Funding and Managing Arts Organizations:
A Resource List

Managers of arts organizations need to constantly devise strategies to reach new audiences and to build financial support for their institutions. This resource list contains citations to selected works from the Foundation Center's bibliographic database Catalog of Nonprofit Literature of particular interest to arts managers and fundraisers. For complete bibliographies on various arts-related topics, search the Catalog of Nonprofit Literature (sample search).

• Funding Arts Organizations
  Guides

  Directories

  Internet Resources

  Surveys and Reports

  Managing Arts Organizations

  General Management

  Marketing

  Collaboration

Funding Arts Organizations

Guides

Federal Resource Guide Series. Washington, DC: Americans for the Arts, 2006. Call Number: 202 AME FED #1-6

The guides explain how arts organizations can obtain resources through government programs in six areas: arts education, Congressional earmarks, community development block grants, international cultural exchanges, and military base redevelopment, and transportation enhancements. Available at the Americans for the Arts web site.

Slaying the Financial Dragon: Strategies for Museums. Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 2003. v, 123 p. Call Number: 205 SLA

Various experts show how to establish and nurture a multi-faceted, long-term fundraising strategy. The specific approaches involve corporate giving, funding by cities, counties, and states, tourism, earned revenue, and individual giving.

Directories

Foundation Center. Grants for Arts, Culture, & the Humanities. New York, NY: Foundation Center, annual.

Lists over 23,000 grants of $10,000 or more made by over 1,000 foundations for a variety of arts and cultural programs, including the visual and performing arts, arts education, music, art conservation, film and video, radio and television, literature and writing, architecture, historic preservation, museums, and planetariums. Grants are indexed by recipient name, location, and subject.

International Directory of Corporate Art Collections. Largo, FL: International Art Alliance, 2004. 3 vols. Call Number: REF 047 ART 2004

Lists American, Canadian and overseas corporate art collections. Entries provide names of those charged with the responsibility of overseeing the collection or who can supply information on the contents, the legal owner of the collection, the nature of the corporate business, the approximate year the corporation began to buy artworks, size of collection, a brief description of the contents of the collection and special features, the location of the collection, whether the public may view the art, the status of the collection, who is responsible for selection, loan policy, selected past exhibitions, publications, and selected bibliography.

Internet Resources

Foundation Directory Online

A subscription-based service that allows you to search the Foundation Center's database of grantmakers. Free access is available at Foundation Center library/learning centers and Cooperating Collections.

Grantmakers in the Arts

Learn more about philanthropy in the arts from the only national organization that focuses on grantmaking in arts and culture. Provides links to members' Web sites.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

Explore the NEA's Web site for useful links to organizations, programs, and grant listings in a wide range of arts fields.

Philanthropy News Digest - Requests for Proposals

Browse the Philanthropy New Digest's database of RFPs and other notices of awards for funding opportunities related to arts and culture.

Surveys and Reports

Cowen, Tyler. Good and Plenty: The Creative Successes of American Arts Funding. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2006. vii, 196 p. Call Number: 820 COW

Cowen, an economist, delves into the debate over government funding for the arts in this far-reaching analysis. Preview this title on Google Book Search

The Future of Private Sector Giving to the Arts in America. Washington, DC: Americans for the Arts, 2007. 26 p. Subject File Number: 202

Summary of research and recommendations put forth at the 2006 National Arts Policy Roundtable. Research shows that funding for arts organizations is dropping across the philanthropic sector. The report lists policy recommendations by sector, including business, foundation, individual, and government giving. FULL TEXT

How the United States Funds the Arts, 2nd ed. Washington, DC: National Endowment for the Arts. 2007. viii, 24 p. Call Number: 810

The text differentiates the roles of federal, state, and local agencies, as well as other public entities, along with descriptions of private sources of support. The conclusion describes the complex and evolving web of funding resources. FULL TEXT

Lawrence, Steven. "Foundation Grants to Arts and Culture, 2006: A One-year Snapshot." Grantmakers in the Arts Reader, vol. 19 (Summer 2008). Subject File Number: 202

This statistical analysis indicates that arts and culture grant dollars rose in 2006, though it was outpaced by growth in overall giving. In addition, the proportion of foundation grantmaking allocated to the arts dropped somewhat. Tables show giving in various subfields, and types of support, and provides top funders by share of arts giving and other criteria. FULL TEXT.

Marudas, Nicholas P. and Fred A. Jacobs. "The Extent of Excessive or Insufficient Fundraising Among U.S. Arts Organizations and the Effect of Organizational Efficiency on Donations to U.S. Arts Organizations." International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing. vol. 12 (August 2007): p. 267-73.

With statistical tables and bibliographical references.

Prescott, Kate. The Quality and Nature of Corporate Support for the Arts: A Pilot Study. Washington, DC: Americans for the Arts, 2007. Subject File Number: 202

Business executives were interviewed to explore their views on corporate philanthropy in the arts. Topics covered in the research study include corporate giving priorities, arts funding requests, arts-business partnerships, and more. The report concludes with recommendations to help arts organizations strengthen relationships with corporations, noting that arts councils can play an important role in facilitating these efforts.

