In response to an article from 12/22/2009, a healthy comment exchange ensued about whether or not term “product” is appropriate to use in the context of describing live, performing art. I think the topic is important enough that it deserves its own article and I’m curious to know more about what readers think on this issue…
Artistic Administration
Fun With Food Metaphors
Holly Mulcahy posted an intriguing piece earlier this week about the perils of program substitutions entitled Sorry, we’re fresh out of Mahler. The piece does an excellent job at expanding on some of the points covered in an article here from 9/3/2009 and one aspect I enjoyed most about Mulchay’s article is how it uses culinary metaphors. As an added bonus, there is a terrific comment thread that produces entirely useful considerations and straightforward solutions for any artistic administration department wrestling with issues related to budget shortfalls and programming changes…
Indianapolis’ Forces Of Attraction
I had an intriguing conversation with a colleague over the weekend about the ongoing situation at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) regarding the pros and cons of attracting a new music director. In particular, we were talking about the article by Kathleen McLaughlin in the 8/15/09 edition of the Indiana Business Journal. The article’s tag line purports “Symphony likely to have abundance of candidates” and it was that point that fueled our discussion. In particular, we were wondering whether or not an abundance of candidates means the right candidate will come knocking…
A Solution In Search Of A Problem At Indianapolis
Over the past few weeks, much has been written about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s (ISO) decision to not renew Music Director Mario Venzago’s contract after August 31, 2009. Although the sensitive phrase “not renew” was how the ISO described the decision, others across traditional and new media platforms have described it in less genteel language such as ouster, terminated, and fired. Although there has been much wailing and gnashing of teeth over the decision through the Indianapolis community and abroad regarding motives and process (some of which will likely come to the surface over the next few weeks), here are some facts you can use to begin drawing your own conclusions…
A Guide For Programming In The “New Economy”
If you’re an orchestra manager and this diagram strikes you as a useful tool, it might be time for a sabbatical (or to consider a new vocation).