Comments on: Deep Thought Thursday: Organizations

By: Jeff Langridge

Jeff Langridge — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:03:39 +0000

I think there are too many that do the same things. People tend to start reciprocal organizations that answer to the same goal. That’s not what we need, nor is it beneficial to an area. There are organizations that get thousands to put on services which benefit only a few. Does that mean these programs are unnecessary? No, but perhaps with ONE good program, money could be better allocated. Perhaps there is something to be said about the way programs are audited. How do we measure success with a not-for-profit program? Is it the same way we measure success in our public schools? The most benefitted people? When does success become stagnant and doesn’t grow?

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:38:37 +0000

In reference to Philip Koch’s idea: WOW! “With so many auto dealerships closing, wouldn’t it be great if part of the bailout included opening up a couple of art centers in abandoned showrooms in every city. And their parking lots would be perfect as sculpture parks.” What a great idea! N.E.A: are you listening? I agree: education about all aspects of art, should be top priority for everybody. To add to that: a degree in fine arts: management/business classes would be good. ~C

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:59:20 +0000

Alyson, I’ve made mention of paying someone to be there and update to a internet and use the new tech stuff but the older memebers are unsure and could be afraid of losing what they have worked so hard to bring to life. Change is always going to happen and we have to be ready for it right some go kicking and screaming. Good topic and seems to be coming up in other on line groups I’m involved in. ~v~

By: Alyson Stanfield

Alyson Stanfield — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:59:33 +0000

Hey, check out this post: http://artscenecal.com/ArticlesFile/Archive/Articles2008/Articles1208/MGleason1208.html

By: Alyson Stanfield

Alyson Stanfield — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:43:26 +0000

Wendy and Laura: Interesting to think about it as a generational thing. I wonder what will become of organizations that can’t get new members. All: I contend that if organizations were better managed, we’d have a higher rate of participation by quality people, better exhibits from them, better recognition from the media, and more money flowing into the arts. But there aren’t enough good managers to go around for all of the organizations out there–especially for unpaid positions. The best-run organizations (and I’ve worked with a LOT of them!) have a paid staff of some sort.

By: Laura Lein-Svencner

Laura Lein-Svencner — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 12:08:35 +0000

This is a topic that I had wanted to see discussed for a while. When making the jump to start getting out in the world to show work we are encouraged to join and network and then you come into some of the well established groups out there and they have been run by artists. Now from my experience things are changing as it always does and it’s not the same as it was but some of the older groups don’t want to change. The members have started this out and fear what will happen with change and they hang on to old ways that’s all they know. So with the new generation of artists joining they see this and turn right around and not join. It’s a time of transtion for many of the art leagues and guilds I belong to, there non for profit and need people to run them, but the artist just dont have the time to spend. We are working many jobs so that we can still do what we love to do. I believe the art groups are going to need to change too. To keep their doors open them may need to take an approach like more of a business then a social group.

By: Stephen Carl

Stephen Carl — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 11:59:23 +0000

In my experience, most of the arts organizations are to some degree dysfunctional. They suffer from poor leadership and bad management. They are mostly run by artists not managers. Which is a good thing, mostly. I will put up with some dysfunctionally to get someone who really loves art rather than a petty bureaucrat who makes “management decisions” without a feel for the product. Are there too many of them? No! Their job is to get art recognized and accessible. We need more, not less.

By: Sheree Rensel

Sheree Rensel — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:16:03 +0000

Oh NO. I don’t feel there are too many. I think there are not enough. In fact, I recently read about the public art installation in San Francisco “Language of the Birds” is a permanent installation by San Francisco artists Brian Goggin and Dorka Keehn. This is not an “organization” but it represents how our society could be. All these organizations need to help put ART out there so it can be accessible. Just last night, I had a conversation with a fundraiser for National Museum of Woman Artists. I told him NMWA doesn’t really do anything for the NOW. We need to support artists who make art today and those who relate to the moment. Can you imagine how our lives would be if art was on every street corner? I can. Splendid! Sheree Rensel wizzlewolf.com

By: JoAnn Selisker

JoAnn Selisker — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:57:19 +0000

Poor management has been the main problem in the arts organizations I have been involved with. I assume it’s partly because those who have great passion for the arts tend to be artists themselves, not managers. It’s a thankless job, scrounging for money to keep afloat, so it takes driven commitment, and knowledge and intelligence about art, the kind that often comes through the study of art and the practice of the artist. An artist would have to give up his/her own art work in order to take on management. But management is a learned business skill. Most arts organizations are run by people without any management training, much less aptitude for it. A degree in art teaches nothing about fiscal management, personnel hiring and firing, conflict management, motivating employees, etc.

By: Brenda Elaine

Brenda Elaine — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:30:47 +0000

If art organization are working to compete then yes their can be to many because each will push their own individual messag in an effort to drown out the other. However, if art organizations work as a unit thru good old fashion networking and thru the new social networking then the more the better. An organiztion can thus either help or hurt the cause of art awarness.