Bronx Children's Museum’s Post

There is power and Data.

Generating $1.3 billion and supporting 19,834 jobs in 2022, nonprofit arts and culture organizations are an economic engine for Georgia. Learn more about this sector in a first-of-its-kind, state-level study by Americans for the Arts: https://lnkd.in/eqmTjKn3 

Check out this great article written by Nicholas Walsh!

Among the many lessons reinforced over the past few years is the critical role our cultural institutions – from our museums and parks to science centers and the performing arts – play in American life. But with arts, culture, and humanities giving comprising just 5% of total philanthropy in the U.S., organizations must rethink the way they engage their supporters. Read our latest article by Changing Our World's Senior Managing Director, Nicholas Walsh, and learn about the four key trends and tips for arts and culture nonprofits in 2024: https://lnkd.in/eEHAg9cT

The latest news from our Executve Director.

In Conversation with Stephanie Ybarra: The State of Nonprofit Theater in America In a recent conversation, Stephanie Ybarra, Program Officer at the Mellon Foundation, offered insights into the state of nonprofit theater—highlighting the longstanding financial pressures, the future of nonprofit arts organizations, and the emerging possibilities for the sector. It's a reality that many of us enjoy the arts daily, yet arts workers often find themselves justifying the value of their work. This can be frustrating, especially as rising costs affect both creators and audiences. The arts are deeply woven into the fabric of humanity, fuel the economy, and inspire personal and collective growth. These are just some of the reasons we continue advocating for the arts as a social good essential for everyone’s wellbeing. After all, could you imagine a world without art? Of course, the arts have historically catered to wealthy donors, who, knowingly or not, often shape decisions. However, as Stephanie notes, many organizations are shifting this focus to prioritize community engagement—valuing the everyday person rather than a select few. This reminds us that the arts thrive on mutual support: they need us as much as we need them. Nonprofit theaters, in particular, have the opportunity to serve entire communities, breaking away from exclusivity to foster inclusivity. This transformation touches on more than just audiences and fundraising. It impacts marketing, policy, leadership, and cultural understanding. When organizations focus on holistic, authentic connections—both within and beyond the art itself—everyone can truly thrive. As Stephanie wisely points out, libraries often serve as "third spaces" for communities, functioning as vital hubs within municipal structures. Nonprofit theaters can learn from this model, providing space and support for their communities in new and innovative ways. For more of Stephanie's thoughts and examples of theaters rising to meet the challenges of today, check out the full interview linked below. #Arts #Culture #Theater #Nonprofits #Community #Economy #Future #Development #Policy #AudienceEngagement #ThirdSpace

😻 Our Enews is back out TAKE A PART CIO and you should get involved in it for the latest news from us and opps in the sector. If you want it on the regular, you should definitely sign up here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eXyUjmX2

Interesting in learning more about the state of the arts and culture sector in Philadelphia? A study connected by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and PA Humanities, the Culture Check "gathers the voices of Pennsylvania’s cultural, arts, and humanities organizations, along with other nonprofits and community groups." The report shares important information about the cultural sector, its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for growth and engagement with the community, and much more. Learn more about this year's findings here: https://lnkd.in/eiUP2HRZ

A key learning from the report: “Increased funding and support from businesses, philanthropy, governments, and the media is essential to reflect our art and humanities community’s significant economic contribution and national prominence.”

One more post about culture – what could be a finer piece of heritage than pictured, the inside of the Cooper’s Tavern, in Burton upon Trent. Is this the best pub upon the planet? Almost, except they don’t serve stout. The bottom line for museums and cultural venues is that they are in a state, like the rest of Britain. Where for a start is the brewing museum in Burton? Theatres or arts buildings or museums that are run by or rely on councils will face yet more cuts. Will the Heritage Lottery Fund come to the rescue (or rather, shouldn’t museum staff be buying more lotto tickets?!). Long term One of the speakers at Andy Davis’ heritage resilience conference yesterday, Steve Stenning of the British Council, described culture as ‘a living thing’. By protecting it we are not only protecting ourselves, but generations to come. An altogether different dynamic than say, retail. You can accept some stock loss; but graffiti on war memorials, chopped trees, libraries closed or even wiped by cyber attack? It’s an assault on ourselves.