This week, we gathered with our arts marketing colleagues for the newly virtual National Arts Marketing Project Conference to connect and learn about shared challenges (and solutions) in a COVID-ravaged arts field. If you missed out, you can keep the learning going well into 2021 by registering for on-demand access to the recorded sessions. Also on ArtsU this week, we explored how to create meaningful shared partnerships between businesses and arts organizations, and hosted an informational session for prospective interns about the Diversity in Arts Leadership program.

On ARTSblog, read a thought-provoking reflection by an emerging arts leader of color on her future career path in a field that is plagued by racial inequity, and an inspirational story about how the town of Salina, Kansas participated safely in National Arts & Humanities Month with pop-up art installations. Meet fellow member Andressa Furletti, whose performing arts group uplifts her native Brazilian culture and supports immigrant artists in need of financial support. And for all the researchers out there, check out a new RFQ from the Wallace Foundation, which is seeking to study BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) arts organizations. 

ARTSblog

Member Profile: Andressa Furletti by Abigail Alpern Fisch
Originally from Brazil, Andressa Furletti is the co-founder and artistic director of Group Dot BR, New York’s only Brazilian theater company with a mission to present Brazilian culture through the performing arts. In the wake of COVID-19, Group Dot BR initiated the NY Brazilian Artists Fund to support immigrant artists facing financial hardship because of the pandemic.

Pop-up Art Inspires Hope in Downtown Salina, Kansas by Anna Pauscher Morawitz
As we returned to work from stay-at-home orders and furlough, we discussed new ways of changing lives and building community. We asked: How can we follow public health guidelines, encourage engagement in the arts, hire local visual artists and writers, and inspire creativity in our newly reconstructed downtown?

Envisioning My Future Self: Reflections from a Future Leader of Color by Meccah M. Martin
The arts are struggling as performance venues, museums, dance centers, and so many other large and small arts organizations closed their doors due to COVID. Not only do the arts have to navigate the current state of the world, but there is another issue that plagues the field, namely racial inequity.

News Room

Wallace Foundation Seeking Researchers to Study BIPOC Arts Organizations
In February 2021, the Wallace Foundation is exploring issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to a select group of researchers for one or more studies related to an initiative to invest in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) arts organizations. Researchers and scholars who meet the criteria should submit materials by January 4, 2021.

ArtsU

2020 National Arts Marketing Project Conference
Many arts and culture organizations have been shifting and changing the ways they are delivering content, engaging communities and inviting audiences to participate with them through different platforms. Who could have predicted the methods and strategies that have been activated in such a short and stressful time? And the only constant ahead is more change. At the new virtual National Arts Marketing Project Conference, learn ideas and tactics, strategies and inspiration to set the groundwork for surviving and thriving in the next 18-24 months.

Flipping the Script: Approaching Businesses with Opportunity Instead of an Ask
Arts organizations often come to businesses with their hand out asking for funding support. In a COVID-19 world when all are feeling pressure, explore how you can “flip the script” and meet prospective business partners where they are by speaking in their language and creating a partnership around shared purpose. 

Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Program: Informational Session for Intern Applicants
The DIAL National Internship Program is a 10-week summer program that matches interns from underrepresented backgrounds within the arts with arts organizations in various communities across the country. This information session is for undergraduate students interested in applying for the program and includes a Q&A session with our staff.

Pictured: Artist Lori Brack places poems of hope in a downtown tree for her installation “Poet-Tree” in Salina, Kansas.