A Simple Framework That Helped Me Make Sense of the Executive Director Role: Series Part 1
First in a four-part series about the job of the Executive Director in arts organizations.
Author: Hannah Grannemann
The NEA is more than just funding
The NEA has been doing more than just awarding grants. They’ve been making the arts more important to more people. We have to do it on our own now.
The Ripple Effects of Equity in Arts Funding
Equitable arts funding can help grassroots theatres thrive. As large institutions face cuts, their greater fundraising capacity positions them to adapt—while smaller organizations gain long-overdue access to vital resources.
Navigating Change in Arts Funding Equity
The arts sector is advocating for equitable funding, shifting support from large institutions to smaller, marginalized organizations. While changes are occurring, concerns remain as total funds may not increase, which will drive change in the arts ecosystem that we need to adjust to.
Exploring Arts Programs That Serve Military and Veterans
Memorial Day honors fallen military service members in the U.S. Various arts programs support veterans and active-duty personnel, including free museum access and creative rehabilitation initiatives, promoting community engagement through the arts.
Revitalizing Theater Marketing: A New Vision from Brandon Powers
Brandon Powers, a choreographer and consultant, advocates for theater producers to embrace diverse revenue streams and adapt to modern media challenges, reflecting frustration with their resistance to change and innovation.
Celebrating the Process of Trying New Things on Social Media: Minnesota Orchestra
Many arts organizations struggle with social media, but the Minnesota Orchestra is getting it right—especially on TikTok. Their frequent, engaging, and on-brand content showcases humor, education, and personality, reflecting the internal commitment it takes to do this well. Big kudos to their marketing team.
Effective Arts Communication: Lessons from Kirsten Haddox’s Post on NEA Cuts
Kirsten Haddox, a social media manager and professional oboist, emphasizes the urgent need for strategic communication in arts advocacy following funding cuts by the National Endowment for the Arts. Her accessible and clear post urges audiences to support local arts organizations. She exemplifies effective outreach, highlighting the importance of direct, empathetic messaging.
Innovative Theater Production Trends in Dallas
Samantha Calatozzo Cobb, a Dallas theater producer, highlights how small companies adapt by producing shows on flexible schedules, prioritizing the well-being of their underpaid cast and crew. This approach fosters creative freedom and keeps audiences engaged through ongoing marketing. It emphasizes the value of varied quality in community arts production.
Learning from @lydia_cello: Let the audience feel
This week on my site I want to highlight five people or videos on social media that have caught my eye lately. First up is @lydia_cello on TikTok (Lydia Rhea in real life). Lydia recently graduated from Juilliard and has been posting about her life as a student for a while, and now about life … Continue reading Learning from @lydia_cello: Let the audience feel
Hannah Grannemann 