Assoc of Performing Arts Annual Report - Pete Tidemann

Annual ReportJuly 1, 2004 – June 30, 2005

Our Vision

We envision a world where

–all people can experience the transformativepower of live performance;

–art and ideas circulate vigorously and freely;

–artists play a leading role in civic affairs and global dialogue;

–people of all cultures interact and affirmthemselves through the arts; and

–public and private sectors alike support the performing arts as a priority.

Our Values

We believe the performing arts are essential.Live performance is a universal form of humancommunication, a fundamental component of free expression. The interaction betweenartist and audience is basic to civic life, crucialto the economic well-being of communities,indispensable to the mind and spirit.

We believe the performing arts unite all people.For the performing arts to flourish, we musthave diversity and inclusiveness: in ourmembership, our presentations, our audiences.By embracing all human experience—andbridging differences among individuals,communities and cultures—we strengthenboth art and society.

We believe the performing arts inspireleadership. Each of our members can andshould play an active role in the arts world and in its home community. By accepting the responsibility to lead, exercising their own creativity, our members advance boththemselves and their partners: presenters,artists, producers, agents, managers, fundersand audiences.

Our Mission

The Association of Performing Arts Presenters is a membership organization, dedicated to bringing performing artists and audiencestogether in every place and way imaginable.The Association achieves its goal by providingvisionary thinking, professional development,resource sharing and advocacy, in support of its members and all those who create anddisseminate the performing arts.

Association of Performing Arts Presenters

1112 16th Street NWSuite 400Washington DC 20036Telephone 888.820.ARTS (2787) Toll FreeFax 202.833.1543www.artspresenters.org

Young Performers Career Advancement Showcase 2005. photo by Andrew Lepley

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Dear Members:

I have had the pleasure of serving as board chair of Arts Presenters for the past three years,a time that marked the beginning of our current strategic plan. In Sandra’s letter you willsee highlights and accomplishments related to the plan and I am pleased regarding ourprogress to date. In our field, we often talk about how much things have changed andindeed they have changed. But over these past three years, Arts Presenters has been bothstrategic and entrepreneurial in responding to the changed landscape. We have raisedmore money for programs and developed projects that are responsive to the needs of thefield. In short, we have exhibited leadership.

The completion of Arts Presenters 2005 fiscal year marks the half way point in our currentstrategic plan and an important moment for reflection on our progress. The board andstaff remained focused on delivering a more useful and forward-thinking association.

The board guides the association’s work behind four overarching goals for Arts Presenters:

– Advance the field of presenting– Expand knowledge about and increase participation in the performing arts– Ensure the sustainability of the performing arts– Promote global cultural exchange through the performing arts

As you read through this Annual Report, you will see how the goals are incorporated in ourprograms and how new programs have been identified and developed with these goals inmind. At our annual Members Meeting in January 2005, the membership passed asweeping change to how dues are calculated. This dues restructure is one importantexample of Arts Presenters’ evolution. The new formulation will make the associationmore accessible to a broader range of organizations, and in turn, create a richer dialoguewithin our membership that better reflects the field.

I am pleased with the progress the association has made this year and with the strategicplan. I look forward to the continued success of Arts Presenters as it approaches its 50thanniversary. I am confident that we will continue to provide leadership for the field for thenext 50 years.

Lawrence J. Simpson, Ph.D.ChairBoard of Directors

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From the Chair

Dear Members:

At the close of the 2005 fiscal year, Arts Presenters is at midpoint in carrying out the long-term goals of our 5-year strategic plan – enhancing member and field knowledge, fostering sustainability of theperforming arts; increasing cultural participation and inspiring creativity in a globalizing world. Ourefforts have considered the challenges our members face and the opportunities we have to examineand respond to industry and environmental issues that loom large for the field today – leadershipdevelopment and succession; supporting artists and the creation of work; shifting demographics andincreasing participation; balancing mission and market sensitivity on a global scale.

This past year we achieved strong success in establishing projects, services and communicationsstrategies to increase knowledge, build capacity and promote more effective practices among all ourmembers. And, we have stimulated the formation of member networks and interest area gatherings tobetter respond to member needs and create more customized program offerings. Throughout the yearwe have been working to refine our program plans with the creation of a capacity building plan and tomore clearly articulate these plans and all program offerings to members and the wider field.

Highlights for the year included new programs and partnerships designed to enhance member valueand advance the field:

– Inauguration of a pilot program funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Ensemble Theatres Collaborations Grants and Travel Subsidy Program, formed to expand the creation and touring of theatre by exploring new models, mechanisms and systems of support

– Establishment of the Classical Connections Endowment Fund and the inaugural Classical Music Think Tank in San Francisco to assess the shifting marketplace and opportunities for presenting classical music today

– Launch of the Artist Teaching Seminar, a model training program for artists working in K-12 arts education designed in collaboration with the Kentucky Center for the Arts with support from the Dana Foundation

– Inauguration of the MetLife Accessibility Awards for presenters, two $10,000 cash awards for leadership and innovation in working with access issues and educational tools

– Publication of the award-winning book on participatory evaluation, Singing our Praises by Suzanne Callahan

– Creation of a long-term partnership with the Bolz Center for Arts Administration at University of Wisconsin to establish the William Dawson Research Internship Program

– Release of a newly updated version of www.ArtistsFromAbroad.org, the website and interactive publication on artists visas policies and processes jointly established by Arts Presenters and the American Symphony Orchestra League

– Upgrade and redesign of Inside Arts magazine and launch of www.InsideArts.org website

We have been encouraged by the positive comments and feedback we have received from you this yearabout new and ongoing efforts. We value your input at Arts Presenters and are committed to offering youthe kind of support that helps you thrive in this new era for the arts and better serve your communities.

