symphony audience development: analysis of organizational culture in the performing arts
DESCRIPTION
This is my presentation from the International Conference on the Arts in Society on July 29, 2009.TRANSCRIPT
Symphony Audience Development:
Analysis of Organizational Culture in the Performing
Arts
July 29, 2009
Erin E. Gore
Structure of PresentationI. Introduction
II.Researcha)Research Strategyb) Research Questions
III. Findings
IV. Conclusion
Goal of Case Study• Discover how the tensions within
a symphony can be harnessed into a positive effect for the organization
• Fill the gap in existing literature
Organizational Culture
•Evolving internal dynamics and behaviors which affect management outcomes within an organization
Inherent Tension•The tension that can manifest while attempting to appeal to a wide range of audiences and maintain artistic quality
Inherent Tension
Existing Research•Established connection between artistic programming and audience development
•Lack of research investigating the connection between symphony organizational culture and artistic programming
Hypothesis•Internal organizational dynamics of a symphony orchestra affect the ultimate product of artistic programming
Research Strategy
•Literature Review
•In-depth Case Study
The Eugene Symphony• Professional Orchestra• $2 Million budget
Main Research Questions• How does a symphony’s
organizational culture and structure affect the artistic programming?
• How can symphonies utilize programming to optimize their audience development efforts and increase organizational stability?
The Artistic Process and Inherent Tension
• A challenge between economic and administrative sides of an organization
• Product of the hierarchical management structure
Symphony Hierarchical Structure
Inherent Tension
“It is not necessarily destructive to have friction and struggle in an organization”Report of the National Task Force for the American Orchestra, p. 75
How does Symphony Organizational Culture affect Artistic Programming?
• The traditional hierarchical symphony structure affects decision-making
• Organizational history and values influence programming
Findings:• Organizational Culture• Inherent Tension• Artistic Programming
Organizational Culture
• Inclusivity within organizational culture increases commitment to artistic output
Inherent Tension
•Communication from both the musicians and management led to a positive organizational culture
Programming• Connection and passion for
classical music aligns organizational goals with artistic programming
“Artistic programming is like putting this huge puzzle together”
Chris Collins, Education and Operations Director, Eugene Symphony
ProgrammingEugene Symphony Programming, 1999-2009
Bach Beethoven Berlioz Brahms Copland Dvorak Mahler Mozart Shastakovich Tchaikovsky0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
Implications
•Connection between organizational culture and artistic product of all arts organizations
•Need for further research
Conclusion
• Correlations exist between the organizational Culture and Artistic Programming in the Eugene Symphony
Questions?