Leading a Strong Arts Organization

Last night's discussion at the Museum of Women in the Arts was amazing. I was inspired by Mr. Kaiser's vision, optimism and enthusiasm. If I were a board member, employee, and even as an audience member I was ready to 'take it to the streets.' Coming from a fledgling historically black college I know that this same model of spending the right amount in areas of marginal importance seems simple but isn't it generally the easiest things that end up being the most critical?

What I found most interesting about Mr. Kaiser's remarks was that he repeatedly stressed the importance of 'branding' without having ever uttered the 'b word.' Perhaps this is where the problem for most arts organizations and other non-artistic organizations miss the mark. It could be that they are so focused on branding this and branding that they forget about the minutia that makes a good organization great, and a great organization better.

The following are some of Mr. Kaiser's most salient points in my opinion;

"Leaders must respect and acknowledge their staff and artists. Don't be the 'angry parent' and make the artists the 'naughty child.'

"Arts organizations' missions are about art, not money."

"Orchestras shouldn't always play "Beethoven's Ninth." Surprise people! If not, they'll go elsewhere. Engage them! They'll contribute monetarily and in terms of volunteer hours."

"Plan, plan, plan. Years in advance. It gives everyone something to look forward to and be a part of. Gets everyone excited about the future."

"It's not about size, use resources. Use strengths. It's not about size or recession."

"Saving your way to health DOES NOT WORK!"

"Curiosity over skepticism!"

"Never create a program to make donors happy. Ask donors which project they're interested in and get them involved."

"If and when cuts are necessary, don't cut programming! When you support great art, when the marketing is great the family you've cultivated the family gets excited and grows."

"Less marketing = less programming = less revenue = smaller family"

"Keep the arts vibrant, keep overhead down."

"Get people talking about the future. Don't worry about the past. It passed."

"There's no shortage of money. Arts organizations have to create the desire to engage. Make support FUN for donors."

"Our country was founded by Puritans who thought art and dance were evil. There is a separation between art and state."

"We can't get an orchestra to play any faster. We can't improve the speed of the orchestra it's set. Once we build a theater we have a set number of seats. No more. We have to approach things differently. We have to use what we have to get what we need."

All in all, it was a MAGICAL evening. I wasn't particularly sure what to expect but I was thrilled and inspired beyond measure. Thank you.