Skip to main content

Distributed for Brandeis University Press

Strategic Planning in the Arts

A Practical Guide

Planning today is more important than ever. Both acquisition and allocation of resources are increasingly difficult for arts organizations as a result of emerging technologies, reduced arts education, aging donors, and the advent of new forms of entertainment. It is essential for arts organizations to take a coherent approach to these issues to remain vibrant over time. In fact, most arts organizations do periodically attempt some kind of planning exercise. But a review of hundreds of such plans suggests that most contain merely a wish list, rather than concrete plans for the future: “We will increase ticket sales!” is a common “strategy” expressed in too many arts plans. In the absence of details about how ticket sales will be increased, it’s an empty promise. In Strategic Planning in the Arts, Michael M. Kaiser, the former head of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and an arts management guru, has produced a clear, concise guide for staff or board members of not-for-profit arts organizations who are responsible for developing, evaluating, or implementing plans. Relying on real-world cases and examples, Kaiser shows how to conceive, assess, and act on every part of the strategic plan, from the mission statement to the financial statement; from managing the board to marketing. Praise for Michael Kaiser: “A rich yet tidy cornucopia of solutions for the challenges facing the American arts scene.”—Washington Post

200 pages | 6 x 9 | © 2018

Economics and Business: Economics--General Theory and Principles


Brandeis University Press image

View all books from Brandeis University Press

Reviews

“Provides a framework for understanding how to strategically manage nonprofit arts organizations. . . . What is unique about the book is its treatment of specific things nonprofit arts organizations have to consider—hiring artistic directors, training young artists, setting up exhibitor space, packaging performances, acquiring collections, and so on.”

Choice

Table of Contents

Author’s Note • Introduction • PART 1. SETTING UP • A Framework for Strategy Development: Building on the Mission • Writing a Mission Statement • PART 2. ANALYZING • Understanding the Environment: External Analysis • Internal Analysis: The Management Audit • PART 3. STRATEGIZING • Artistic Planning • Educational Programming • Programmatic Marketing • Institutional Marketing • Development Planning • Boards • Organizational Structure/Staffing • Technology • Implementation Planning: The Rubber Meets the Road • Financial Planning and Management • PART 4. PLANNING FOR PLANNING • A Plan for Planning: The Planning Process • The Planning Environment • Acknowledgments

Be the first to know

Get the latest updates on new releases, special offers, and media highlights when you subscribe to our email lists!

Sign up here for updates about the Press