Sandra GibsonPresident & CEO

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From the President & CEO

Executive Committee

Lawrence J. Simpson, Ph.D, ChairCuyahoga Community CollegeEastern Campus, OHBerklee College of Music

Lisa Booth, Vice ChairLisa Booth Management, Inc.

Kenneth C. Fischer, Vice ChairUniversity Musical SocietyUniversity of Michigan

Suzette Surkamer, TreasurerSouth Carolina Arts Commission

Sandra Gibson, SecretaryAssociation of Performing Arts Presenters

Neil Barclay, Member at LargeAfrican American Cultural Centerof Greater Pittsburgh

Maurine Knighton, Member at LargeUpper Manhattan Empowerment Zone

AAnniittaa SScciissmm, Member at LargeWalton Arts Center

Arts Presenters Board of Directors

Maure AronsonWorld Music CRASHarts

Neil BensonICM Artists, Ltd.

WWeennddee CCaarrttwwrriigghhttThe Royal Conservatory of Music

Pam GreenPMG Arts Management

Theresa HoldenHolden & Arts Associates

Kathy HotchnerScottsdale Center for the Arts

Margaret LawrenceHopkins CenterDartmouth College

Abel LopezGALA Hispanic Theatre

Cora MirikitaniCenter for Cultural Innovation

Georgiana Pickett651 ARTS

Ann RosenthalMultiArts Projects & Productions

Mike RossKrannert Center for the Performing Arts University of Illinois

David RousseveWorld Arts and Culture University of California at Los Angeles

Executive Office

Sandra Gibson– President & CEOBrandon McWilliams (partial year)– Executive AssociateMargaret Stevens– Executive Associate

Operations

Terry Dowdy– IT ManagerLaura Giroux– Operations AssociateMark Kimble– Vice President, Finance & OperationsMalinda Lambert– Controller

Programs

Kim Chan– Vice President, ProgramsRachel Ferrara– Programs ManagerKaren Spellman– Consultant and Conference SpecialistJulia Ward (partial year)– Programs Director

External Affairs

Alicia Anstead– Inside Arts EditorFran Benton– Communications/Government Affairs AssociateJennifer Boulware (partial year)– Communications/Government Affairs AssociateJennifer Brunner– Development DirectorRebecca Craig – External Affairs AssociateJim Doumas– Government Affairs DirectorErik Hein– Membership DirectorPatrick Madden– Vice President, External AffairsSue Noseworthy– Membership ManagerMelissa Schwartz (partial year)– Communications Director

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2005 Board of Directors Staff

Board Committees

Audit Jed Wheeler – ChairMontclair University

Chuck SwansonHancher AuditoriumUniversity of Iowa

Board Operations & Leadership Neil Barclay – ChairAfrican American Cultural Center of Greater Pittsburgh

Maure AronsonWorld Music/CRASHarts

Alberta ArthursArthurs US



Maurine KnightonUpper Manhattan EmpowermentZone

Ruby LernerCreative Capital foundation


Ann RosenthalMultiArts Projects & Productions

David RousseveWorld Arts and Culture University of California at Los Angeles

Development Kenneth C. Fischer – ChairUniversity Musical SocietyUniversity of Michigan

Lisa BoothLisa Booth Management Inc.




Cora MirikitaniCentral for Cultural Innovation

Mike RossKrannert Center for the Performing ArtsUniversity of Illinois

Financial AffairsSusie Surkamer – ChairSouth Carolina Arts Commission

Neil BensonICM Artists, Ltd.

Anita ScismWalton Arts Center

Advisory Committees

Classical Connections AdvisoryCommittee Aaron Dworkin – Co-ChairThe Sphinx Organization

Kenneth C. Fischer – Co-ChairUniversity Musical SocietyUniversity of Michigan

Jon AaronAaron Concert Artists, Inc.

Mary Lou AleskieLa Jolla Chamber Music Society

Jane P. AmbroseGeorge Bishop Lane SeriesUniversity of Vermont

John GingrichJohn Gingrich Management, Inc.

Maria GuralnikVan Cliburn Foundation, Inc.

Amy LamCelebrity Series of Boston, Inc.


Daniel Bernard Roumain

Charlotte SchroederColbert Artists Management

Barrie SteinbergFrank Salomon Associates

John Steinmetz

Conference Advisory Committee Alicia AdamsJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Michael AlexanderGrand Performances

Pat GraneyPat Graney Company


Paul KingWhite Bird

Josh LaBelleSeattle Theatre Group



Harold NorrisH-Art Management



Ivan SygodaPentacle

Sixto WaganDiverseWorks

MK WegmannNational Performance Network

Lois WelkArts Consultant

Ensemble Theater ProgramAdvisory CommitteeBen CameronTheatre Communications Group


Sam MillerLINC

Vanessa WhangIndependent consultant

Committees

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Membership

Arts Presenters has an active membership engaged insustaining the performing arts and reflective of the global artsmarketplace – with members in all 50 state and more than 20countries. More organizations and individuals than ever chosemembership in Arts Presenters during the 2005 fiscal year. Atotal of 1,684 members were part of the association at theyear’s end, and 262 are new organizations and individuals. Ouraverage renewal rate for FY05 was 67%.

Our new web-based association database system, NetForum,gives members a more streamlined membership experienceand enhanced functionality – the new system allows for onlinemembership payments, streamlined member renewal andConference/seminar registration process, and improvedmember-only website logins. A majority (58%) of newmembers joined online, more than one fifth (22%) renewedonline, and most (83%) purchased conference delegateregistrations online. The new database has served as a solidfoundation for more sophisticated and professionalmembership management and delivering services movingforward.

