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...that the National Performance Network (NPN) has brought innovative performing artists to all corners of the United States for over two decades? If you've ever gone to a play, dance performance, music concert or poetry slam... If you've participated in a creative workshop or movement class... If your child attended a school assembly program with a storyteller... You, too, may have been part of this effort. (more >>)
Helpful articles regarding the management of arts organizations during the current economic crisis:
Arts Policy in the New Administration
November 21, 2008
The National Performance Network in collaboration with fifteen arts service organizations prepared and submitted the attached Arts Policy Paper to the Barack Obama transition team. The Arts Policy Paper is a public document that outlines recommendations for a re-invigorated National Endowment for the Arts under a new administration. The document was created from a series of meetings and email response to drafts by staff and leadership of the organizations. Download here.
Back from the Brink
Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 16, 2008
In his new book, The Art of the Turnaround, Michael M. Kaiser, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, writes about his experiences helping to revive troubled arts organizations. He says the specific approaches an organization should follow differ, but that 10 basic rules should be followed in every turnaround. Following are excerpts from the book, which has just been published by Brandeis University Press. Read more,,,
Managing in Tough Times: 7 Steps
The Bridgespan Group, November 11, 2008
Tough times force hard choices. And these are rapidly becoming the toughest times most of us have ever seen. Even for nonprofit leaders who are accustomed to ‘making much of little,’ the repercussions of the unfolding economic downturn are likely to pose unprecedented challenges. It’s hard to imagine that many (if any) of us in the sector will escape unscathed. Read more…
Navigating Troubled Waters
Wolf Brown, Newsletter No. 24 | published 2008
Many of our clients and friends are understandably worried about the likely effects of the economic downturn. They report much conflicting advice, confusion, and disagreement among stakeholders. What will be the impact on foundation grants? Private giving? Earned revenues? What is the responsible way forward for management and board leadership? Read more…
National Performance Network
FY2009 – 2012 Strategic Plan
NPN is a vibrant network unlike any other in the U.S, composed of 61 of the most exciting presenters in the country who commission new work, present hundreds of artists annually, and engage in imaginative residency activities in their home communities. This goal addresses the ‘care and feeding’ of the Network as a growing, changing community of learners. Download Plan…
An Open Letter to my national colleagues:
I have a moment now to digest the events of November 4, 2008 and feel the need to share my thoughts with a group of people for whom I have the highest regard: artists and arts organizations committed to social change. I come from a long line of freedom fighters, and as such have a commitment to community and its right to be heard that is grounded in this history. As I watched the election returns reach the point where they confirmed Barack Obama was going to lead this country, I was filled with excitement and exhilaration, tinged with a sense of sadness. The sadness was only brought on by the knowledge that my parents and grand-parents, who devoted their lives to the service of community and the cause of human rights, could not savor this moment with me.
by - Wesley V. Montgomery, Chief Operating Officer - National Performance Network
Since joining the staff six months ago, I have been amazingly energized by the organizational charge of extending NPN’s reach in conversations around arts policy—particularly policy conversations focused on arts and social justice. NPN’s organizational commitment invites colleagues to actively engage in the policy arena, asking each of us to consider the question of leadership in the local, regional, national and global conversation, articulating how the arts contribute to building community.
See the latest job postings from Asian Arts Initiative, Central District Forum, and Jump-Start Performance Co. on the "jobs announcements" page.
