In today’s post-pandemic world, keeping our audiences engaged and organizations financially healthy can feel like an uphill battle. Changing audience behaviors have disrupted traditional marketing strategies, and high churn rates among first-time visitors, subscribers, and donors are slowing revenue growth. But what if there’s a way forward that breaks from the traditional playbook? In this episode, CI President Priya Iyer Doshi sits down with industry leader Aubrey Bergauer to discuss her new book, Run It Like A Business. Aubrey draws inspiration from outside the arts to rethink how organizations can boost relevance, drive revenue, and better serve our communities. Discover how adapting for-profit strategies for non-profit goals can help move your organization forward. ----- CI to Eye with Aubrey Bergauer (1:30) - CI President Priya Iyer Doshi sits down with Run It Like A Business author Aubrey Bergauer to discuss some of the book’s key ideas that can make a big difference in our organizations. CI-lebrity Sightings (44:25) - Dan shares his favorite stories about CI clients in the news. ----- LINKS: Aubrey Bergauer | Run It Like A Business Book Bonuses CI to Eye | Bucking Trends with Disciplined Communication Washington Post | The 20 best art museums in America Washington Post | The best small art museums in America Boston Globe | The Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts in 2024 Oregon Arts Watch | City announces $4 million+ in arts grants The Guardian | Small step or a giant leap? What AI means for the dance world Art Net | Hey Besties, Gen Z Marketing Scripts Have Infiltrated Museums Around the World  

The world is full of injustice and inequity, and most arts organizations have the best of intentions to be responsive in thoughtful and meaningful ways. But it can be challenging–boards and long-time patrons can push back on programming and messaging that feels unfamiliar to them, and change can feel unbearably slow when your organization lacks the necessary connections or resources within its larger community. In this episode, we’ll share never-before-aired insights on how to hold your organization accountable to its goals around representation, access, and equity, from a conversation recorded earlier this year between CI’s VP, Managing Director Christopher Williams and Canton Symphony Orchestra’s Rachel Hagemeier. Rachel discusses the Symphony’s podcast, Orchestrating Change, and the learnings and organizational shifts that have come out of those interviews, as well as the Symphony’s evolving model for community connection. CI to Eye Interview (1:30) - CI’s Christopher Williams sits down with the Canton Symphony Orchestra’s Rachel Hagemeier to help listeners understand how to hold their organizations accountable to their mission and goals around representation, access, and equity. CI-Lebrity Sightings (16:10) - Dan shares his favorite news stories about CI clients. ----- LINKS: Institute for Composer Diversity | 2023 Orchestra Repertoire Report Cleveland.com | ‘I can’t breathe’: Ohio authorities investigating death of man in Canton police custody Know Your Own Bone | Trust Trends for Cultural Entities at Mid-Year 2024 Know Your Own Bone | The Causes Likely Visitors Care About Most as We Enter the Election Cycle Gothamist | After 19 years, a docent at the Rubin Museum says goodbye to his ‘home away from home’ Times of San Diego | San Diego Symphony Celebrates New Look Jacobs Music Center with Concert, ‘Day of Music’ BroadwayWorld | Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, and More Take Home Equity Jeff Awards

A solid web analytics strategy gives the insight you need to better understand your audiences, optimize your campaigns, and ultimately, drive more ticket sales or donations. But for many arts marketers, justifying a greater investment of time and money in web analytics can feel like an uphill battle—especially when making the case to senior leaders who are farther removed from the digital weeds. In this episode, we’ll help you bridge the gap between the technical side of GA4 and the high-level goals that matter to your organization’s decision-makers. With a few key tips, you’ll be able to show your boss and board members that investing in analytics is not only worthwhile, but actually critical for long-term success. CI to Eye Interview (2:30) - Dan sits down with Yosaif Cohain, CI’s VP of Analytics, to help listeners bridge the gap between the technical side of analytics and the high-level goals that matter to arts organizations’ decision-makers. CI-lebrity Sightings (23:10) - Dan shares his favorite news stories about CI clients.

Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent veto of over $30 million in arts and culture funding is more than just a financial blow to Florida arts organizations—it undermines the social and economic contributions our industry provides. How can we clearly communicate the vital role our organizations play to stakeholders and policymakers? In this episode, CI’s VP, Managing Director Christopher Williams speaks with Chris Brown, Executive Director of Orlando Family Stage, about how advocates can make a stronger case for arts funding by highlighting the industry’s vital role in boosting local economies, fostering community well-being, and enriching society.  LINKS: NPR | Hundreds of Florida arts groups scramble for funding after DeSantis vetoes grants Orlando Sentinel | Budget Cuts Spotlight The Vital Role of Arts in Florida Orlando Family Stage | Press Release: Budget cuts spotlight the vital role of arts in Florida New York Times | A Bargain at the Opera: Philadelphia Offers All Seats for as Low as $11 The Architect's Newspaper | In Harlem, Apollo Theater’s first ever full-scale renovation is underway by Beyer Blinder Belle