Affinity ProgramWe are pleased to announce, FY05 marked the launch of afamily of Affinity Benefits, a number of valuable products andservices exclusively designed for Arts Presenters members only.The Affinity benefits range from sponsorship industry analysisto a streaming media service provider. Current partnershipsinclude: IEG, Inc. (sponsorship), GrantStation Insider (fundingand grant information), StreamingCulture (streaming mediaclips), AMS Planning & Research (marketing analysis andbenchmarking), Patron Technology (E-marketing software andservices) and Design for Social Impact (graphic design). Staffhas been working closely with AON, Inc. to develop insuranceproducts for members, to be introduced early FY06.

A new membership dues structure, designed to promotefinancial stability and growth, and to increase the participationof smaller organizations and encourage greater participationfrom the breadth of the field, was approved at the 2005 AnnualMembers Meeting and will take effect in FY06.

Advancing the Field

Presenting Organizations 730 (47%)

Agents, Managers & Artists 435 (26%)

Associates 263 (15%)

Students 93 (6%)

Consultants & Vendors 39 (2%)

Honorary Life Members 24 (1%)

Other 37 (2%)

Membership Composite

0

200

400

600

800

60% Presenting

30% Agents, Managers & Artists

1o% Other

Overall Membership

Total Members FY05 — 1,684

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2005 Annual Members Conference

The 48th Annual Members Conference, heldJanuary 8-11, 2005, in New York City was ahallmark event with attendance topping 4,000delegates, represented by 48 U.S. states and 19different countries. Performing arts professionalsgathered to explore the vast array of resourcescurrently in the field and the rapidly changingenvironment in which the arts operate.

Themed Moving Forward on Shifting Ground, theMembers Conference was opened with a keynoteaddress by internationally celebrated physicianand writer, Dr. Oliver Sacks, who encourageddelegates to recognize the link between creativityand the arts as they met and planned during theConference.

"One of the essential functions of performing artsprofessionals is to support artists and performers.They need support at all times — they needsupport before they are mature, before they areconfident, before they are recognized and knownat this vulnerable period," said Sacks.

Artist voices featured choreographer Emio Greco,director Pieter Scholten, director Peter Sellars,singer Dawn Upshaw, writer/musician CarlHancock Rux, actor/songwriter Cynthia Hopkins,pianist Christopher O’Riley and singer/songwriterDan Zanes.

Closing plenary speaker Molly Smith, ArtisticDirector of Arena Stage in Washington, DC, closedthe Members Conference with a spiriteddiscussion on the state of the performing arts,civic participation and the future of theater inAmerica.

"May we populate our front porches with art thatwill attract and sustain our audiences. Let’s befearless about the mirror we hold up to Americansociety, recognizing that it’s a gift to illuminatethe way that we live now through our artists, whoare always our greatest strength," said Smith. "Asexplorers and adventurers, we don’t always haveto understand what the destination is, as long aswe just begin."

Members Conference attendees had access to

over 1,200 showcase performances, professionaldevelopment and networking events, workshopsand an action-packed Resource Room – featuring350+ artist companies and agencies, artistmanagement groups and vendors allowingattendees to conduct business and learn moreabout artists and performances for theirupcoming seasons.

The annual Awards Ceremony & Luncheonhonored some of the best leaders in our industry:

Association of Performing Arts Presenters Award ofMerit for Achievement in the Performing Arts:Paul Taylor

Fan Taylor Distinguished Service Award forExemplary Service to the Field of ProfessionalPresenting:Terrence Jones, Wolf Trap Foundation for thePerforming Arts

William Dawson Award for Programmatic Excellencefor Sustained Achievement in Programming:Ruth Felt, San Francisco Performances

Sidney R. Yates Advocacy Award for OutstandingAdvocacy on Behalf of the Performing Arts: The Wallace Foundation

For the first time, Arts Presenters provided two$10,000 cash awards, supported by the MefLifeFoundation, for distinguished work in arts access:

Arts Presenters/MetLife Foundation Award forExcellence in Arts Access:The Wallace Foundation

Arts Presenters/MetLife Foundation Award forExcellence in Arts Access:Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

Expanding Knowledge and Increasing Participation

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Jesse Jackson makes remarks at the 2005 Annual MembersConference Awards Luncheon. photo by Andrew Lepley

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We appreciate the generous contributions of oursponsors of the 48th Annual MembersConference:

Major SponsorsThe Doris Duke Charitable FoundationAltria Group, Inc.CAMIClear Channel Entertainment/ National ArtistsManagement Company (NAMCO)ICM ArtistsICM, Inc.IMG ArtistsMetLife FoundationWilliam Morris AgencySupporting SponsorsAlain Charles Arts Publishing Ltd. - InternationalArts Manager MagazineBaylin Artists ManagementBritish Council USACanada Council for the ArtsCelebrity SeriesClass Acts on TourEntourage Talent AssociatesFeld EntertainmentFord Motor CompanyHarmony ArtistsHilton New York & TowersKids' Entertainment & CH PromotesLVanHart Artist ProductionsMakro EntertainmentJanice Mayer & Associates, LLCMcDermott EntertainmentPaul Taylor Dance CompanySMG ArtistsSRO Artists, Inc.

Programs

Arts Presenters programs are designed to increaseknowledge, build capacity and promote moreeffective practices among members and thewider performing arts field. As part of our goal toadvance the field of presenting we have workedto move away from a “one-size fits all” approachto program development with a more customizedapproach for segments of the membership, inorder to provide member value that is not solelyfocused on the conference.

