Every now and then I like to post an overheard article that highlights some of the more dramatic/amusing/bewildering statements heard at events that cross my path. Typically, conventions are fertile fodder for such efforts but since I wasn’t officially attending the League’s Chicago event last week, I have to rely on colleagues to convey some of the more intriguing statements…
2008/09 Cultural Confidence In Review
There is little doubt that the 2008/09 season will be remembered as a time dominated by uncertainty over cash flow, revenue streams, and artistic activity. Based on a year’s worth of tracking, it is clear that this uncertainly had an adverse impact on economic confidence levels throughout a variety of performing arts institutions. Nonetheless, it is crucial to note that institutions governed by wise leaders will resist temptations to embrace sweeping, institutional decisions that will have prolonged negative ramifications on future activity without first waiting for the economy to stabilize…
Following Up On The SFS Social Networking Site
As promised back in May, it is time to take a closer look behind the scenes at the San Francisco Symphony’s (SFS) social networking site, which was officially launched on May 6, 2009. In order to find out more about how the organization designed the site, how much it costs, and what sort of goals they have in mind, I contacted SFS Director of Public Relations, Oliver Theil…
Last Chance To Weigh-In On Cultural Confidence
If you haven’t done so already, this week is your last chance to vote in the last cycle for the 2008/09 cultural confidence poll. Since 10/2008, we’ve been tracking how readers have been rating the current economic conditions at their respective performing arts organization as well as where they believe those same conditions will exist by the end of the 2008/09 season. The results have been fascinating and it will be interesting to see where things end up after the end of this week…
Reeling From A One-Two Punch In Phoenix
Local and national news outlets hammered the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra last week by openly challenging the institutional image portrayed in a recent organizational press release. In particular, both articles report on the string of recent labor problems…