Quick Riffs

A few unrelated thoughts:

1. I find the whole "people should stop forming arts organizations" conversation to be interesting.  It's interesting because people make a very logical case for not starting.  The issue is that starting an organization is an emotional issue.  It isn't driven by logic.  By the way, this isn't a good or bad thing . . . it is just reality.  My own point of view is that if it is in your heart to start an organization then you HAVE to do it.  The world may need it.

But if your heart isn't in it.  If you aren't committed.  Don't even think about starting.

2.  It breaks my heart when people take the power of social media and try to squeeze it into the tiny "how do I sell more stuff" box.  Social media spreads ideas.  Good ideas ideas.  Bad ideas.  Silly ideas.  Whatever.  If the idea spreads then the stuff (may) sell.  But trying to sell stuff first is really difficult.

3.  Do less.  If you are using five different marketing tactics, cut it back to three and see what happens.  It hardly ever hurts and sometimes it can really help. 

Comments

[RVCBard]

Hm. As for #1, I think it's important to distinguish between organizing and putting together a 501(c)3. The two are emphatically not the same, as anyone who's been through that whole process will attest to.

I think the push away from institutionalization reflects a general trend toward leaner and more nimble organizational structures. IMO, this is a good thing, as it forces artists to really think about and put energy toward communities rather than toward institutions.

(P.S., if you haven't already, please give what you can to the $1 Play Project (linked in my username). It only takes 60 seconds and $1.00.)