Arts Presenters’ greatest success in reaching allmember segments has been in the revitalizationof the conference. This has happened through theintroduction of Friday pre-conference discipline-specific forums developed and lead bypractitioners in summer and outdoor festivals,world music, dance, and theatre, changes in theconference content with burning issues forumsand high caliber plenary speakers and artist voicesessions.

The year was also highlighted by two newprograms that offer critical financial support andresources to members: the ArtsPresenters/MetLife Foundation Awards forExcellence and Innovation in Arts Access and theEnsemble Theatres Collaborations Grants andTravel Subsidy Program.

In-Kind SponsorsAmtrak Jazz at Lincoln CenterThe Juilliard SchoolThe North GroupRoyce Carlton Inc.Yamaha

William Dawson Education Endowment Table SponsorsAna Steele and John ClarkDance/USASouthern Arts FederationUniversity Musical Society at the University ofMichigan/Ken and Penny FischerWolf Trap Foundation/The Lied Center of Kansas

Booth SponsorsAgency for the Performing ArtsThe Booking GroupDawn Treader Productions, Inc.Scott Stander & Associates, Inc.

Professional and Leadership Development

National Dance Presenters ForumBeckett, MAJuly 28-July 31, 2004

Partnering with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival andDance/USA, Arts Presenters selected 14presenters to attend a four-day intensive seminarat the Pillow Dacne Festival to deepen theiraesthetic appreciation and commitment todance. In addition to lively discussion amongparticipants and forum facilitators, the programincluded evening festival performances anddialogue sessions with choreographer inresidence, Ben Munisteri. Facilitators included EllaBaff, Kim Chan, Nancy Gabriel, Ben Munisteri andAndrea Snyder.

Next Generations Summit Berkeley, CANovember 2004

A group of alumni from Arts Presenters’ EmergingLeadership Institute and the National Associationof Latino Arts and Culture’s (NALAC) leadershipprograms participated in the Next GenerationSummit as part of La Pena Cultural Center’sHechos en Califas Festival. The gathering wasdesigned as collaboration between the twoassociations and provided a leadershipdevelopment program for the emerging leaders.

Winter Institute 2005New York, NYJanuary 6-7, 2005

Winter Institute 2005, a two-day intensiveprofessional development experience held beforethe Annual Members Conference, offered a varietyof seminars that featured the latest trends andbest practices in fundraising, marketing andpresenting and offered participants a chance tohone their skills and learn new ideas. The 2005seminars included:

– Planning and Implementing Successful Annual and Capital Campaigns (Facilitators: Alice and Halsey North)

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– Motivation and The Message: Shaping Buying Decisions in Your Marketplace (Facilitator: Roy Cosme)

– Classical Connections(Facilitator: Robert Winter)

– The Business of Presenting(Facilitator: Alicia Adams and Cristina King Miranda)

Emerging Leadership InstituteNew York, NYJanuary 6-7, 2005

This intensive seminar introduced 20 emergingleaders, who had less than five years in theirpresenting careers, to several of the mostpressing issues in the field and provided criticalleadership skills for the navigating the arts todayin the future. The ELI is designed to nurture thenext generation of leaders to meet the challengesof a new era in the arts. Facilitators includedRosalba Rolon and Leslie Bedford.

World Music ForumNew York, NYJanuary 7-8, 2005

A pre-conference forum is held to help coordinateefforts between Arts Presenters and the WorldMusic Coalition to demonstrate the collectivebuying power of presenters interested in worldmusic and to expand the interest of world musicat the Members Conference. In addition,GlobalFEST, a multi-band performanceextravaganza, featuring World Music artists fromaround the globe—emerging and well-know—washeld on January 8 at the Public Theater.

Outdoor/Summer Festival ForumNew York, NYJanuary 7, 2005

Research was completed by festival directors onthe full scope of the outdoor/summer festivalconstituency within the larger field and presentedat the pre-conference meeting. This half-dayforum provides the Outdoor/Summer FestivalInterest Group with the opportunity to networkand provides festival practitioners with a strongerconnection to Arts Presenters.

Dance Working Group ForumJanuary 7, 2005

The Dance Working Group, a national coalition ofdance and performing art service organizationsincluding Arts Presenters, Dance/USA, NationalPerformance Network, National DanceProject/New England Foundation for the Arts,International Association of Blacks in Dance,Creative Capital, Leveraging Investments inCreativity, New York Foundation for the Arts andDance Theater Workshop, coordinates efforts tosupport the dance field and meets quarterly toshare information and to plan the dance forum atArts Presenters’ Annual Members Conference.Participants analyze their mission, activities andlong-term plans for the dance field in order toidentify points of complementary and duplicatedeffort and determine the most productive plansfor advancing the dance field.


2005 Under the Radar performance. photo by Andrew Lepley

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Young Performers Career Advancement (YPCA)ProgramNew York, NYJanuary 6-10, 2005

A component of the Classical Connectionsinitiative, YPCA offered 21 emerging classicalmusicians in the first 10 years of their careersthe opportunity to learn about the presentingand touring field and perform a recital. YPCAcareer seminars and performance showcase washeld during the Annual Members Conferenceand featured a performance by the YPCAparticipants at Weill Recital Hall of CarnegieHall. Angela Beeching facilitated the careerdevelopment program. The 2005 artists were:

– QNG–Quartet New Generation, recorder collective

– Sphinx Quartet, string quartet– Calder Quartet, string quartet– Thomas Meglioranza, baritone– Fireworks Ensemble, new music ensemble

Under the RadarNew York, NYJanuary 6-7, 2005

Mini-festival and symposium focused on thework of artists and ensemble theatres thatdevelop and support their work by touring anddepend on the support of regional theaters,alternative spaces, contemporary art museumsand presenting institutions. Artists, theatreproducers, funders and leading presenters cametogether as part of the Annual MembersConference to discuss the challenges andadvantages of creating and presenting theater.Under the Radar was produced for Arts Presentersby Mark Russell and St. Ann’s Warehouse and ispart of a pilot project for ensemble theatressupported by a grant from the Doris DukeCharitable Foundation. The symposium featuredwork by Mark Bamuthi Joseph. Under the Radarorganizers promoted a number of ensembletheatre performances scheduled around New YorkCity during the festival.

