When It Comes To Diversity, Are We Just Churning Butter With A Toothpick?
Wed, Aug 8, 2020
by Drew McManus
I keep meaning to find time to write something on the topic of diversity and representation in response to an article on that subject by Anthony Tommasini in the 7/16/2020 edition of the New York Times. In a nutshell, Tommasini attempts to support the conclusion that diversity on-stage can be improved if orchestras abandon screened
New Union Rules Provide A Glimpse Into The Future Of Our New Normal
Tue, Aug 8, 2020
by Drew McManus
Recently, Joe Patti published an article at ArtsHacker that examines a COVID-19 reopening guide from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union which has members working in performing arts venues, convention centers, movies, and television productions. If you work in an environment that employs IATSE members, it is worth reviewing the guidelines
State Of Employment Poll & Review August 3 – 9
Mon, Aug 8, 2020
by Drew McManus
Following last week’s increase in overall under-employed and unemployed statuses, responses remained steady at those new levels. Weekly Report Responses from Administrators continue to show a migration from those indicating being furloughed to fully laid off. The only real uptick this last week was the increase in those working at reduced hours and pay. Salaried musicians
Not Everyone Is Cancelling
Fri, Jul 7, 2020
by Drew McManus
There’s nothing quite like a topic grenade to round out the week. Today’s entry comes from Fort Worth where the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) recently announced they intend to produce live, indoor concert events in the fall with heavily reduced audiences and strict social distancing rules. Before anyone decides to jump on the pro/con
Indianapolis Cancels Season One Month Before Labor Agreement Expires
Thu, Jul 7, 2020
by Drew McManus
Less than a month after public discord over growing labor disputes, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) announced it is cancelling the 20-21 “indoor” season. The press statement isn’t available on the ISO’s website, rather, it was published via several media outlets. Of interest in the statement is the following passage: We will also be meeting
Need To Hide Some Videos?
Wed, Jul 7, 2020
by Drew McManus
Now that it looks like shutdowns are going to continue, groups have started to look for ways to offer video content in a protected format. Setting aside the much larger issue of connecting access to monetization, one of the initial challenges is how to limit where a protected video can be embedded then limit access
A Glimpse Into Alt Performance Activity During The Pandemic
Tue, Jul 7, 2020
by Drew McManus
There’s a thought-provoking article by Jim Farber in the 7/14/2020 edition of sfcv.org of his review of the Mainly Mozart festivals performance via drive in movie facility. The location checks off all the boxes needed to satisfy patron health and safety concerns while simultaneously providing its own set of unique logistical challenges. What’s particularly interesting
State Of Employment Poll & Review July 27 – August 2
Mon, Jul 7, 2020
by Drew McManus
There’s no getting around the fact that week 16 was a rough week for stakeholder employment status. While per-service musicians continued to share the largest ratio of economic pain, administrators saw some steep shifts of those moving from under-employed to unemployed statuses. Sobering Statistics For the first three weeks, approximately 70 percent of administrators indicated
Time To Think About Loss Aversion
Fri, Jul 7, 2020
by Drew McManus
There’s a superb article by David Maggs in the 7/20/2020 edition of The Philanthropist that takes an unvarnished look at finding opportunity in an environment of uncertainty and anxiety. By that, I don’t mean using a crisis to consolidate power, rather, letting go of sacred cows long enough to see what they’ve been keeping you
German Researches Plan Live Event To Study COVID-19 Transmission
Thu, Jul 7, 2020
by Drew McManus
This could be one of the most important studies in the next month that could help the arts and culture section get back up and running safely with live events sooner than later. The University Medical Center Halle (Saale) have designed a series of live, indoor concert events to “research framework conditions under which such events can be carried