Schanke, Robert A. (ed.) Angels in the American Theater: Patrons, Patronage, and Philanthropy. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press, 2007. xiv, 314 p. Call Number: 206 SCH ANG

In this compilation, various specialists contribute essays about patronage of the theater by individual donors, foundations, and corporations. Otto H. Kahn, Lucille Lortel, David Geffen, The MacArthur Foundation, and the Disney Corporation are among those profiled. Schanke's introduction provides a summary of theater funding since 1900.

Renz, Loren; Steven Lawrence, and Leslie Marino. Foundation Center. Arts Funding IV: An Update on Foundation Trends. New York, NY: Foundation Center, June 2003. 66 p.

Provides a framework for understanding trends in foundation funding for arts and culture through 2001. Based on a sample of over 800 foundations, it compares growth in arts funding with other sources of public and private support, examines changes in giving for specific arts disciplines, analyses giving patterns by region, and explores shifts in the types of support funders award. Prepared in cooperation with Grantmakers in the Arts. HIGHLIGHTS.

Foundation Center. Foundation Funding for the Humanities. New York, NY: Foundation Center, June 2004.

A report on humanities giving, prepared in cooperation with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. FULL TEXT.

Renz, Loren. and Josie Atienza. Foundation Funding for Arts Education: An Overview of Recent Trends. New York, NY: Foundation Center, 2005.

The report prepared by the Foundation Center in cooperation with Grantmakers in the Arts examines the distribution of foundation funding for arts education in 2003 and changes in giving since 1999. Foundation Funding for Arts Education is sponsored by the Wallace Foundation. FULL TEXT.

Managing Arts Organizations

General Management

Cray, David; Loretta Inglis; and Susan Freeman. "Managing the Arts: Leadership and Decision Making Under Dual Rationalities." Journal of Arts Management, Law and Society vol. 36 (Winter 2007) p. 295-313. Subject File Call Number: 202

Discusses the increasing challenges facing arts organizations today, noting that managers must balance the demands of stakeholders while focusing on organizational efficiency. The article reviews leadership styles and decision-making models that may be applicable to arts managers. The authors suggests further research to gain a better understanding of how arts organizations operate.

Dreeszen, Craig (ed.) Fundamentals of Arts Management. 5th ed. Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts--Amherst, 2007. xii, 448 p. Call Number: 202 KOR

The broad topics discussed include community organizing, strategic planning, board development, volunteers, program development, arts education, cultural access, evaluation, marketing, fundraising, and financial management. For each topic, a specialist provides information, advice, and worksheets, as well as bibliographic references.

Goldstein, Barbara (ed.) Public Art by the Book. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press, 2005. 327 p. Call Number: 204 GOL

An instruction manual for initiating, executing, and maintaining many types of public arts projects, funded either by government monies or through private sources. Contains many sample documents, including city ordinances, gift acceptance policies, contracts, press releases, as well as numerous case studies of all types of installations.

Grady, Jamie. A Simple Statement: A Guide to Nonprofit Arts Management and Leadership. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2006. xi, 62 p. Call Number: 202 GRA

Chapters are: Values, Mission, and Vision; Basics of Forming a Nonprofit Organization; Board of Trustees; Operational Functions of an Arts Organization; and Management and Leadership.

Hessenius, Barry. Involving Youth in Nonprofit Arts Organizations: A Call to Action. Menlo Park, CA: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, 2007. 61 p. Subject File Number: 202

This research project report provides recommendations to help the nonprofit arts field develop its next generation of leaders. The project had three components: a survey of youth programs in California arts groups; twelve case studies; and a comparative analysis of youth programs in the environmental field. FULL TEXT

Kaiser, Michael M. The Art of the Turnaround: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Arts Organizations. Lebanon, NH: Univeristy Press of New England, 2008. 183 p. Call Number: 206 KAI

The author presents ten rules for reviving financially distressed arts groups, based on his experience from leading several organizations: Kansas City Ballet, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, London's Royal Opera House, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Topics discussed include leadership, planning, program development, marketing, fundraising, governance issues, and other key areas.

Moskin, Bill and Nancy Glaze. The Arts in Transition: Preparing for a Sustainable Future. Washington, DC: Americans for the Arts, 2007. 14 p. Subject File Number: 202

Offers a brief history of the nonprofit arts sector and an analysis of its current state. Discusses the most significant components facing the changing field in the future, such as technology, diversity, different economic ideas, and generational shifts, and speculates as to how arts organizations can adapt to these changes to ensure sustainability in the coming years.

Rhine, Anthony S. "A Great Confusion in Theater Management." Journal of Arts Management, Law and Society vol. 36 (Spring 2006) p. 33-47. Subject File Call Number: 206

Rhine ruminates on the nature of management within the context of theaters, drawing on the work of Peter Drucker to analyze what distinguishes management from leadership. He conducted a survey in 2004 to elicit data that could help to understand how hiring decisions are made by theater administrators. Of the 57 character traits that were discerned, communication skills and enthusiasm topped the list, while telemarketing experience and Web site design ranked lowest.

