, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
The always sharp Vu Le posted another entertaining article over at Nonprofit With Balls where he bastes the well-worn topic of nonprofits being told to act more like for profits in his unique brand of sharp-tongued marinade. Le’s post articulates what most arts admins think in the back of their mind when being lectured by
Let’s Take A Look At Big Eight Musician Compensation
Tue, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
Now that Cleveland has settled, we can begin to get a sense for how base musician compensation compares across the highest tier of big budget orchestras, which we’ll call The Big Eight (Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, LA, National, New York, Philly, and San Francisco). Granted, we’ll be updating this chart with Cleveland’s figures once that data
Wait…For…It…Cleveland Settles
Mon, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
We move one step closer to checking off all the groups on our list of mid to large budget orchestras with expired agreements that managed to ratify a new contract without resorting to a work stoppage thanks to a recent settlement at the Cleveland Orchestra. The three-year deal is retroactive, meaning it applies to the
Instagram For Artist Assistants
Fri, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
After the last few days of heavy-duty posts, it is time for something light. To that end, there’s a wildly entertaining video out there called Instagram Husband (h/t @LauraKak) that is begging for a parody called Artist Assistants. Anyone who has ever witnessed the life of a personal assistant for a particularly Diva driven artist
Examining The Groupmuse Business Model Part 2
Thu, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
In Part 1, we examined the revenue end of Groupmuse’s business plan but on the other side of the balance sheet are expenses and when it comes to live classical music, the dominant expense typically involves artistic labor costs. But this is where Groupmuse is different; simply put, they don’t pay the musicians at all
Examining The Groupmuse Business Model Part 1
Wed, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
In a field where business models are well defined, it’s always intriguing to see something new come along. One of the latest entries into that arena is Groupmuse, a for-profit business that facilitates house parties which feature classical musicians. Groupmuse founder, Sam Bodkin, launched the first of these events in January, 2013 and since then,
ArtsHacker Turns One!
Tue, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
The only thing more fulfilling than successfully filling a demand is doing it alongside a group of enormously talented colleagues and friends. To that end, yesterday was ArtsHacker’s first anniversary and ever since the inaugural post on December 7, 2015 the site has been an unmitigated hit with arts managers. In addition to that segment,
Minnesota Orchestra Musicians Donate $250k To Association. No Funds Earmarked For Eliminating Substitute Pay Disparity.
Mon, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
The lovefest that is labor relations between the Minnesota Orchestra Association (MOA) and the Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra (MOMO) crossed a new threshold last week with the announcement that the musicians decided to donate $250,000 in restricted use funds to the MOA for the purpose of establishing The Bellwether Fund, a new program designed
How Did Your Group’s #GivingTueday Turn Out?
Fri, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
Results from #GivingTuesday 2015 are beginning to emerge, GivingTuesday.org recently published an infographic with known highlights which include more than $116 million dollars raised. Links to previous years’ efforts through 2012 are available as well but the infographics from year to year change enough so as to make a straightforward comparison tricky. Nonetheless, I’m curious
Have You Checked Out Google’s Cultural Institute Yet?
Thu, Dec 12, 2015
by Drew McManus
Have you been to the Google Cultural Institute yet? If not, you’re missing out on some very impressive first gen technology designed to create what Google calls “virtual exhibitions” that includes a live performance of Philadelphia Orchestra performing In The Hall of the Mountain King onstage at Carnegie Hall. All in all, it’s pretty fun
