Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum’s Post

Memorabilia and the future Memorabilia can be a way to preserve our memories for future generations. They can help our children and grandchildren to learn about our lives and our experiences. For example, a person might create a scrapbook or photo album of their childhood. This scrapbook can help their children to learn about their parents' lives and to see what their parents were like as children. Similarly, a person might donate their memorabilia to a museum or historical society. This can help future generations to learn about the past and to see how people lived in different times. Memorabilia can be a valuable way to preserve our memories and connect with others. They can help us to understand our past, our identity, and the world around us.

Philanthropy and Arts & Culture institutions have the power to bring about significant change by addressing funding inequalities. By examining the dynamics of donor relations, museum exhibitions, and the struggles faced by theaters, we can begin to shift cultural hierarchies and create a more equitable society. One example of how philanthropy can make a difference is by supporting underfunded arts programs in BIPOC communities. By providing financial resources and opportunities for artists and performers in these areas, we can help level the playing field and ensure that everyone has access to the arts. Read our Op-Ed by Monica Fernandez to learn about the internal assessment of upending cultural hierarchies in Arts and culture: https://buff.ly/3qPAyDZ

What are the unintended consequences of Prop 28 for arts education nonprofits in California that no one seems to be talking about? I offer my own thoughts here in an opEd piece for Dream A World Education‘s latest newsletter.

Our latest newsletter provides an update on the state of arts funding, and how to make the arts relevant in light of all the cuts.

The Pathways Program is about sector change - to help make arts, culture, and heritage spaces safer for the humans who work, volunteer, and participate in the arts. From the people who are leading change within our sector, to the ones that want to spark change but don’t know where to begin, the Pathways Program offers a learning-to-action approach to support systems change within your organization’s specific context. In recent years, our sector has worked to become more equitable and just, but there is far more we need to do individually, in our organizations, and at a sector level. This work is ongoing and requires intentional steps to take statements and values into action. The Pathways Program seeks to bring together a community of learners to make a shared commitment to implementing principles of equity and access in arts, culture, and heritage organizations in BC. On June 25th we are excited to share more information about this program, guidelines for applying, and a timeline for the 2024/2025 program. Visit www.manypathways.ca to join our mailing list. —------ Image Description: A white square featuring the Pathways Program logo at the bottom. Text at the top reads: "Want to learn more? Register for our upcoming info session: June 25th, 2pm PDT." Behind the text is an image of a country path, with a green field on the left side, a row of trees on the right, and sun shining through a cloudy sky. BC Museums Association, Rural Arts Inclusion Lab, GVPTA Theatre and Arts BC’s logos are featured bottom right. #Pathways #ArtsBC #BCArtsCouncil #BCMuseumsAssociation #GVPTATheatre #RuralArtsInclusionLab #BCArts #BCNonprofit #NonprofitArts #CommunityArts #Equity #Accessibility #Nonprofit #NonprofitLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #SectorChange

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

Performing Arts education industry that I have been a part of more then a decade needs a lot of support and advocacy.The performing arts industry is a vital part of society, offering cultural enrichment, entertainment, and educational opportunities. Ensuring its growth and sustainability requires a combination of financial support, community engagement, and passionate advocacy. Here are a few key aspects to consider: 1. **Charity and Funding**: Philanthropic contributions, grants, and sponsorships from both private and public sectors are essential. These funds can help support artists, maintain venues, and produce new works. 2. **Community Support**: Local communities play a crucial role by attending performances, participating in arts education programs, and advocating for the arts in schools and public spaces. 3. **Passion and Advocacy**: Artists, audiences, and supporters need to passionately advocate for the arts, emphasizing their importance in education, mental health, and community cohesion. 4. **Accessibility and Inclusion**: Ensuring that the arts are accessible to diverse audiences and inclusive of different voices and perspectives helps to enrich the cultural landscape and ensure broader support. 5. **Education and Outreach**: Arts education programs in schools and community centers can foster a love for the arts in young people, creating the next generation of artists and arts supporters. By combining these efforts, the performing arts can continue to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the character and vibrancy of society.

For anyone not familiar with nonprofit arts budgets, please be clear: the price of your ticket typically covers 20-30% of the cost of your seat. And that’s for the show you choose to see. Grant funding covers the ability for arts organizations to take risks with the art many people don’t see. To create theater and dance and sculpture that challenges its viewer to think. To critique. To see the world differently. Make no mistake—what Florida has done is not purely a budget cut. It is state-sanctioned censorship masked as fiscal prudency. It’s Crappy Funding Practices without even pretending not to be.

We asked this question today in our session “From Welcoming to Cooperation: Creating Spaces of Belonging and Purpose” at the Nonprofit Association of Washington. What becomes possible for you when you feel you belong? For our community? P.S. Music can be a great way to create spaces of belonging.