The current economic downturn has indeed created a crisis for virtually every sector of the economy, especially those of us in the not-for-profit arena. Yet during this Thanksgiving week, I believe we in the arts have a great deal to be thankful for even in this troubled time.

First, we...

I was fortunate to be invited to attend a symposium offered by the Young Arab Theatre Fund in Alexandria, Egypt.

This group facilitates discussions amongst Arab artists and arts managers. This biannual symposium presents one of the few networking opportunities for Arab arts leaders.

I was asked to present a...

One of the Fellows participating in the Kennedy Center Arts Management Institute raised a serious question with me: can the traditional model of a symphony orchestra work in the United States? He observed that salaries are very high for musicians, conductors and guest artists, and ticket demand is not strong...

As I travel around the country talking about the problems facing arts organizations during this recession, there is one topic that gets consistent and passionate attention: the role of the board.

Most board members I meet are scared and frustrated and most staff members believe their board...

I have been spending a great deal of time thinking about the issue of diversity in the arts, specifically, the drive to diversify the programming and constituents of all arts organizations.

The more I consider this thorny issue, the less I am convinced that the arts world has worked hard...

One of the questions I am always asked when I teach abroad is why there are not more performances by American arts organizations available on television. In other developed nations, the great arts organizations are seen regularly on television.

There are two answers to this question. The first is...

At first blush, my Arts in Crisis tour stop in Grand Rapids seemed ill-timed.

After all, I am touring all 50 states to discuss approaches for dealing with the current economic crisis; to discuss the mistakes arts organizations make when they reduce programming or play it safe in this environment.

I was fortunate to be invited to the opening of the Metropolitan Opera two weeks ago. The new production of Tosca made news when the production team was greeted by a chorus of boos when they bowed at the end of the performance.

I was surprised not...

Last week I spent three days in New York City in meetings with the leaders of several arts organizations.

Three of these organizations -- The New York City Opera, Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance -- are emerging from periods...

For the last six years I have been obsessed with the concept of cultural diplomacy.
 
While other countries have been active exporters of their arts -- China and Great Britain come to mind -- the United States government has been reticent to invest in this form of diplomacy.

The accepted bounds of decorum and civility have seemed to disintegrate around us.

Living in Washington, D.C., I always admired the way American legislators could disagree violently on political issues during the day and yet have a friendly dinner together at night.

This mature form of disagreement was certainly not...

This week we will welcome ten new arts management fellows to the Kennedy Center. These talented young people will spend an academic year with us studying the many elements of arts management including planning, marketing, programming, and fundraising. They will work on major projects in our numerous departments and participate...

People across the nation have been asking me why I have embarked on my 50-state Arts in Crisis speaking tour. I always answer, truthfully, that I am concerned that so many arts organizations are making poor decisions as they attempt to cope with the current economic crisis. They are cutting...

Over the last several weeks I have been visiting cities across the nation discussing ways to address the current economic crisis. Amidst all of the pain, fear and serious discussion, one area of conversation always gets a laugh: the way to reduce tension between artistic directors and executive leadership.
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When Merce Cunningham passed away three weeks ago the world lost a dance legend. But I mourn not just the passing of one of the great geniuses of our time but also the state of modern dance.

Modern dance is one of the glories of American cultural history. From Isadora...

In my travels across the nation I have been hearing a lot of discussion about the glut of arts organizations and the need to "thin out" the field.

This scares me greatly. I am certain that those proposing reducing the number of arts organizations have in mind eliminating those that...

Two months ago I decided to embark on a 50 state Arts in Crisis Tour. The purpose of this tour was to talk about the issues facing arts organizations in the current economic environment and to discuss ways to address these challenges. As I planned the tour, I thought I...

Those of us who work in the arts are convinced of the importance of art for art's sake. We believe that the beauty, inspiration and knowledge one gains from attending performances, exhibitions and workshops have intrinsic value.

But it is undeniable that the arts play other important roles in our...

One of the questions I receive most often whenever I write about the arts is, "Why can't the arts pay for themselves? Why are public or private contributions required?" (These questions are frequently asked in far more colorful language.)

There is a simple answer rooted in two economic problems...

It is a sad reflection on the current state of arts education in our public schools that every arts education program offered by an arts organization sounds good. "We bring children to the symphony." "We offer art classes for children." "We teach dance to at-risk children." Who can argue with...