Social media is more than just a content dumping ground. It's where your organization makes its first impression on potential audiences and fosters relationships with existing fans. Press refresh on your paid and organic social strategies to tap new audiences, drive ticket sales, and cultivate brand loyalty in the season ahead. Digital Download (2:10) - Dan sits down with CI Consultant Natalie Martinez to talk about advertising on TikTok: when it makes sense, how to get started, and the kind of results you can expect to see. CI to Eye with Rachel Karten (17:20) - Dan catches up with Rachel Karten, a social media consultant and author of the popular newsletter Link In Bio. They discuss the evolving role of social media in the digital marketing landscape, and what most arts and culture organizations get wrong about organic content. CI-lebrity Sightings (37:40) - Dan runs through our favorite stories about CI clients in the news. --- LINKS: TikTok | Successfully Advertise on the World's Hottest Content Platform Search Engine Land: 51% of Gen Z women prefer TikTok, not Google, for search TikTok | Advertising Policies About Advertising to People Under the Age of 18 Taproot News | How arts organizations are working to attract younger audiences Observer | Nicholas Baume On the Power of Public Art and What It’s Accomplishing in New York New City Stage | Let There Be Luminance: How Lighting Designers Show Us the Show The Kennedy Center | The 47th Kennedy Center Honors

A new cohort of inspiring and determined individuals has moved into leadership positions at cultural organizations—and they’re challenging traditional notions about what arts management should look like. In this episode, CI’s VP, Managing Director Christopher Williams sits down with three young leaders to discuss generational shifts in leadership styles, navigating the complexities of people management, and the changes they hope to see in their respective arts communities and the industry at large. 2:20 - Canton Symphony Orchestra’s Rachel Hagemeier reflects on her promotion to CEO at just 25 years old. She shares hard-won lessons in people management, self-advocacy, and listening to your gut. 21:05 - Monica Holt chats about her career advancement at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the vulnerability of leadership, and the power of learning new skills. 41:40 - CI’s Priya Iyer Doshi pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to be a young president. She talks about bringing your authentic self to work, managing people with more years of experience, and listening deeply to your colleagues. 1:02:30 - CI’s Dan Titmuss shares his favorite stories about clients in the news. 

What sets successful diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access (DEIBA) initiatives apart? It's not about checking boxes; it's about prioritizing authenticity and thoughtfulness.  Some of the most impactful DEIBA work in our industry begins with arts organizations fostering genuine community partnerships and engaging audiences in meaningful ways. In this episode, we discuss inspiring examples of how embracing these principles can lead to profound, positive changes in our organizations. Digital Download (2:15) - Dan sits down with Consultant Selia Aponte to talk about reaching new audiences with bilingual ads: how to use them, when they work best, and how to ensure a smooth audience journey for ESL attendees. CI to Eye with John Orr (15:15) - CI President Priya Iyer Doshi chats with John Orr, Executive Director of Art-Reach in Philadelphia. They discuss how we can make the arts a more inclusive space for disabled and chronically ill audiences, and ensure the full spectrum of society is served through our programming. CI-lebrity Sightings (42:00) - Dan highlights some of CI’s favorite arts stories in the news. LINKS: Art-Reach New York Times |  At Museums, a Revolution Gains Momentum American Theatre Magazine | They Will Survive: Theatres That Are Beating the Odds Associated Press | At 75, NYC Ballet is getting older. Its audience is skewing younger, and that’s the plan

Audience behavior has changed significantly over the past few years, and pre-pandemic benchmarks are all but obsolete. If we want to adjust to the demands of today’s market, we need updated markers for success. Enter: CI’s brand-new Cultural Compass study. We pulled from our own bank of campaign data that spans  over 150 client organizations to uncover the latest digital marketing benchmarks and emerging trends for our industry. In this episode, lead researcher and Senior Consultant Ali Blount discusses the biggest surprises in her analysis of more than 7,000 digital campaigns, and previews key findings to inform your FY25 media planning.

Audience engagement is critical for attracting and retaining new attendees. But what exactly does it look like in practice?  For Holly Mulcahy,  “audience engagement” isn’t just a marketing platitude—it’s a promise. In this episode, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra’s Concertmaster and Partner for Audience Engagement shares what wine-tasting and birdwatching have to do with orchestral music, and why deepening audience relationships now will pay dividends for our organizations in the long run.

