Arts, Inc.

I was really pleased to be in a talk with Bill Ivey and Congressman Jim Cooper (D-TN) yesterday at the Center for American Progress about the key issues that are facing our cultural industry. These issues are well articulated in Bill Ivey’s thought-provoking book arts, inc. I feel it is important for American cultural policy to fully explore the changing needs and cultural landscape that encompass today’s nonprofit arts, for-profit arts, unincorporated arts (like so many of our national choruses), and individual artists.

Watch video of the event on the Center for American Progress Web site.

Tagged with:
Add comment July 16th, 2008 at 01:27pm Robert Lynch


On the Top Shelf of My Bookcase

Summer is all about finding that delicious summer book to read. The other night, I was at Kramerbooks, one of the best bookstores in DC. Their selection makes you feel erudite and ignorant at the same time. I thought I would send along some of my favorite books. I confess I am a divergent reader as this list demonstrates. And it is in no particular order. So if you are looking to pick up something new and interesting, noodle around in some of these ditties.

(more…)

1 comment July 16th, 2008 at 09:17am Rebecca Borden


Calling all convention session proposals!

We are really excited to be heading to Seattle for the 2009 Annual Convention. Although Americans for the Arts hosts the convention, it is really YOUR convention. You are the presenters, participants, and consumers of this event. You are the ones who make it successful. We just set the stage for you to connect, listen, and learn from one another. 

We are currently accepting proposals to present. DEADLINE: AUGUST 1.

Below are some suggestions for what separates a good proposal from a weak proposal.

(more…)

Tagged with:
Add comment July 14th, 2008 at 10:13am Rebecca Borden


With a deep bow, I walk off stage…

As creative professionals, we are especially attuned to the nuances of “well coming” and “well going.” Put another way, we know how to walk on stage and walk off stage really well. We understand the importance of first impressions and we know how to make a lasting impression within those fleeting moments. Most professionals overlook these vital socio-cultural clues. Not us. Never underestimate the asset of this skill. We also know how to honor the power of closure—for ourselves and for our audience. What separates a good ending from a great one hinges on the difference between heightening the experience and making it a teaching moment. A good performance will leave you wanting more, a great one will leave you with powerful questions without easy answers.

“Be patient toward that which is unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek answers which cannot be given to you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually without noticing it live along some distance day into the answer” ~ M. Rilke

And so, today, I exit this stage, not because I don’t enjoy the privilege of working with you through Americans for the Arts, but because I am making a commitment to pursing my next role as “Professional Coach.”

{deep bow}

Rebecca

Rebecca Borden, PhD
E: rebecca.borden@gmail.com
W: www.rebeccaborden.com (coming soon!)

Add comment July 12th, 2008 at 09:35am Rebecca Borden


ArtCast: Episode 5

In this Podcast, Bob Lynch—President and CEO of Americans for the Arts—discusses the range of leadership skills that are most valued by the nonprofit arts field. His discussion moves from a meeting with former military generals to the Emerging Leaders program at Americans for the Arts.

 
icon for podpress  ARTcast5 [4:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tagged with:
Add comment July 9th, 2008 at 01:55pm Graham Dunstan

Previous Posts


Search

Published By: Americans for the Arts

Tags

Recent Posts

Blogroll

Posts by Month

Feeds

Social Networks

Find us here: