National Performing Arts Convention Rehash: Issue #1

Recently, I attended the National Performing Arts Convention (NPAC) in Denver.  This was a convening of 4000+ artists and arts administrators, many of whom are involved with groups such as the National Performance Network and Dance/USA (Open Arts Network partners), Theatre Communications Group, Opera America, and the League of American Orchestras, among others.  The convention happens every four years and was a great chance to talk with peers and colleagues across a variety of disciplines.  And, we were glad to meet a few Fractured Atlas members face to face!

Throughout the week, convention attendees convened in small groups (”caucuses”) to discuss topics/issues effecting the field at large.  At the conclusion of the convention, everyone who remained met in a large group to decide how to approach these issues going forward.  This was done with the help of America Speaks, an organization that helps facilitate these types of large discussions.  Although making the final decisions via group-thought was difficult and annoying as a result of technological glitches and, in my opinion, of an underinformed group, the convening still produced some interesting feedback from the performing arts field.

What’s going to be done with this feedback?  I really don’t know.  On the national level, I’ve heard that some of the national arts organizations involved are going to take the ideas back in order to incorporate it into their future strategic planning.  But, on the local and organizational/individual levels, I don’t really see this feedback making an impact.  I expect that attendees probably returned home, saw their uber-clogged inbox, and forgot all about the decisions that were made.  We’ll see, though.

So, I thought I’d let you know what everyone decided in regards to the topics we discussed.  I’ll report on Issue #1 in this post and will report on Issues #2 & #3 in future blog posts.

Issue #1: Our communities do not sufficiently perceive the value, benefits, and relevance of the arts, which makes advocacy and building public support for the arts a challenge at every level.  Which strategies are most important to take in order to advance our vision?

Here is what the audience voted for:

On a NATIONAL level… “Organize a national media campaign with celebrity spokespersons, catchy slogans (e.g. “Got Milk”), unified message, and compelling stories.”

My thought on this… Hasn’t this been done already?  Did it work?  The strategy I was hoping the crowd embraced was: “Explore interactive new media initiatives to increase access and relevance (e.g. create a “Google Arts”-type resource, blogs, YouTube, etc.).”  I know that the performing arts are best experienced live — and that’s why this strategy got very few votes — but, as a community, we’ve been WAY behind the times when it comes to technology.  This is what the younger generation is watching… They’re fast-forwarding through commercials as a result of DVR and Tivo!  So, why should we start with a commercial campaign if barely anyone will see it?  Even if these ads were online, I don’t know that it would attract new and diverse audiences.

On the LOCAL level, the audience vote tied with: “Create an arts coalition to get involved in local decision-making, take leadership positions, and strengthen relationships with elected officials.”  AND “Forge partnerships with other sectors to identify how the arts can serve community needs.”

Those two were my top picks in the local category as well.

On an INDIVIDUAL/ORGANIZATIONAL level, the audience favored: “Build relationships with non-arts groups, including governments, corporations, community development organizations, etc.”

Although I do agree with this idea, the one I was gung-ho for was:  “Participate in the local political process by lobbying city council, school board, etc.”  I think it’s very important that we get involved in areas outside of the arts… and the political process is a great place to start, as that’s where we could make some real impact and progress advancing our ideas as a community.

So, what are your thoughts on these ideas?

Check back in coming days for reports on Issue #2 (re: arts education) and Issue #3 (re: diversity).

Happy 4th of July!