Poll: 2012 Elections And The Arts
Thu, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
I had a fascinating conversation with a colleague recently about whether or not a candidate’s position on the arts would be enough of an issue to sway undecided voters. The conversation got me thinking enough that I’m curious to test it out here in a poll.
Even Without Machold, There Are Plenty Of Black Hats To Go Around
Wed, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
Alix Krista authored a detailed account of the rise and fall of violin dealer Dietmar Machold which appeared in the 10/19/2012 edition of businessinsider.com. It will be surprising if Machold emerges from the legal process without some jail time but even though he’s is, for all intents and purposes, out of the game that doesn’t
Time To Stir The Pot
Tue, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
Today may only be Tuesday but it’s already been an eventful week. We had a second lockout in one city, an imposed contract, and <gasp> a three year agreement that contains nothing but (albeit) mild increases. Oh, and an official contract extension through January 2013 (it’s like a super sized play and talk). Apparently, It’s
Examining the Minnesota Orchestra Redline Agreement Part 1
Mon, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
The inaugural article for our ongoing examination of the Minnesota Orchestra Redline Agreement (MORA) will focus on proposed changes to the “home service area” definition and related contractual provisions for runouts. Given the increased attention throughout the field for augmenting outreach activity, i.e. events outside of the primary venue, it should come as no surprise
FREE Twitter Profile Survival Kit for Arts Organizations 2012
Fri, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
It’s time to stay with the learning curve and consider updating your organization’s Twitter profile page to take advantage of some of the more recent GUI (Graphical User Interface) improvements. To that end, I want to offer up a host of revised Photoshop template freebies that will make it easier than ever to make your
Indy Settles
Thu, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
I’m stuck in flight delay purgatory so I have yet to see a copy of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) agreement but my sincerest thanks to Indy Star music critic Jay Harvey for giving me a call and providing details. He wrote a terrific article that provides an overview of the very unusual compromise that,
A View Of The Forest
Wed, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
During the recent troubles, we’ve seen orchestras struggling with financial issues that have resulted in several lockouts and a great deal of negative publicity for the field. Many musicians attribute conflict to ideas propagated by the League of American Orchestra, others vigorously dispute this theory. In a lengthy article on the ICSOM, website, Bruce Ridge
Spokane Symphony Proposing Cuts
Tue, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
Although you wouldn’t know it from local press, but if appears that the Spokane Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and its musicians are approaching a potential showdown. According to the SSO musicians, management offered a last, best, and final offer on Thursday 10/11/12. The two year proposal reportedly contains a 13 percent reduction in core orchestra salary,
Off To Lake George And The @OutdoorDrama Conference
Mon, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
I’m en route to Lake George, NY today for the Institute of Outdoor Drama conference where I’ll be giving a presentation on using social media as a customer service platform alongside co-presenter Lisa Middelton, Director of Marketing and Audience Development at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. I’ve put together some downloadable template goodies that I’ll share
Sick Day
Fri, Oct 10, 2012
by Drew McManus
There’s a reason doctors tell you to get your rest. They aren’t kidding around and yes, a nice cup of tea and plenty of fluids really does help. So I’m taking a self-imposed sick day in order to prevent burnout; and for those unfamiliar with self-employed sick days, it just means you don’t work as