Artist Educator Seminar March 30-31, 2005 and May 10-12, 2005Kentucky

Arts Presenters, with the support of the The DanaFoundation, partnered with the Kentucky Centerfor the Performing Arts to create the ArtistEducator Seminar and establish a trainingprogram for professional artists who teach inschools. The introductory two-day seminar heldin March of 2005 at General Butler State Park,provided a foundation for the emergingartists/educators on classroom management,artist-school partnerships, lesson planning, andnational and state education standards in thearts. Onsite training was provided at the one-dayaction labs held in several elementary schools inOwensboro and Louisville, Kentucky in May of2005. The artists became more comfortable withdeveloping lesson plans and gained knowledge ofthe school systems’ academic standards. TheArtist Educator Seminar also provided a modelframework that can serve as the basis forteaching artist training across the country.

Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM)April 2005

April marked the fourth annual JAM, drawing thepublic's attention to the rich legacy and legendsof Jazz and celebrating this uniquely American artform. Arts Presenters promoted JAM to membersand encouraged organizations to participate inthis month-long celebration of jazz by planningactivities in their communities.

Classical Music Think Tank San Francisco, CAMay 20-21, 2005

Arts Presenters hosted a think tank about classicalmusic with over 40 presenters, managers, artistsand funders designed to assess the shiftingmarketplaces and opportunities for the classicalmusic industry and to provide presenting andtouring professionals with a forum to learn fromand inspire one another. Facilitated by RichardKessler, former touring chamber musician andDirector of the American Music Center who nowleads The Center for Arts Education, the conveningended with participants more energized aboutthe potential for new activities that wouldrevitalize classical music presenting andcontribute to sustaining the vitality of the art

Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts artist educator session. photo by Andrew Lepley

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form and increasing audiences. Writer, composerand musician Bob Massey has been commissionedto write a paper on the think tank for publicationin late 2005.

Ensemble Theatre Collaborations Grant and Travel Subsidy Program

The Ensemble Theatre Collaborations Grant andTravel Subsidy Program a two-year, $1.3 millionpilot granting program funded by the Doris DukeCharitable Foundation as part of its larger TheatreInitiative. The program provides ensemble theatrecompanies in partnership with theatres and/orarts presenters with financial resources. Theprogram hopes to meet four goals:

– To encourage cross-sector collaborations between ensemble and independent theatre artists and organizations of working in the presenting and theatre;

– To identify projects that best illustrate how collaboration among ensemble theatres, arts presenters and host theatres will help expand

the repertoire for theatre, diversify theatre audiences, and provide greater access to theatre;

– To support travel subsidies that provide ensemble theatres, arts presenters and theatres with opportunities to make more effective decisions as a result of direct, face-to-face and live performance interactions,

– To facilitate a higher level of familiarity, flexibility and exchange between the theatre and presenting fields through convenings and travel opportunities for the artistic and curatorial decision makers.

Travel subsidy grants of up to $2,000 each wereavailable to theatre producers, presenters,managers, artists and agents to attendperformances by ensemble theatre companieswhile artistic, production, education, publicity ormarketing staff at ensemble theatre companieswere eligible to receive travel grants to visit aregional theatre or arts presenter. The initial travel

subsidy grants under this program were selectedin Spring 2005 to:

– Mabou Mines, an ensemble theatre companyin New York City, to travel to China to developa new work.

– Out North, an arts presenter in Anchorage, AK, to travel to a festival in the Netherlands for curatorial research.

– Painted Bride Art Center, an arts presenter in Philadelphia, PA, to travel to a festival in the Netherlands for curatorial research.

– Redfern Arts Center on Brickyard Pond, an arts presenter in Keene, NH, to travel to Blue Lake, CA for the Network of Ensemble Theatres Festival for curatorial research.

– Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, an arts presenter in Scottsdale, AZ, to travel to Blue Lake, CA for the Network of Ensemble Theatres Festival for curatorial research.

– Son of Semele Ensemble, an ensemble theatre in Los Angeles, CA, to travel to East Hampton, NY and New York City to plan future engagements with presenters and theatres.

– Sowelu Ensemble Theater, an ensemble theatre in Portland, OR, to travel to the Network of Ensemble Theatres Festival in Blue Lake, CA to plan future collaborations and presentations with peer ensemble theatres.

– UC Regents/UCLA Live, an arts presenter in Los Angeles, CA, to travel to a festival in Germany for curatorial research.

– Walker Arts Center, an arts presenter in Minneapolis, MN, to travel to a festival in Scotland for curatorial research.

Beginning in fiscal year 2006 the program willprovide project grants in amounts ranging from$20,000-$40,000 to ensemble theatre companycollaborations with a theatre or arts presenterpartner, as well as infrastructure support grantsin the range of $5,000-$10,000 to assist withbooking, tour coordination and management.

Hubbard Street Dance Company


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Regional Performing Arts ForumKeene, NHApril 21, 2005

Arts Presenters of Northern New England (APNNE)and New England Presenters (NEP) hostedPresident & CEO Sandra Gibson, Rebecca Blunk ofthe New England Foundation for the Arts, MarioGarcia Durham of the National Endowment forthe Arts at the Redfern Arts Center on BrickyardPond, Keene State College for a discussion aboutthe performing arts. Presentations andconversation focused on current trends,challenges, successes and initiatives in the field.

