Building Communities, Not Audiences

by Doug Borwick

Building Communities, Not Audiences: The Future of the Arts in the U.S , written and edited by Doug Borwick, holds that established arts organizations, for practical and moral reasons, need to be more deeply connected to their communities. It serves as an essential primer for any member of the arts community–artist, administrator, board member, patron, or friend–who is interested in the future of the arts in the U.S. It also provides new ways of looking at the arts as a powerful force for building better communities and improving the lives of all.

“It is from community that the arts developed
and it is in serving communities that the arts will thrive . . .
Communities do not exist to serve the arts; the arts exist to serve communities.”

Building Communities, Not Audiences identifies the factors that serve to isolate established arts organizations from their communities, points out the trends that loom as imminent threats to the long-term viability of the artistic status quo, and presents principles and mechanisms whereby arts organizations can significantly extend their reach into the community, supporting enhanced sustainability. Included are case studies and examples of successful community engagement work being conducted by arts organizations from around the U.S. Twenty-three contributors, representing chamber music, dance, museums, opera, orchestras, and theatre as well as an array of arts administration perspectives provide breadth of coverage.

“The economic, social, and political environments out of which the infrastructure for Western ‘high arts’ grew have changed. Today’s major arts institutions, products of that legacy, no longer benefit from relatively inexpensive labor, a nominally homogeneous culture, or a polity openly managed by an elite class. Expenses are rising precipitously and competition for major donors is increasing; as a result, the survival of established arts organizations hinges on their ability to engage effectively with a far broader segment of the population than has been true to date.”

Genres: Nonfiction

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2012

Reviews

[Christina Borek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book. It got be to re-availuate the direction I am going in at school and fr the business I want to open. The first few chapters are really boring. If I wasn't taking the class, I would never have finished the book.

[Joe Matson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many interesting case studies from various arts organizations around the US. A little bit repetitive in its thesis that arts organizations need to do a better job of connecting directly to the communities around them.

[Rob Kall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bottom-up approach. Really enjoyed the read and the interview I did with him.

[Amira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one to flesh out art advocacy and the power of community