Michael Kaiser, president of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts has embarked on a 50 state tour, "The Arts in Crisis." Kaiser will make two stops in Florida. Wednesday, November 9 in Orlando and Thursday, November 10 in Miami. (See faae.org/blue.cfm for more information and to register to attend.)
The tour is called a "Community Conversation" so we are seeking your questions and thoughts to begin the conversation. Known for turning around struggling arts organizations Kaiser, the "Turnaround King" has advice for making it through tough financial times.
Are the arts in crisis in your region? What would you like to ask Michael Kaiser?
You have argued that cutting back on programs is not a solution for organizations in economic crisis. Given the current economy, how do cultural organizations expand and/or strengthen their programs as funds diminish?
ReplyDeleteMyriam Springuel
Mr. Kaiser,
ReplyDeleteCulture and the arts have the capacity to inspire transformation. We are in need of that now. Please help me see how the arts can once again become democratic and a part of the revitalization of community. To be sure, I am talking about how the arts can be a revitalization strategy for neighborhoods especially where people who have low incomes live. I know the connections in my soul and struggle with the cross-sector, cross-scale connections that can help make it happen.
Tim Dutton
Non performing arts organizations offer theater classes or music classes often - not to compete with performing arts organizations - but to complement their programming.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible for the Kennedy Center to provide assistance or work with small/medium size organizations that are multidisciplinary and could benefit from: master classes from Kennedy Center performers every 2/3 years; contact information re performers who may be interested/available to be a guest of honor at an event; sponsor or co-sponsor small ensembles - like those that perform for free during the summer - to perform in small venues for the K-12 audience; develop a special partnership program with these small, multidisciplinary organizations, similar – but not in the same large scale - to the Smithsonian Affiliations Program that would provide them with more visibility & recognition.
Thank you . Martha Gutiérez-Steinkamp
Mr. Kaiser -
ReplyDeleteYou have stated your position is not to cut programming or marketing when trying to recover from financial downturns. For an organization in debt and with decreased income, what should be cut?
At what percetnage is the dept versus budget ciritica to organizational survival?
Peter Stark
Orlando Ballet School
I agree with not cutting programming or marketing but what about fundraising! I've run across many non profit arts organizations in Florida that are putting their fundraising efforts on hold, not hiring professionals and asking the board to carry the load. Now is not the time to sit back and wait for the economy to turn around but put more time, energy and resources into raising dollars with the guidance of a professional in the field. Yes, it's difficult in this economy to raise money but it's always difficult! What have you communicated to arts organizations around the country about keeping their fundraising efforts going?
ReplyDeleteMr. Kaiser, your resume is impressive as are the resumes of many established arts organizations. I believe that the engine, the heart, of America is being sustained by volunteers. And in that group are the small not-yet-thriving arts groups which have painfully little help. They struggle to do good with no full-time staff, no part-time staff. All hands and legs are those of volunteers, some of whom are depleted by 20-40 hours/week beyond their bill-paying jobs. Where's the lifeline for them?
ReplyDeleteMr. Kaiser, I found your presentation an outstanding combination of pragmatism and inspiration. Clearly getting across the message of how one's organization benefits its community is key - how do we integrate that message with Donor "benefits"? Are there Donor Benefits you have found particularly appealing?
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