Roundtable for San Francisco Touring andPresenting ProfessionalsSan Francisco, CAJune 20, 2005

President & CEO Sandra Gibson and San FranciscoFoundation Arts Program Officer John Killackyhosted a presentation of Gifts of the Muse by AnnStone of The Wallace Foundation. Gifts of theMuse is a RAND report commissioned by TheWallace Foundation that examines the effects ofthe arts, including both instrumental andintrinsic benefits. Following the presentation,touring and presenting professionals discussedthe report, shared news and trends in the SanFrancisco Bay area and offered feedback to ArtsPresenters on services and program development.

Publications

Arts Presenters' publications and bookstore aredesigned to keep members and the field up-to-date on trends, issues and opportunities. Thebookstore offers a wide range of titles — innonprofit management, fundraising, marketing,audience development, publicity and eventplanning, among other areas. Additionalinventory includes research findings, how-to'sand manuals on a variety of arts-related topics.

Arts Presenters released the first book of its kindexploring the topic of arts evaluation—SingingOur Praises, by Suzanne Callahan. Funded by TheWallace Foundation, the book enhances thenational dialogue on a growing trend in theperforming arts focused on “participatoryevaluation,” where larger collaborations amongarts presenters, agents and artists are organizedto evaluate performance projects.

Inside Arts magazine, distributed as a memberbenefit, explores critical issues for the performingarts field. Each issue introduces readers to well-known and emerging artists, best practices andsuccessful programs as well as features onorganizational development and leadership

articles. Six issues of Inside Arts magazine werepublished in 2005, including the Directory ofArtists, published as the January/February 2005issue. A sample of topics covered in featurearticles includes the building boom forperforming arts centers, festivals, technology andinternational artist exchange. For the first time, aspecial issue featuring the Arts Presenters Awardof Merit winner Paul Taylor, was published tocoincide with the Annual Members Conference.

The magazine came under new editorialleadership as arts and culture writer andjournalist Alicia Anstead joined our team andtook bold steps to raise the quality and approachto the writing. A new art director, Brian Noyes,joined the team to revamp and relaunch thedesign, feel and pace of the magazine. The InsideArts brand was extended with the launch ofwww.insidearts.org in January 2005, offering anelectronic edition of the magazine with asearchable database of past articles, online-onlyarticles and advertising opportunities.

A tradition since 1972, Presenter Reports,continued as a publication written by membersfor members to provide detailed information onperformances and touring productions presentedduring the year, including technical requirements,marketing materials and activities, programcontent, outreach and more.

Ensuring Sustainability of the Performing Arts

Advocacy

Advocacy is an integral part of Arts Presenters’government affairs department activities.Through our partnership in the American ArtsAlliance (AAA) and our work with other nationaland regional coalition partners, we continue toraise the profile of members and the performingarts field. Arts Presenters represents member andfield interests before the United States Congress,the White House and other federal agenciesthroughout the year by bringing a greaterawareness of the value, impact and contributionsthe performing arts have to offer communitiesacross the country and beyond our borders. ArtsPresenters has maintained relationships withcongressional and agency staff, monitored andanalyzed relevant legislation, submittedtestimony to Congress, and provided strategicinput on a variety of nonprofit arts industryissues.

Advocacy activities continue to attract increasedlevels of participation from members, who haveresponded to Action Alerts and participated ingrassroots visits with members of Congress. Thispast year significant progress was achieved onArts Presenters’ legislative priorities.

Federal Funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)On September 14, 2004, the U.S. SenateAppropriations Committee approved levelfunding for the NEA in the amount of $121 million as part of the fiscal year 2005 InteriorAppropriations bill. In contrast to President Bush’sproposal for an $18 million increase in the NEA’sbudget and the U.S. House of Representativesapproval of a $10 million increase for the agency,the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representativespassed an omnibus bill, appropriating $122.972million for the NEA on November 20, 2004. Theappropriation was then subjected to rescissioncuts that left the NEA with $121.3 million, anincrease of just over $290,000.

In the next session of Congress in February 2005,President Bush proposed level funding for theNEA for fiscal year 2006, a year when 150 federalprograms were slated to be “zeroed out.” In May2005, the U.S. House of Representatives approvedan amendment to increase the budget for theNEA by $10 million for fiscal year 2006. ArtsPresenters has continued to work for increasedfunding for the NEA as the legislative process hasprogressed.

Federal Funding for Arts Education through theDepartment of EducationOn September 9, 2004, the U.S. House ofRepresentatives approved level funding forDepartment of Education’s Arts in Educationprograms for fiscal year 2005. And on September15, 2005, the U.S. Senate AppropriationsCommittee voted to increase Arts in Educationprograms by $5.5. million for a total funding levelof $40.5 million. In the final omnibus bill betweenthe U.S. House and Senate, Arts in Educationprograms received $35.6 million, an increase of$500,000.

In the next session of Congress, President Bushonce again called for the elimination of fundingfor the Arts in Education programs for fiscal year2006. In response, the U.S. House ofRepresentatives issued a “Dear Colleague” letterurging arts in education funding is restored with$53 million. Congressional Arts Caucus co-chairsReps. Louise Slaughter (D-NY-28) and ChristopherShays (R-CT-4), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-8) and106 other members of Congress signed the letter.Arts Presenters has continued to work forincreased funding for Arts in Education programsas the legislative process has progressed.

Improving Immigration Policies and ProceduresConcerning Visas for Foreign ArtistsArts Presenters is a co-founder of the PerformingArts Visa Task Force (PAVTF), a coalition ofassociations organized to improve the visaprocess and remove obstacles facing artists andorganizations working with artists from abroadplanning to tour in the United States. ArtsPresenters has focused on improving immigrationpolicies and procedures as they relate to artsorganizations seeking to obtain nonimmigrantwork visas for foreign artists.

The coalition has proposed four reforms tocurrent procedures and regulations for artistsseeking nonimmigrant work visas. The reformsare: reduce the regular processing times for O andP petitions filed by, or on behalf of, nonprofit arts-related organizations to a maximum of 45 days;allow applications for O and P visas to be filedone year before the proposed employment willbegin, which may provide immediate relief topetitioners able to file far in advance; update theO and P visa petition form and instructions,which are outdated and inaccurate; and,implement uniform policies, procedures, andtraining at U.S. Citizenship and ImmigrationServices (USCIS) for handling all petitions.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) hasconsidered the coalition request to extend thefiling period for O and P visas to one year inadvance of a performance or tour beginning date,instead of the current six-month advance filingperiod. Arts Presenters’ members responded toaction alerts to submit comments to the USCIS

2005 Under the Radar performance. photo by Andrew Lepley

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Action AlertsAction Alerts are sent via e-mail to memberswhen a priority issue needs immediate attention.The alerts state the legislative issue of concern,the action requested of the member, and the dateby which the member needs to respond by. Alongwith the alerts, Arts Presenters provides lettertemplates and talking points to aid its memberswith this type of advocacy effort. Action Alertsprove to be an extremely effective advocacy toolas members communicate to their legislatorsduring the specified time period.

Legislative UpdatesThe Legislative Update is a monthly e-mail thatprovides the latest information on legislation andpolicy affecting arts organization in thepresenting field. Arts Presenters also helpsmaintain an Advocacy Listserv providing anoutlet for our members and colleagues in thefield to share news and insights with the field onadvocacy issues and lobbying activities at thelocal, state and federal level.

Communications

A continuing priority for Arts Presenters is moreintegrated and strategic communications withmembers, the wider fields and other audiences.Our Communications department has centralizedall messaging to members. Nexus, the quarterlynewsletter offers tools and innovative practicesfrom the field and shares news about services andactivities at Arts Presenters. A variety of electroniccommunications are used to more regularlyinform the membership about localopportunities, member services and news on thearts. A special series of monthly onlinecommunications, entitled, What You Can DoBefore the Election, provided resources formembers to raise awareness about the value ofthe arts in their community in an election year.

The efforts of the Arts Presenterscommunications team were recognized by theSociety of National Association Publications(SNAP) with three presentations of SNAP ExcelAwards for our publications: silver Excel Award forGeneral Excellence for the Nexus newsletter,

when the rule language was posted inaccuratelyby OMB. We continue to monitor and follow-upwith USCIS and OMB to ensure that this rule isrewritten before it goes into effect.

The PAVTF has also worked with the support ofthe NEA’s international office to develop keyrelationships with the Department of State. Ameeting was held with Deputy AssistantSecretary of State for Visa Services Janice Jacobsto discuss our concerns with problems with U.S.consulates overseas. The meeting resulted inJacobs agreeing to issue a visa policy telegram toall U.S. consulates and embassies abroadoutlining time sensitivity and interview concernsof the arts community. In addition, coalitionefforts have secured support from key membersof both the U.S. House and Senate JudiciaryCommittees.

Increasing the Visibility of Global CulturalExchangeAs a member of the Coalition for AmericanLeadership Abroad (COLEAD) an organization of50 nongovernmental organizations, businessgroups, exchange groups and other foreign affairsorganizations, Arts Presenters continued to lobbythe U.S. Congress and Department of State on theneed for improved artistic and cultural exchangeprograms as well as increased funding for culturalexchange and diplomacy activities.

Tools and Assistance

Visa Technical AssistanceArts Presenters staff offered one-on-one technicalassistance to members needing help with the visaprocess for foreign artists touring in the UnitedStates. Such help includes providing letters ofinvitation for our Members Conference and lettersof support for visa applications, researchingstatus of visa applications, and troubleshootingapplication problems with USCIS and Departmentof State. We also serve the wider field with thewebsite, www.artistsfromabroad.org, launchedby Arts Presenters and the American SymphonyOrchestra League in June 2003.

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bronze Excel Award for the 2005 ConferenceProgram Book, and another bronze Excel Awardfor the 2005 Conference Marketing Campaign.

The website, www.artspresenters.org, is regularlyupdated to offer more knowledge and informationservices and even greater value to members andthe general public, including expanded onlinesections on Networking, National Partnerships, andFunding Opportunities. This year the websitereceived 9.7 million hits with more than 93,000unique visitors viewing the site, an increase ofmore than 30% in visitors from the previous year.

Positioning Arts Presenters as a resource to printand broadcast media remained a strong focus thisyear. Arts Presenters gained coverage such as TheLos Angeles Times, The San Diego Tribune and TheNew York Sun. Our work to improve the visaprocess for artists gained attention and washighlighted in feature stories in the nationalmedia. In 2005, over 120 members of the pressattended the Members Conference including: TheNew York Times, Village Voice, NPR-Marketplace,NPR-WNYC affiliate, New York Post, Associated Press,Dance Magazine, Backstage, Pointe Magazine,Classical Singer Magazine, American Theatre andAfropop Worldwide.

Research

The annual Presenters Survey was conductedamong members and forms the basis of ourannual collection of data on trends, issues andthe scope of activities in the presenting field.Participating organizations received acustomized benchmarking report that comparedthe organization's ticket sales, fundraising,marketing and programming data to others byregion, budget size and city size to otherpresenters responding to the survey.