Across a variety of artistic genres, we see persistent gender imbalances among the creatives and leaders who make the art possible. That’s especially true for dance, where women continue to hold fewer artistic director positions and receive fewer choreographic opportunities than men despite making up a significant majority of the dance workforce overall.  As full-blown data nerds here at CI, we believe you can’t change what you don’t measure. So we sat down with the team at Dance Data Project® to discuss the latest industry stats and consider how to carve a path forward for gender equity in dance. Dance Data Project® promotes gender equity in the dance industry through metrics-based analysis. In this interview, they overview their latest research, programming, and advocacy work to showcase and uplift women across the dance industry—from artistic and executive leaders, to lighting designers and commissioned composers.  LINKS: Dance Data Project® New York Times | Do Men Still Rule Ballet? Let Us Count the Ways. Dance Magazine | Over 80% of Ballets Are Still Choreographed By Men Pointe Magazine | Ballet's Gender Gap—By the Numbers Data USA | Dancers and Choreographers Workforce New Scientist | Doctors ‘nudged’ into prescribing far fewer antibiotics ADDITIONAL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT EQUITY IN DANCE: Final Bow for Yellowface Gold Standard Arts Foundation Cultural Competency and Equity Coalition (C²EC) The Equity Project

What do we do when “the classics”—those canonical treasures that embody the rich traditions of our genres—start to feel outdated for today’s audiences, or even at odds with our missions? In today’s episode, we take a close look at celebrated works from the classical Western canon that include harmful portrayals of non-Western cultures, and hear how one artist is taking action to prune and preserve the art he loves. Artist and advocate Phil Chan shares how performing arts organizations can approach works from the classical Western canon with enhanced cultural sensitivity and authenticity. He offers tips and real-world examples for updating outdated representations of non-Western cultures while maintaining the integrity of these works. LINKS: Final Bow for Yellowface Gold Standard Arts Foundation Boston Lyric Opera | The Butterfly Process Dance Magazine | Indiana University Removes Offensive Caricatures in New Productions of The Nutcracker and La Bayadère

Holding the artistic reins of an organization is no easy feat—especially when that organization has been around for generations and has a deep-rooted legacy. As a leader, how do you honor the rich history of your institution while effectively steering it into the future?  As New York City Ballet celebrates its 75th anniversary season, Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford reflects on the Company’s continued evolution, how they’ve adapted to this new digital era, and the unique challenges of leading such a storied cultural entity.

The changing digital landscape might present challenges, but it also presents a great opportunity to reassess and refocus as we head into a new era of digital marketing.  At CI, we pinpointed five key areas that will set arts and cultural institutions up for success in 2024. Catch up on the first two priorities in Part One, then delve into the final three priorities in today’s episode. You’ll get insights and tips from CI consultants so you can confidently navigate the changing digital landscape, drive results for your organization, and refocus as we head into a new era of digital marketing. 

From the rise of AI-driven advertising to the imminent third-party cookie crunch—which developments deserve your valuable time and attention in 2024? At CI, we pinpointed five key areas that will set arts and cultural institutions up for success in 2024. Join us over the next two episodes as we delve into each area so you can confidently navigate the changing digital landscape, drive results for your organization, and refocus as we head into a new era of digital marketing.  Crank the volume on Part One, and be on the lookout for Part Two in the coming weeks. We’ll round out the list of priorities and offer even more tips and insights from CI consultants. LINKS: Capacity Interactive | Your 2024 Digital Priorities Pew Research Center | How Americans Use Social Media

Happy Black History Month, podcast listeners! Our latest episode coincides with the vibrant celebrations of Black history and shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of Black and Brown composers, whose musical genius continues to enrich the classical repertoire. Join us as we journey deep into the world of classical music—how we define it, how we enjoy it, and how we ensure everyone feels welcome and represented in our concert halls. This conversation is just the start of breaking down barriers to attendance and ensuring classical arts organizations connect with audiences for generations to come. LINKS Loki Karuna (Formerly Known As Garrett McQueen) Star Tribune | Radio Host Garrett McQueen Agitates for Change While Elevating Black Artistry New York Times | Pandemic Woes Lead Met Opera to Tap Endowment and Embrace New Work NPR | Terence Blanchard Makes History At The Metropolitan Opera

CI to Eye is back with a healthy dose of inspiration to help you re-center at the top of the new year. In 2023, we spoke with remarkable thought leaders both within and beyond the realm of the arts. Guests ranged from executive directors and arts researchers to experts in DEIBA. They all answered the same question: "If you could broadcast one message to executive directors, leadership teams, staff, and boards of thousands of arts organizations, what would it be?" We call this their “CI to Eye moment,” and in this special episode, Dan revisits these key insights to offer encouragement and perspective for the year ahead. QUICK LINKS Capacity Interactive | Boot Camp 2024 Registration

The holidays are upon us, which means strategic planning is seriously heating up. Try as you might to enjoy your hot cocoa in peace, you’re already fielding ideas from colleagues about the marketing experiments you should try next season or the digital efforts your team simply needs to add to its list.  Stay cool, arts marketers. We’re bringing you a special recording of our panel discussion from Boot Camp 2023 all about knowing when to say yes. And since it’s the holiday season, we’ll also take a look back at the year with all of you. Empowered Decisions: Knowing When To Say Yes (1:25) - Sara Villagio from Carnegie Hall moderates a discussion with leaders from the Kennedy Center, the Apollo, and Sesame Workshop about how they innovate digital marketing strategies, inspire their teams, and question how best to use their (limited!) time. End-of-Year Reflections (1:02:45) -  Hear from fellow arts marketers and Boot Camp attendees about their biggest learnings from the past year and what they’re most looking forward to in the months ahead.

We’re swiftly approaching one of the busiest times of year for arts marketers… and with it, holiday programs, gift campaigns, end-of-year donation pushes, and—to top it all off—strategic planning for next season. If the holiday hustle has you feeling a bit frigid, this episode will warm you up with actionable tips and smart questions to end the calendar year on a high note. Digital Download (1:40) - Dan catches up with Senior Consultant Jess Isgro to discuss how to get the most out of your holiday gift campaigns, juggle concurrent end-of-year priorities, and implement learnings from the past year as you plan for 2024. CI to Eye Interview (22:00) - CI President Priya Iyer Doshi sits down with Tara Mohr, a revered leadership expert and best-selling author who shares subtle mindset shifts that can grow your confidence in the workplace. Get ready to kick self-doubt to the curb as you tackle high-stakes strategic conversations for next season.  LINKS: Capacity Interactive | Ask CI: How Do I Optimize Holiday Gift Campaigns? Tara Mohr | Playing Big Leadership Program

Subscription numbers continue to dwindle at arts organizations across the country, begging the question: Is it time to rethink subscription/membership models? Tune in for a transparent conversation with arts marketers who are doing just that, and gather tips for revamping your own offerings to meet audiences’ evolving needs. Digital Download (2:05) - Dan digs into client data with fellow senior consultant Ali Blount to determine where arts buyers search, and whether social platforms like TikTok and Instagram are giving traditional search engines a run for their money. CI to Eye Interview (11:40) - Sara Villagio, CMO of Carnegie Hall, leads a follow-up discussion with our subscriptions and memberships panelists from Boot Camp 2022. Hear how their season-long experiments fared and what new tactics they’re excited to test in the season ahead. LINKS: Capacity Interactive | Ask CI: Where Do Arts Buyers Search? New York Times | For Gen Z, TikTok Is the New Search Engine Capacity Interactive | 2021 Performing Arts Ticket Buyer Media Usage Study

Arts administrators wear a lot of hats, and that trend has only intensified as our industry finds itself in recovery mode. With all of our energies focused on audience re-engagement and revenue growth, organizational culture can often take a backseat. But with more news of quiet quitting and high burnout levels, investing in your people has never been more critical.  Discover simple adjustments you can make today to lead stronger teams and create healthier work cultures that energize and empower the people around you. Digital Download with Ali Blount (2:30) - Dan joins fellow senior consultant Ali Blount to review newly released benchmark data from CI’s clients and share inspiration as you begin planning for the upcoming winter season.  Media Moment with Molly Shoemaker (14:35) - Dan chats with CI’s Director of People Operations and Recruiting about finding your footing with flexible work and helping your team thrive in and out of the office. CI to Eye Interview with Snehi Bhatt (29:45) - CI’s President, Priya Iyer Doshi, sits down with a longtime friend and Leadership Development Executive at Admired Leadership to discuss the key pillars that set leaders up for success. LINKS: Capacity Interactive | Ask CI: Crafting The Perfect Digital Holiday Campaign Work Appropriate | Remote Work Done Right with Marissa Goldberg Admired Leadership | Field Notes  

In the summer of 2020, George Floyd’s murder and the protests that followed sparked crucial conversations about racial equity and social justice. Many arts organizations made public commitments to do better—both in their programming and behind the scenes. It’s been three years since that pivotal moment, and it’s still imperative to hold ourselves accountable to move the needle on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA) in the arts.  In this episode, Dan sits down with social psychologist Dr. Evelyn Carter to discuss the unique DEIBA challenges and opportunities we face in the arts and entertainment industry. Dr. Carter shares expert tips for living our values, creating welcoming environments, and addressing implicit bias in the workplace and beyond. LINKS Paradigm

Many of us are staring down end-of-fiscal-year goals, but it’s hard not to feel discouraged by prevailing economic uncertainty and ever-changing audience behavior. How do you keep your team motivated and mission-focused when the sands are shifting beneath your feet?  Hear from fellow arts marketers who are leading their teams in fresh and creative ways, and dig into positive industry trends that show us the way forward. Today’s episode is the boost of inspiration you need to cross the fiscal finish line. Media Moment (1:55): Dan sits down with CI Senior Consultant Ali Blount to discuss our industry’s road to recovery. They review heartening research from IMPACTS Experience, share promising trends they’re noticing with CI clients, and offer tips for adapting your digital marketing strategy to meet the moment. CI to Eye Interview with Van Ackerman (17:15): Dan joins Van Ackerman, VP of Marketing & Communications at Cincinnati Arts Association, to reflect on the resilience of the arts. They discuss leadership lessons from the ‘08 recession and the power of psychological leadership to motivate a team. CI to Eye Interview with Charles Buchanan (33:38): Dan catches up with Charles Buchanan, Senior Director of Marketing & Audience Development at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. They discuss innovation during challenging times and tips for avoiding digital marketing ruts. --- LINKS JCA Arts Marketing: Subscription decline is an opportunity—not a threat. Capacity Interactive: The Return Of Meta’s 28-Day Attribution: A Full Picture Of Audience Buying Behavior Capacity Interactive: 2023 Digital Priorities: Institutional Campaigns IMPACTS Experience: Increased Digital Engagement Is a ‘New Normal’ for Cultural Entities Capacity Interactive: 2023 Digital Priorities: Google Machine Learning IMPACTS Experience: Here’s What Organizations That Recovered Fastest Post-Pandemic Have in Common Bain & Company: The Value of an Existing Customer

AI is generating a lot of buzz in the marketing sphere—but is it really worth the hype? In this episode we pull back the curtain on AI, explore its strengths and limitations, and consider how it can help arts marketers meet their goals more efficiently. Don’t miss this special, extended conversation with CI’s Managing Director Christopher Williams and Senior Consultant Dan Titmuss. They cover AI’s impact on the arts industry and pinpoint areas where AI can have the largest impact on your day-to-day work. LINKS McKinsey & Company: The state of AI in 2022—and a half decade in review Capacity Interactive: Google's Machine Learning Capacity Interactive: SEO for Content Creators ChatGPT Rytr.me Jasper

More than ever, arts marketers need to be purposeful about data collection, responsive to privacy regulations, and respectful of their audiences’ preferences. In 2023 and beyond, it’s all about staying user-centric and privacy-focused.  Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with expert insights from CI consultants, a data privacy expert, and a fellow arts marketer who's been in your shoes—and has a few words of advice.   Digital Download (2:20) - Dan chats with fellow Senior Consultant Alison Goldberg about changes in the data privacy space and why this topic is so time-sensitive for arts marketers. They break down commonly used acronyms so you can feel confident tackling this topic. CI to Eye Interview with Jodi Daniels (13:30) - Certified data privacy expert Jodi Daniels shines light on the human side of this technical subject, and offers suggestions for ensuring your organization’s practices are both legally compliant and trust-building.  CI to Eye inerview with Rob Macpherson (44:44) - Arts marketer extraordinaire Rob Macpherson reflects on his experience implementing privacy regulations at Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the U.K.’s most prolific theaters. He shares his first-hand experience and offers sage advice to U.S. marketers just starting on this journey.   LINKS: CMSWire: Future of Data Collection: From Coercive to Consensual to Collaborative Pew Research Center: Half of Americans have decided not to use a product or service because of privacy concerns KPMG: The new imperative for corporate data responsibility Capacity Interactive Red Clover Advisors Creating Impakt

As arts marketers, it’s easy to get distracted by shiny new digital marketing trends or bogged down with low-impact work. In this episode, we cut through the noise and help you focus on strategies that yield the greatest results for your organization. Media Moment (2:15) - News outlets, like Axios, have published eye-catching headlines about Google and Meta’s declining ad dominance. The articles are shocking, but should we really panic? Dan sits down with CI’s own Ally Duffey Cubilette to look at how U.S. ad spend is changing and what this really means for arts marketers. Digital Download (10:30) - Dan chats with Principal Consultant Nick Nolte about the digital tools and strategies you should prioritize in 2023 and beyond. They’ll cover topics like first-party data, Google Analytics 4, and SEO-focused content to help you gain high-impact results. CI to Eye Interview (27:43) - CI’s Managing Director Christopher Williams catches up with Ballet Austin’s executive director Cookie Ruiz, who shares her team’s unique approach to customer service. You’ll also learn more about their powerful on-site engagement strategy and how it’s turning newcomers into brand evangelists. LINKS: Slow fade for Google and Meta's ad dominance Forecast 2023: Ad Spending Will Slow Down Next Year But Will Continue To Grow CI Ticket Buyer Media Usage Study

In this episode, we revisit a panel discussion from Boot Camp 2022 about creating a more inclusive and accountable arts ecosystem. Diversity strategist and consultant Theresa Ruth Howard sits down with colleagues Jane Raleigh, Director of Dance Programming at the Kennedy Center, and Melanie George, Director of Artist Initiatives at Jacob’s Pillow, to explore how institutional hierarchies can cap progress and how legacy structures can dampen organizational accountability. 

As we near the end of 2022, arts organizations are still in recovery mode. Audiences are slow to return to cultural activities, and without proper benchmarks for attendance and revenue planning, arts leaders are without a compass. In this episode, we consider how audiences have evolved, propose fresh ways to engage and retain attendees, and share predictions for the new year. Media Moment (1:40) - Priya talks with CI’s VP/Managing Director, Christopher Williams, about a recent Washington Post article highlighting the pandemic’s influence on human behavior. CI’s Stance (8:44) - Principal Consultant Sam Kindler connects with Sara Villagio, CMO of Carnegie Hall, who led a panel at Boot Camp 2022 on the future of subscriptions/memberships. They discuss crucial learnings to help you meet your audience's evolving needs. CI to Eye Interview (23:22) - Priya sits down with Colleen Dilenschneider, Founder & Managing Director of IMPACTS Experience, to discuss the driving factors for audience behavior today and the power of mission and storytelling. Colleen also dives into pressing visitor engagement trends for 2023 as we continue on the road to recovery.   LINKS: Washington Post: Is the Pandemic Over? DMBC 2022: The Future of Subscription and Membership Models  JCA Arts Marketing: Subscription decline is an opportunity—not a threat Know Your Own Bone

In this episode, we navigate themes of authenticity and personal connection. From building teams that reflect the individual team members’ strengths to breaking down institutional facades, it’s time to get personal. Media Moment (01:00) - Erik and Priya nerd out about one of their favorite tools, the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. They explore using this framework to bring teams together who can achieve more than the sum of their individual strengths. CI’s Stance (13:30) - Senior Consultant Alison Goldberg explains why Apple’s Mail Privacy Protection may have skewed your email metrics for the last year and how to use these shifts to level up your user-centric email strategy. CI to Eye Interview (17:25) - Erik sits down with branding expert Jessica Watson to uncover why great branding evokes a feeling, what institutional authenticity actually looks like, and how you can manage change more sustainably by starting small.   LINKS: Tom Rath on The Elevate Podcast with Robert Glazer Learn more about Mail Privacy Protection (MPP) Points North Studio

In this episode, we embrace the evolution of digital content. From the shift towards vertical video across social media platforms to the imperative of website inclusivity and accessibility, you’ll learn how to keep your organization moving forward.  Digital Download (09:32) - CI’s graphic design team, Jess Berube and Stephanie Medina, share the scoop on Instagram’s new immersive feed with design tips to help your content shine in 9:16. CI’s Stance (12:36) - CI Senior Consultants Sam Kindler and Laura Dauksewicz discuss why it’s time for your organization to explore TikTok, and how you can take the first step.  CI to Eye Interview (18:47) - Christopher Williams sits down with web accessibility expert Sue Ann Rodriquez from Digital Accessibility by WeCo to find out what it really means for your website to be accessible to disabled users, from your site map to your purchase path.  LINKS: Digital Accessibility by WeCo CI Blog: Creating Accessible Social Content

In this episode, we explore themes of transition and turnover. From shifts away from old digital tools towards new ones to an honest exploration of the “Great Resignation” and its impact on the arts, it’s time to adapt, grow, and evolve.  Media Moment - Erik and Priya break down an episode of Adam Grant’s WorkLife podcast on “The Not-So-Great Resignation.”  WorkLife Podcast with Adam Grant Digital Download - CI team members Madelyn Frascella and Ally Duffey Cubilette share what you need to know about sunsetting two digital marketing tools: Expanded Text Ads for Search Marketing and Google’s Universal Analytics. CI Blog on Responsive Search Ads One-Sheet on GA4 CI’s Stance - CI’s Natalie Martinez and Rachel Purcell get real about the shift towards machine learning in digital as they break down Responsive Display Ads. CI to Eye Interview -  Priya sits down with Tom O’Connor, President of Tom O’Connor Consulting Group, to talk about the firm’s new policy around salary transparency, what’s really behind the “Great Resignation” within the arts industry, and how our work culture can adapt to be more sustainable for those with a passion for this field. A Message from Tom O’Connor on Salary Transparency Original Music by whoisuzo

In this episode, Priya sits down with Johnna Fellows Gluth and MP to dive into the 2021 Performing Arts Ticket Buyer Media Usage Study. They talk about what it means to be a loyal ticket buyer two years into the pandemic and explore where those audiences spend their time online, how much time they spend on their devices, and what influences them to purchase a ticket.

In this episode, Erik speaks with CI’s new President, Priya Iyer, about her experience navigating a new and challenging leadership role. They discuss what supportive leadership really looks like, how to embrace feedback as a gift, and why it’s important to make space for celebrating your accomplishments. In this vulnerable conversation, Priya reflects on the imposter syndrome she’s felt in her new role and how her integrity has helped to carry her forward through challenges. Priya spent four years serving on the consulting team at Capacity Interactive and in July 2021 returned to CI in the role of President. Prior to CI, she worked in marketing and sales on Broadway. In 2019, she moved from NYC to Southern California where she lead the client services team at a full-service creative agency. Outside of work, Priya enjoys soaking up the sun, dancing, exercising, spending time with friends and family, traveling with her partner Neil, cuddling with her dog Bibo, and taking quiet time to unwind and meditate.

How might the transformative events of the last two years impact the arts sector going forward? In this conversation, Erik interviews cultural leaders Indira Etwaroo and Alex Sarian for their perspectives on how the personal evolutions we’ve each undergone are impacting our institutions, our communities, and the arts sector. They also discuss how organizations are addressing historical inequities, what it means for an institution to embrace relationship-building, and how cultural organizations can be community anchors.

How do you diversify your audience? You might start by rethinking whether that’s even the best question to ask. In this conversation, Theresa Ruth Howard poses alternative questions to leaders Zenetta Drew and Rachel Moore: What exactly does your organization mean when you talk about “diversifying audiences”? How do your organization’s values inform audience diversification initiatives? How can you demystify the word “community”? This conversation will inspire you to find your organization’s most authentic path to audience development.

Courtney J. Boddie is the VP of Education and School Engagement at the New Victory Theater. In 2019, TYA/USA awarded her with the TYA Community Impact Award for her leadership in New Victory SPARK (Schools with the Performing Arts Reach Kids), a robust multi-year arts program that has transformed New York City school communities previously underserved in the arts. Russell Granet is President & CEO of New 42. Under his leadership, New 42 expanded its virtual presentations and educator resources, including fully subsidized arts education for NYC public schools and the highly successful curriculum series, New Victory Arts Break. Among numerous honors, Granet was recently named by Crain’s New York as a 2020 Notable LGBTQ Executive. In this episode, Erik speaks with Courtney and Russell about the New Victory Theater’s Spark Change research, quantifying the positive impact of performing arts education on kids. They discuss why early exposure to arts education fosters a lasting love for the arts, builds interpersonal skills, encourages innovation, and builds hope for the future in young people. They also share their insight into the New Victory is creating opportunities for access to the arts in the schools that need it most.

Claire Spencer is the CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne, a massive multi-disciplinary performing arts center in Melbourne, Australia, that stages over 4,000 performances and public events per year for an audience of 3 million annual visitors. Claire is largely credited with changing the course of Arts Centre Melbourne and has spearheaded the establishment of the Arts Wellbeing Collective (AWC) a mental health and wellbeing innovative collective set-up by the Arts Centre Melbourne in collaboration with the sector to better support the wellbeing of performing arts workers across the country. In January, 2020, Claire was recognized with an Order of Australia for services to the arts and community. While many U.S. arts organizations are preparing to reopen their venues, organizations in Australia—where the virus has been effectively contained—began the reopening process as early as January. In this episode, Claire shares the lessons she’s learned from Arts Centre Melbourne’s reopening. She also explains why her team put most of their digital programming on hold and discusses the importance of acknowledging and supporting team members’ mental health challenges in the workplace. The CI to Eye Podcast will be taking a break for the summer. We'll be back with new episodes after Labor Day! In the meantime, check out the CI to Eye Episode Guide Blog Post for a guide to which past episodes you might want to revisit in the meantime. Have a great summer!

Nik Rama is Principal Analytical Lead at Google, where he also leads mindfulness sessions as part of the gPause program. He is interested in the intersection of neuroscience and meditation, particularly how to use these practices to help reshape the mind, improve wellbeing, and accomplish goals. In this episode, Nik shares the science behind how meditation can change your brain’s structure. He also outlines the research that convinced Google to incorporate meditation into their company because of its powerful effects on health and productivity. If you’re looking to re-center and relax, Nik leads a 10-minute mindfulness practice in the episode!

In response to demands for increased user privacy, Apple’s iOS 14 update will make it easier for users to control how their data is shared with apps. Following suit with legislation like GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California, Apple and other tech companies are making updates that will change the entire digital marketing ecosystem as we know it. In this episode, Erik talks with four CI consultants about what arts organizations can do to prepare.

Andrew Recinos is the President and CEO of Tessitura Network, a member-owned non-profit dedicated to advancing the business of arts and culture through technology, service, and community. In this episode, Andrew shares what he’s learned from hundreds of arts leaders during his nine-month "listening tour" before becoming CEO of Tessitura. He also discusses what it’s like to take on a new role during a pandemic and explains why he’s confident the arts will experience a surge when venues can safely reopen.

Madeline Pollis is the Industry Enrichment Content Producer & Assistant to the President at Capacity Interactive. A former opera singer, Madeline joined Capacity Interactive in 2018, where she produces the CI to Eye podcast and CI to Eye Live! She also works on the Arts Industry Digital Marketing Benchmark Study, Performing Arts Ticket Buyer Media Usage Study, and is part of the team that produces Digital Marketing Boot Camp for the Arts. In this episode, Erik and Madeline have a candid conversation about the Arts Industry Data Analysis: Pandemic Response research. They explore the methodology and share never-before-heard insight into what the data means for arts marketers now and into the future.    

Robin Terry is the Chairwoman and CEO for Motown Museum in Detroit, a cultural gem founded in 1985 by her grandmother, the late Esther Gordy Edwards, who was a senior executive at Motown Records and sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Robin has devoted the last two decades to preserving the legacy of Motown's iconic brand. In this episode, Robin shares why celebrating Motown’s history can unite people from different backgrounds during this period of political polarity. She also discusses adapting her leadership during the pandemic, the Motown Museum’s ongoing expansion, and why virtual environment opportunities have forever changed the museum’s programming.

In this episode recorded live at Boot Camp 2020, Theresa Ruth Howard and Mariclare Hulbert explore multi-layered marketing challenges, including how to respond thoughtfully to social media criticism and how to communicate equity-related issues. They also investigate various power dynamics between marketers and organizational leaders, artists and organizations, and the general public and organizations.

Robin Cantrill-Fenwick is the CEO of Baker Richards, a UK-based arts software and consultancy specializing in earned income strategy and audience development for arts and culture. He was previously the Deputy Executive Director of the Mercury Theatre Colchester and led digital transformations for organizations including the UK’s National Trust, The Royal Society (National Academy of Science), and the University of Westminster. In this episode, Robin shares data from The Insights Alliances’ Culture Restart Audience Tracker, an audience sentiment tracking survey that aims to understand attendees’ attitudes toward engaging with culture now and in the future. Robin also explains why behavioral audience segmentation is crucial, how socially distanced seating can become a premium offering, and how organizations can address digital programming pricing challenges.

Jennifer Rosenfeld is a business coach who collaborates with top musicians to create profitable and impactful online education businesses. A leading arts entrepreneurship educator and speaker, Rosenfeld has worked with non-profits, university music programs and conservatories, and professional musicians on developing a wide range of educational and artistic projects. She received her JD/MBA from Stanford University. In this episode, Jennifer Rosenfeld believes there is a massive financial opportunity for arts organizations between the very extreme zone of low ticket prices and enormous major gifts. In this episode, she shares how arts organizations can create significant new earned income revenue streams through in-depth educational and experience-oriented programs. She also explains why arts organizations are underutilizing their vast human capital and shares how your organization can leverage its assets to help close budget gaps.

The guests on CI to Eye during 2020 provided hope, guidance, and insight during an unprecedented year. Listen to all of their “CI to Eye moments" in this special episode as you rebuild and reimagine the future of the arts.

Betty Avila is the Executive Director of Self Help Graphics & Art, an organization on the East side of Los Angeles. Working at the intersection of arts and social justice, Self Help's mission is to foster the creation and advancement of new art works by Chicana/o and Latinx artists, with a focus on printmaking. Betty was named one of C-Suite Quarterly Magazine’s NextGen 10 in Philanthropy, Arts and Culture, and an Impact-Maker to Watch by City Impact Labs. In this episode, Betty and Erik talk about her efforts to combat the workaholism culture in her organization and the challenges of fundraising as a person of color. Betty also questions the impact of Primarily White Institutions who are now taking on funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion work, possibly channeling funds away from organizations that have long existed to serve those needs.

This top-rated session from Capacity Interactive's Boot Camp 2020 explores what three incredible arts leaders have learned navigating their teams and themselves through this turbulent year. Whether you’re a team member, lead a department, or run an entire organization, this session will give you inspiration and insight as we move through this uncertain time.

Joshua Dachs is one of the world's leading theater design consultants. Drawing on a background as a violinist, an architect, and a theatrical set and lighting designer, he has led FDA's consulting practice since 1984. He provides planning, programming, and design leadership for hundreds of successful projects, including the Mariinsky II Opera House in St. Petersburg and the newest Broadway theatre, the Stephen Sondheim. In this episode, Joshua and Erik lift the curtain on the mysteries of theater design. They discuss how seat layout impacts the way comedy is received, why some roadhouses have "absurd capacities," and why Broadway theaters are so uncomfortable.