I am not a novice with Social Media, dipping my fingers in various pots; even so, there are still many, many more pots waiting to be stirred. I’m also not a novice in regards to the arts and arts education.
I received the following from a FB acquaintance (thank you Susan Shatz), and knew I had to pass this on:
Barry’s Blog: The ARTS Dinner-Vention Project
There are many people who live, breathe, eat, sleep, etc. The Arts (capital letters on purpose) but don’t have the exposure or professional gravitas which would give them the recognition that they deserve. They may be young in age, or “still new” in their respective turn at this part of their career. In Barry’s words:
Regular followers of this blog know that late every August I publish a list of the Most Powerful and Influential Leaders in the Nonprofit Arts. Most people understand that the list isn’t meritocracy based; it isn’t based on specific achievement or accomplishment per se; it doesn’t purport to necessarily identify the “best and brightest”, rather it merely identifies who has power and influence.
There has been some past comment that unfortunately the list excludes a whole cohort of serious thinkers – a group of younger (not necessarily chronologically younger) leaders omitted because their careers have not been long enough for them to develop the requisite power and influence the Most Powerful list embodies, and that there ought to be some mechanism that gives this cohort of leaders a voice and some recognition. They are, after all, our future.
If you are interested/concerned about the state of the arts and nonprofit arts, I strongly suggest that you click HERE for the full blog entry. I know I’ll be giving this some serious thought.
Opening up dialogue with new thinkers, the ones who are doing the work, who resist hearing & living “we’ve always done it this way”…this is one way to acknowledge those who might seem behind the scenes but need to have a more national, if not international voice.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks.
About Barry: Former Director of the California Arts Council; President of the California Assembly of Local Arts Agencies; Executive Director LINES Ballet. Author (Hardball Lobbying for Nonprofits – MacMillan & Co.; Youth Involvement in the Arts – 2 phase study for the Hewlett Foundation; Local Arts Agency Funding Study for the Aspen Institute; City Arts Toolkit), consultant, public speaker. Barry’s Blog is a service of the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF). The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of WESTAF.
Sep 28, 2012 @ 08:21:43
Thanks for posting. I will check your list…
Sep 28, 2012 @ 10:24:15
Thanks for sharing this Stuart. It’s strange. In some ways I know that I’m supposed to be a “leader” in the field, but because of choices I’ve made and life happening I’m not a novice but I’m not a mover and a shaker either. I wonder if I can fix that.
Sep 28, 2012 @ 14:24:07
I’m sure you can. I’m sure you ARE, even if you don’t see it right in front of you.
Sep 29, 2012 @ 17:04:09
Interesting posts, Stu. It would seem a difficult task to come up with suggestions. How many people are in the trenches who don’t have a national name but have widespread influence over the years through sheer dedication and longevity? I wonder if American culture is so diverse that coming up with a definitive list is even possible?
Sep 30, 2012 @ 10:42:38
I don’t think it can ever be a definitive list, and I don’t think that’s the point. There are just so many “unsung heroes” in this quagmire, simply because only those at the top get the notice. If they are at the top, there should be some/few/hopefully many who have helped get them there &/or kept them there.
Sep 30, 2012 @ 17:04:41
I think an artist needs to build a platform and fan base just like an indie author. It takes some time but it will pay big rewards in the future. Social media can be used to help “unsung heroes” get their name and their work out there where it will be noticed and appreciated by more people.
Oct 01, 2012 @ 22:33:01
You know, it seems like The Arts overall receives less recognition than it deserves. Considering all the focus on making money, we often don’t appreciate art like we should. I know I don’t appreciate art enough, no matter years of experience. I’m glad social media provides a platform to bring more attention to beauty and The Arts.