Members Benefits & Services Survey wasconducted among our current members togauge the value of the association’s benefits.The survey also explored interest in newprogramming areas, potential informationresources and affinity programs.

Overview

Arts Presenters ended fiscal year 2005 with anincrease in unrestricted net assets of $66,714. Thisincrease resulted from enhanced fundraisingefforts including increased corporate andfoundation support, increased conferencerevenue, and fiscal management strategies ofgeneral administrative costs resulted in lowerexpenses.

Revenues

Earned revenue represented 59% of all income.Membership dues represented 26% of theassociation’s total revenues. The 48th AnnualMembers Conference generated approximately33% of total revenues. Grants, contributions,program workshops, publications and otherearned revenue sources contributed to 41% oftotal revenue.

Financial Report

Expenses

Expenses directly allocated to the delivery ofprograms and services to the membershiprepresented 83% of the association’s totalexpenditures in fiscal year 2005. General andadministrative expenses for service supportrepresented nearly 12%, while fundraising costswere approximately 5%.

Statement of Financial PositionYear Ended June 30 2005 2004

AssetsCash $ 100,416 $ 119,743Investments 2,741,352 1,839,200Accounts receivable, net 39,955 68,228Pledges receivable 629,918 399,658Other current assets 65,723 68,952Property and equipment, net 40,217 57,992

Total assets $ $3,617,581 $ 2,553,773

Liabilities and Net AssetsAccounts payable and accrued expenses $ 8,960 $ 45,601Accrued compensation and benefits 43,291 46,836Deferred dues revenue 418,457 419,093Grants payable — 35,000

Total liabilities 470,708 546,530

Risks and Commitments

Net AssetsUnrestricted 881,244 814,530Temporarily restricted 1,539,163 793,402Permanently restricted 726,466 399,311

Total net assets 3,146,873 2,007,243

total liabilities and net assets $ $3,617,581 $ 2,553,773

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Statement of ActivitiesTemporarily Permanently 2005

Year Ended June 30, 2005 Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total

Revenue and supportAnnual conference $ 1,125,639 $ - $ - $ 1,125,639 Membership dues 869,020 - - 869,020 Grants 1,575,000 1,575,000 Contributions 196,521 - 327,155 523,676 Publications 181,714 - - 181,714 Investment and other income 51,893 31,670 - 83,563 Other income 101,184 - - 101,184 Continuing education 28,737 - - 28,737 Net assets released from restrictions - - - -

Satisfaction of program restrictions 860,909 (860,909) - -

total revenue and support 3,415,617 745,761 327,155 4,488,533

ExpensesPr0gram services

Members conference 994,134 - - 994,134 Professional Development 727,537 - - 727,537 External & Government Affairs 678,852 - - 678,852 Membership services 392,910 - - 392,910

Total program services 2,793,433 - - 2,793,433

Supporting servicesGeneral and administrative 394,731 - - 394,731 Fundraising 160,739 - - 160,739

Total supporting services 555,470 - - 555,470

total expenses 3,348,903 - - 3,348,903

Change in net assets 66,714 745,761 327,155 1,139,630

Net assets at beginning of year 814,530 793,402 399,311 2,007,243

net assets at end of year $ $881,244 $ $1,539,163 $ $726,466 $ $3,146,873

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Arts Presenters is grateful to the foundations,corporations, organizations and individuals whoprovide generous contributions in support of ourefforts each year. Donors listed below arerecognized for their contributions from July 1,2004 – June 30, 2005.

Program Underwriters

Foundation/GovernmentThe Doris Duke Charitable FoundationThe Helen F. Whitaker Fund National Endowment for the Arts The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation The Charles A. Dana Foundation

CorporateThe MetLife Foundation The Wal-Mart Foundation Altria Corporation

2005 Corporate Sponsorships

Major SponsorsICM Artists, Ltd.ICM, Inc.Clear Channel Entertainment/National ArtistsManagement CompanyIMG ArtistsColumbia Artists Management, Inc.The William Morris Agency

Participanting SponsorsKids’ Entertainment and CH PromotesClass Acts on TourFord Motor CompanyLVanHart Artist ProductionsSMG ArtistsHilton New York & Towers *Agency for the Performing Arts Dawn Treader Productions, Inc. Scott Stander & Associates, Inc. Alain Charles Arts Publishing, Ltd.Baylin Artists ManagementBritish Council USACanada Council for the ArtsCelebrity SeriesEntourage Talent AssociatesFeld EntertainmentHarmony ArtistsJanice Meyer & Associates, LLCMakro EntertainmentMcDermott EntertainmentPaul Taylor Dance CompanySRO Artists, Inc Dance/USA *The Lied Center of Kansas *Southern Arts Federation *University Musical Society at the University ofMichigan *Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts *

In-kindAmtrak Jazz at Lincoln Center The Julliard School The North Group Royce Carlton, Inc. Yamaha

Donors

Individuals

VisionaryLisa Booth/Lisa Booth Management # Sandra Gibson * #Anita Scism Larry Simpson

Benefactor Maure Aronson #

Innovator Ken and Penny Fischer # Pam Green/PMG Management #Maureen Knighton Abel Lopez Ann Rosenthal Ana M. Steele and John Clark * Suzette Surkamer

AdvocateKathy Hotchner # Judith Hurtig Georgiana Pickett # Mike Ross R. Van Westover

FriendPaul Gompes DeeAnne Hunstein Charles Swanson

* Dawson Education Endowment # Classical Connections Endowment

Visionary: $1,000 and higherBenefactor: $500-$999Innovator: $250-$499Advocate: $100-$249Friend: $50-$99

Assoc of Performing Arts Annual Report - Pete Tidemann

Documents

Transcript of Assoc of Performing Arts Annual Report - Pete Tidemann