Conversation During Controversy

by:

Joe Patti

I think I have re-linked to this story a number of times over the course of my blog, but Neill Archer Roan’s recounting of how the Oregon Bach Festival engaged their community in a conversation about the controversies surrounding a performance of Bach’s St. John’s Passion has always seemed to be a great example of what arts organizations can do at their best. Granted, it requires a whole lot of courage, especially in these days where social media can generate furor in a matter of moments. I fear the conversations wouldn’t have been so constructive had this happened this year.

Roan’s original post is regrettably no longer available, but I believe my post does a good job of relaying enough basic information to generate discussion within one’s organization.

The Horror, The Horror

by:

Joe Patti

I got a few good stories emailed to me when I posted my theatre horror stories back in 2005. I have had a few since then that I will have to share when I get back. In the meantime, read some of the oldies and goodies and feel free to share your stories either here on the site or by email.

Accessibility References

by:

Joe Patti

Always worth repeating, a few years ago I posted some reference materials about how to train staff and volunteers to interact with persons with disabilities. The post also included a link to the National Endowment for the Arts’ handbook on designing cultural facilities for accessibility.

Pro-Am Divine Part Deux

by:

Joe Patti

Back in 2004 I followed up the entry I referenced yesterday with another one tracking how an organization of amateurs can find themselves pressured into professionalizing their operations to the point where good intentions suddenly accumulate some burdens that draw attention away from those core good intentions.