Invitation to the Party: Building Bridges to the Arts, Culture and Community

by Donna Walker-Kuhne, George C. Wolfe (Preface)

Acknowledged as the nation’s foremost expert on audience development involving America’s growing multicultural population by the Arts and Business Council, Donna Walker-Kuhne has now written the first book describing her strategies and methods to engage diverse communities as participants for arts and culture. By offering strategic collaborations and efforts to develop and sustain nontraditional audiences, this book will directly impact the stability and future of America’s cultural and artistic landscape. Donna Walker-Kuhne has spent the last 20 years developing and refining these principles with such success as both the Broadway and national touring productions of Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk , as well as transforming the audiences at one of the U.S.’s most important and visible arts institutions, New York’s Public Theater. This book is a practical and inspirational guide on ways to invite, engage and partner with culturally diverse communities, and how to enfranchise those communities into the fabric of arts and culture in the United States. Donna Walker-Kuhne is the president of Walker International Communications Group. From 1993 to 2002, she served as the marketing director for the Public Theater in New York, where she originated a range of audience-development activities for children, students and adults throughout New York City. Ms. Walker-Kuhne is an Adjunct Professor in marketing the arts at Fordham University, Brooklyn College and New York University. She was formerly marketing director for Dance Theatre of Harlem. Ms. Walker-Kuhne has given numerous workshops and presentations for arts groups throughout the U.S., including the Arts and Business Council, League of American Theaters and Producers, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for Arts to name a few. She has been nominated for the Ford Foundation’s 2001 Leadership for a Changing World Fellowship.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Museums, Art, Professional Development

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect and necessary tool for those working in the arts, no matter the capacity. Following its wisdom means thriving of industry.

[Ryan Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL ARTS ADMINISTRATORS AND ARTISTS ALIKE! Though this book is written years ago, it still feels current and necessary. Donna Walker-Kuhne is a genius, and I hope to cross paths with her someday. (No joke, it’ll be hard to maintain my composure.)

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone interested in building diverse audiences for the arts. Where the book shines is in Walker-Kuhne's memoir-like descriptions of her audience development work at the Public Theater, Dance Theater of Harlem, and the Broadway run and national tour of Noise/Funk.

The first few chapters, which try to set up the piece as a handbook, are largely forgettable (though I enjoyed a lot of the theater history that the author includes). After reading story after story from Walker-Kuhne's own experience, I gleaned that audience development is a lot of listening, reaching out to find partnerships in the community, and learning from failure. The book provides more inspiration than how-to's, which seems entirely appropriate to the field.

[Drew M Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear,direct, and radical. It was written 20 years ago so the urgency of the message is even more resonant. I actually found myself wanting to ask Walker-Kuhne for additional post-2005 chapters, along with her perceptions of our future in the arts, going forward in a pandemic-stricken world.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book filled with lots of examples and case studies. Some great tips and advice! Can’t wait to discuss.

[Jackie Nachman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing person. Donna Walker-Kuhne is a real inspiration in the field. Her book was engaging and informative.

[Colleen]

Reread this over the summer during a very important moment in time.

[Roberta Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done and still relevant today unfortunately.

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of books I’ve had to read for school this was one of the more enjoyable!

[kail · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best book i’ve ever read for class. EVER.

[Meg]

Read for class

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspiring. DWK has a mission to create a new community and overcome cultural and historic rifts through art as a shared experience, and as a student of Arts Administration, I am 100% with her. If you are involved in the arts in any way, read this book! Not only is it inspiring, but her story is fascinating & easy/fun to read. I have had the opportunity to see Donna Walker-Kuhne speak twice- if you have the opportunity, take it! It's even more inspiring than reading her book!

[Fatimat Adelabu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for people interested in or perusing an Arts Administration career path.

[RP McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for anyone wanting to make the arts available to a broader audience. She is insightful, clear, and engaging.

[Asuka · Rating 4 out of 5]

how to think resourcefully about reaching new audiences

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contrary to what my director believes, I am knowledgable and educated.