The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc.’s Post

Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts our right to culture, yet in today's world, this fundamental right is increasingly under threat. Rising living costs, exacerbated by calls to #TaxTheRich, have sparked a crucial debate: can everyone truly participate in cultural experiences? Take, for instance, the growing number of canceled concerts and music festivals due to escalating operational expenses. While many arts organizations offer free programming, two critical issues emerge: Firstly, in a capitalist-driven society, nothing truly comes free, and secondly, what is the genuine connection with communities? Amidst content overload and profit-centric algorithms, many individuals are unaware of the initiatives by local nonprofits and artists. The wealth crisis significantly impacts communities' ability to access art and strains the capacity of artists and organizations to create it. As arts and culture play a pivotal role in community cohesion and individual well-being, this lack of access fundamentally undermines our humanity, especially in the wake of COVID-19's profound impact on our cultural landscape. While we celebrate and invest in global icons like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, we must also prioritize our local artists, arts workers, and organizations. They navigate not only the challenges of living costs but also the precarious nature of short-term funding cycles, often with prolonged waits for financial support. The concept of "Policy" resonates deeply here, with ideas like Universal Basic Services and Income offering potential solutions. However, regulating creativity amidst loopholes that favor the wealthy remains a complex issue. Moreover, the relentless pursuit of growth in the arts sector raises questions about sustainability and alternative markers of success beyond mere expansion. It's time to recognize arts and culture as foundational components of our society's economy and well-being. They serve people and the planet, not just corporate interests. This realization demands a collective reevaluation of what arts and culture mean to us and whether we can afford to devalue their profound impact. #Philanthropy #Economics #ArtsandCulture #Sociology

My article "Listening All Around: What Could the Fluid Conceptualization of Artistic Citizenships do?" was just published in ACT. https://lnkd.in/d53Rg-B4 The article fluidly explores the concept of Artistic Citizenship as a way to expand on questions such as inclusion in the arts, social change through the arts, or criticality in the arts. Please feel free to share it and hope that you find it as inspiring as it was for me to write it!

For the archive and museum sectors alike, there is a danger of our offers being taken up by schools already at a comparative advantage. This is from the new Fabian document on Arts for All: "(S)chool trips – and therefore the opportunity to experience the wonder of museums – are in decline as schools struggle with budget cuts. A survey by the National Foundation for Educational Research on behalf of the Sutton Trust found that 50 per cent of senior leaders reported cutting school trips in 2023 due to financial pressures, a rise of 21 per cent compared to 2022. This is an issue of equity, accessibility and opportunity, with 68 per cent of senior leaders in the most disadvantaged schools having to make cuts to trips, versus 44 per cent in the wealthiest." Their proposals include loan boxes ("easily accessible material from their exhibits and archives, such as high resolution images"). https://lnkd.in/eYGD9Su9

Question: How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives? My Answer: The best way to make an impact is to follow your passions and engage with organizations that align with those passions. There’s a common misconception that you need to be an artist or have an arts background to contribute to arts organizations. In reality, we need board members and volunteers with diverse skills and backgrounds—those who excel in finances, marketing, event organization, insurance, sales, and advocacy. Read more to learn about my journey with music and the Alpharetta Symphony, and its impact on the Alpharetta community…

“Allegheny County arts and culture continues to punch above its weight when compared to peer regions" Learn more about our latest arts impact research report in this new story by WESA

Arts and culture are critical to the quality of life in a community. But arts and culture costs money - and communities need to invest in that talent if they want to reap the benefits. Municipalities should pay artists for the value they bring. https://buff.ly/3wbVwiS

This is really about our refusal to create an educated electorate. Chatting with folks in their 20s, some literally do not understand how the system works, they know they don't understand it, they see the fruits of what we've created in this very inequitable system, and they're divested. So who ends up voting? A lot of really scared, self-serving as opposed to community-driven, cynical, anti-forward thinking individuals. Who will be long dead when the country has slipped into its final morass of failed late-stage capitalism. We need to work on getting Americans aware about the voting process. Yes to more voter education -- it's a crisis now.

Absolutely and has been a tactic employed by .gov to starve the creative arts education at FE resulting in reduced progression to HE. It then gives them the negative data to argue creative arts education is declining when actually it is not, it has increased in vocational education and this was not their plan. Might be why the increase and success data is not included in the information they publish. It is also a shame they are not interested in listening to the positive impacts of creative arts education on mental health and wellbeing dispute the fact creative education and people who adopt creative processes in most industries are more successful and help overcome problems by applying creative solutions. It is not just about playing an instrument or painting a picture, it is about expression and developing confidence. #musiceducationmatters

Audience Development: Evolving American Orchestras As we celebrate the rich tapestry of American orchestras today, it's crucial to reflect on their journey from European-rooted ensembles to the culturally and community focused institutions we strive for. The 19th-century American orchestral scene was a battleground for identity, with European-trained maestros shaping our musical heritage amidst crises and cultural clashes. The 1800s were pivotal, birthing renowned schools like the Peabody Conservatory (1865), Oberlin School of Music (1867), and New England Conservatory (1870) to cultivate homegrown talent. Yet, this era also faced an "orchestra crisis," grappling with elitist perceptions and a struggle to resonate with the American public. Fast forward to strategies of financial sustainability: a model that leaned heavily on philanthropy, inadvertently widening the gap between the upper class and lower socioeconomic audiences. This historical blueprint set a precedent, but also a challenge for modern audience development. As professionals in the arts, we must confront this legacy, understanding the nuances between philanthropy and equitable access. It's not just about survival; it's about reshaping orchestras to be truly inclusive and reflective of all communities. We stand at a crossroads: acknowledge the past, challenge the status quo, and innovate—or risk obsolescence. (And this is applicable to other organizations across the #ArtsSector) Challenging? Yes. Impossible? No. Respectfully, Dr. Roque Diaz Interested in learning more about #DEI? Follow me. #OrchestraInclusion #AudienceDevelopment #ArtsPhilanthropy #History #Orchestras 

Performance-based Arts Organizations Partnering with Arts Education Organizations Today, I want to highlight the impact of arts education organizations, like community music schools, in our communities. They nurture creativity, foster personal growth, and build a strong sense of community. As the world changes, performance-based arts organizations must collaborate and engage new stakeholders. Adapting to evolving needs and preferences is crucial, considering challenges like a shrinking audience base. Research emphasizes the need for performance-based organizations to remain relevant. By partnering with arts education organizations, we can create meaningful impact. Here are some goals to consider: -Strengthen community partnerships with other arts education organizations, community leaders, and educational institutions for collective impact. -Embrace technology to engage new stakeholders through online platforms, streaming concerts, and interactive digital experiences. -Proactively engage historically underrecognized and marginalized communities, schools, and social organizations. -Advocate for arts education by partnering with local organizations, businesses, policymakers, and community influencers. -Embody diversity, equity, and inclusion in programming, hiring practices, and leadership roles. Let's make community connections. It's hard work but not impossible. Respectfully, Dr. Roque Diaz Interested in learning more about #DEI in the Arts Sector? Follow me. #ArtsEducationOrganizations #CommunityEngagement #Partnerships #Collaboration #Innovation #DEI #TheFutureIsNow