TBOT_S03E02 - Alan Harrison - SCENE CHANGE
The conversation explores the idea of nonprofit arts organizations shifting their focus from producing art to producing impact. The guest, Alan Harrison, shares his experience working in the nonprofit arts industry and discusses the need for arts organizations to align their work with the needs of the community. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating measurable results and social value to justify the nonprofit status. The conversation also touches on the challenges of fundraising and the role of money in producing art. The guest's book, 'Scene Change: Why Today's Nonprofit Arts Organizations Have to Stop Producing Art and Start Producing Impact,' serves as a foundation for the discussion.
HOSTS: Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss
00:00 Introduction and Working Title
08:02 Challenges of Fundraising for Arts Organizations
24:31 Thoughts on the Pandemic and Moving Forward
31:56 The Responsibilities of Board Members in Arts Organizations
46:21 The Success of the Louisville Orchestra and Out of Hand Theater in Engaging with Communities
59:25 Translating the System for Artists
Takeaways
Nonprofit arts organizations should focus on producing impact rather than just producing art.
Arts organizations need to align their work with the needs of the community and demonstrate measurable results and social value.
Fundraising for arts organizations can be challenging, and there is a need to explore alternative funding models.
Money plays a significant role in producing art, and the ability to raise funds can determine the success of a production.
The guest's book, 'Scene Change: Why Today's Nonprofit Arts Organizations Have to Stop Producing Art and Start Producing Impact,' provides insights into the topic. The arts industry faced challenges during the pandemic, with art being perceived as non-essential and limitations in streaming performances online.
Nonprofit arts organizations need to go beyond just putting on a show and measure their impact in the community.
Board members of arts organizations should understand their responsibilities and actively contribute to the organization's mission.
The Louisville Orchestra and Out of Hand Theater are examples of organizations that successfully engage with their communities and create meaningful experiences.
Nonprofit arts organizations should prioritize producing impact rather than just producing art.
Using data and metrics is crucial for measuring the effectiveness of arts programs and engaging with the community.
Entertainment is a form of art and can have a place in the nonprofit world.
Artists should focus on telling authentic stories without trying to please commercial interests.
Toxic culture exists within some nonprofit organizations and needs to be addressed for positive change in the industry.
LINKS:
Alan Harrison - The Arts Journal
https://www.artsjournal.com/author/alan-harrison
Alan Harrison - On Medium
The Fourth Turning Is Here - Neil Howe
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Fourth-Turning-Is-Here/Neil-Howe/9781982173739
BUY THE BOOK -
Scene Change - Why Nonprofit Arts Organizations Have To Stop Producing Art And Start Producing Impact.
Scene Change 2: The Five Real Responsibilities of Nonprofit Arts Boards
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