Rosenberg, Jim and Russell Willis Taylor (ed.) Learning from the Community: Effective Financial Management Practices in the Arts. Washington, DC: National Arts Strategies, 2003. various pagings. Subject File Number: 620

The report provides results from a survey about financial management at leading arts organizations in order to understand how their practices could be used across the arts sector. A framework for self-assessment is included. FULL TEXT

Stein, Tobie S. and Jessica Bathurst. Performing Arts Management: A Handbook of Professional Practices New York, NY: Allworth Press, 2008. 541 p. Call Number: 206 STE PER

A comprehensive textbook for students and managers of performing arts. Topics discussed include organizational structures, mission and planning, nonprofit incorporation, commercial productions, financial management, fundraising, marketing, labor relations, facility management, and professional development. Indexed.

Webb, Duncun M. Running Theaters: Best Practices for Leaders and Managers. New York, NY: Allworth Press, 2005. 256 p.

Topics covered in the guide include facility development, financial management, fundraising, and audience development, among others. Preview this title on Google Book Search

Internet Resources

ARTSNET

Developed by the Center for Arts Management and Technology at Carnegie Mellon University, the Web site contains a searchable directory of arts management resources.

Marketing

Arts for All: Connecting to New Audiences. New York, NY: Wallace Foundation. 2008. 24 p. Subject File Number: A 010

A report on the Wallace Foundation's April 2008 conference on audience-building in arts organizations. The first part of the report features remarks from the foundation's president on improving arts participation. The second part consists of an essay from Andras Szanto on using marketing, technology, and research as a means to build audiences in the arts. FULL TEXT

Bernstein, Joanne Scheff. Arts Marketing Insights: The Dynamics of Building and Retaining Performing Arts Audiences. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. 2007. xx, 294 p. Call Number: 680 BER

In this guide, Bernstein argues that as arts audiences change, arts marketing departments must adapt to maintain or grow attendance. She presents new approaches to arts audience development as well as commonly accepted best practices in marketing. The book utilizes a combination of theory, strategy, tactics, and examples. Arts managers, marketers, fundraisers, board members, educators, and students are the intended audience. Preview this title on Google Book Search

Kotler, Neil G.; Philip Kotler; and Wendy Kotler. Museum Marketing and Strategy: Designing Missions, Building Audiences, Generating Revenue and Resources. 2nd ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. 2008. xxx, 511 p. Call Number: 205 KOT

This second edition covers numerous strategic planning and development issues as they relate to museums. Discusses museum audiences and markets, development of exhibits and programs, and building member and volunteer support.

McNichol, Theresa. "Creative Marketing Strategies in Small Museums: Up Close and Innovative." International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, vol. 10 (November 2005): p. 239-47.

The author, a former museum director, provides examples of several inventive approaches.

Internet Resources

ArtsMarketing.org

The Web site contains useful marketing tips for nonprofit arts organizations. Includes a brief FAQ's section for beginners.

National Arts Strategies

National Arts Strategies, formerly National Arts Stabilization, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping strengthen arts organizations through the development of managerial and financial skills.

Collaboration

Backer, Thomas E. Partnership as an Art Form: What Works and What Doesn't in Nonprofit Arts Partnerships. Encino, CA: Human Interaction Research Institute, 2002. 72 p. Call Number: 609 BAC

The working paper discusses the merit of artistic collaboration, presenting lessons learned from interviews and a literature review. Raises key issues relevant to arts groups, funders, communities, researchers, and evaluators and presents a sampling of more than 60 nonprofit arts partnerships. FULL TEXT

Business Committee for the Arts. Case Studies. Long Island City, NY: Business Committee for the Arts, 2003. 57 p. Call Number: 202 BCA

Contains more than 50 case studies of partnerships between businesses and arts organizations.

Castaneda, Laura Werber and Melissa K. Rowe. "Partnerships in Arts Education: An Examination of Factors Predicting Schools' Use of Arts Organizations." Journal of Arts Management, Law and Society, vol. 36 (Spring 2006): p. 7-23. Subject File Number: 202

Using the Los Angeles (CA) school district as a study, the authors learned about the nature of arts partnerships. With bibliographical references.

Walker, Chris. Arts and Non-Arts Partnerships: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies. Washington, DC: Urban Institute, 2004. 14 p. Subject File Number: 202

Practical lessons are emerging from the experiences of arts and non-arts organizations forming partnerships with each other that can help them identify and reduce the risks in this increasingly popular strategy. These partnerships can confer benefits on both parties if the benefits are mutual and in accord with their respective missions and if the potential risks and costs are anticipated and addressed. FULL TEXT

Are you looking for more reports on arts and culture? Try browsing PubHub, a searchable repository of annotated links to reports and issue briefs.