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Arts Organizations Aren’t Failing. Their Business Models Are.

Public funding is shrinking. New mandates are threatening core values. And the old playbook isn’t working like it used to. What’s the cure?

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The Art of Gathering: Rethinking the role of host
Ruth Hartt Ruth Hartt

The Art of Gathering: Rethinking the role of host

Arts patrons are often left to fend for themselves when it comes to interacting with the art and with their fellow attendees. But 'chill hosting', warns Priya Parker, isn’t welcoming, and it doesn’t cultivate a meaningful experience that keeps them coming back. So how can arts organizations be better hosts?

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Getting the job done for customers on social media
Amanda Lester Amanda Lester

Getting the job done for customers on social media

The standard marketing-ese that most performing arts organizations use to promote events is more turnoff than engagement-inducing. So why do audiences “hire” social media, and how can we target this motivation? Amanda Lester explores this question, and shares examples of high-performing posts that she’s encountered during her work tracking social media stats for U.S. orchestras.

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The Art of Gathering: Rethinking purpose
Ruth Hartt Ruth Hartt

The Art of Gathering: Rethinking purpose

When we conflate category with purpose, says Parker, “we end up gathering in ways that don’t serve us.” Determining why we gather—moving from the what to the why—adds more value for everyone involved. And every decision about that gathering becomes easier.

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The Art of Gathering: Rethinking tradition
Ruth Hartt Ruth Hartt

The Art of Gathering: Rethinking tradition

Does traditional concert etiquette discourage diversity? With nearly half of the U.S. population reporting that they don’t feel welcome in our world, it’s time to overhaul our thinking around what a classical music concert should be. Insights on designing more welcoming, more inclusive cultural events.

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Grow your audiences using these market research techniques
Amanda Lester Amanda Lester

Grow your audiences using these market research techniques

For those who have little experience with it, market research can seem daunting, expensive, and superfluous. But the truth is, market research can be simple, and accessible, and incredibly valuable. Amanda Lester of Screen Engine/ASI (and formerly of the LA Phil) joins the Culture for Hire blog to show us how.

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