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Growing arts audiences through customer centricity

The COVID-19 pandemic isn't the root cause of the arts sector’s current struggles. It merely accelerated ongoing industry declines that originated almost four decades ago. We love to proclaim, “Classical music is not dead!” and “Art is for everyone!” But opera audiences have plummeted 77% since 1982. Classical music audiences are down 65%. Theater audiences have declined 62% and ballet 52%. These declines were already set in motion before the pandemic began, with a number of factors causing U.S. audiences to find less and less relevance in what arts organizations have to offer. It’s time for artists and arts leaders to start pushing for meaningful change. And change starts with a willingness to rethink the status quo. Ready to rethink? Join the movement. Get a seat at my upcoming workshop: https://lnkd.in/eSpbUtS8. Learn how arts organizations and artists can unlock growth by centering the customer, enhance engagement by embracing inclusion, and unleash potential by clarifying mission. #artsandculture #audiencedevelopment #artsmarketing

Kathy Ransdell

Experienced Music Teacher

9mo

I agree that ideas need to be generated to attract bigger audiences. However, I think it is important to preserve the integrity of the music and the performers.

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And not only in the US. Arts audiences have declined elsewhere, too, I have compiled the numbers for the two Germanies for my upcoming book on theatre statistics since 1949.

Yann Wermuth

Growth is a result of the best possible customer understanding.

9mo

This is so great and relevant! Having been in the opera again over the christmas break (after a long time of absence…) reminded me how important and enriching the arts are! We cannot just accept decline as an unchangeable fact.

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