Passing the Buck(eye)….

Why is it always surrender?  Why can’t it be retreat to re-engage, re- strategize to re-connect with a community, or rebuilding instead of  tearing down?  The Columbus Symphony is going a very strange route and is in danger of being on a one-way street with no turning back allowed by essentially giving over day to day operations (and possibly more) to another group.  The problem is indicative as the orchestra world grapples with economic realities, but again I say let’s stop being victims and start taking action.  We need to stop waiting for the tide to turn and start making some waves!…..

Time and time again we read of  concessions, cuts, deficits, and don’t get me wrong, they are real and have to be addressed, but it seems few if any are using it as an opportunity to fundamentally change their organization into one that deeply connects to their community.  It also seems the hope is that by slashing and burning, an orchestra can then just wait till everything is good again!  Two problems with that approach: 1. Limbs don’t just grow back 2. Nothing gets fixed for the next time a downturn occurs, meaning it will be shampoo rinse repeat!

It’s not that an organization shouldn’t be honest about their situation, but when it is reported why not also report on the plan to solve the crisis by including an exit strategy as part of the announcement so that people can get behind the organization’s plan.  What I would love to see is an announcement accentuating the positive (I feel a song coming on) whilst showing some creativity i.e Our lack of funding is preventing us from doing full Orchestra educational concerts, but we refuse to give up on our children, instead we will send small ensembles into schools for more one on one interaction to foster a deeper connection to music and to the child, we are naming the program Muisic 1-2 -1. Boom!  A cheaper program, more interaction and more importantly NO WAITING, JUST ACTION!

The red flag that went up for me with the CSO’s plan was when I read this quote from the article by Jeffrey Sheban reporting on the situation (text in parenthesis added by me):

Meanwhile, talks have been under way for several weeks to let CAPA (Columbus Association for Performing Arts) handle finance, marketing, development and concert production for the orchestra. Administrators and board members from both organizations would like to reach an agreement quickly, (President and CEO Roland) Valliere said.

“At this important time, we are exploring ways for CAPA to leverage its resources and offer assistance to the symphony,” Bill Conner, CAPA’s president, said in a statement. “We all want to help (the orchestra) achieve a stable and sustainable future.”

In Columbus, CAPA owns and operates the Ohio, Palace and Southern theaters, and manages the Riffe Center and Lincoln theaters. Conner was unavailable for further comment yesterday.

On the surface it’s a bold move, not preferred I’m sure, and the obvious questions will be about autonomy, day to day decisions, fund raising, production values, is the staff qualified? By all accounts CAPA seems to be a very well regarded organization.  Here’s the problem though:  Is this temporary, or permanent and what is the plan to get the operations back? If CAPA absorbs the CSO administration, will they not feel as though they have ownership rights?  I guess it depends on the relationship terms, i.e is this an administration for hire situation, a true equal partnership, or is this a transference with a new board presumably CAPA’s making all the decisions?  I think the announcement was made way too early, better to wait until this is all worked out because if it is rushed into and if the CAPA essentially become the major stake holders, then there is a risk of serious disenfranchisement with current supporters/donors, board members and stakeholders.

The current CSO board has much skin in the game and artistic missions, protocols and philosophies  established can potentially be eliminated easily by a new board that doesn’t have the same emotional, financial and historical connection to the organization.  Duties can be transferred but love and commitment are built over time, and will they give it the time?  The same is true for the management as 18 presumably dedicated and qualified staff members are in danger of losing their jobs which is devastating.  Can the CAPA staff just hit the ground running on this and are they adding staff to cope with the workload (how about adding some of those who are going to be let go?)  CAPA runs many events across multiple disciplines so it is likely their board reflects a wide diversity of interests where as a Symphony board has a majority who have that single focus in mind when they join.  Worst case scenario:  If things continue to go south who will stop the board if they want to offload it or downsize it even further if the CSO is eating into resources previously allocated elsewhere?

I’m only speculating and don’t presume to know the CAPA board’s intentions or even if they will play a role,  but I imagine that someone who is planning to send a donation is also wondering who will get it.  My hope is that there is an end game plan to retrieve the organization so as to begin the process of reestablishing and re-visioning themselves as a vital independent entity to serve the city and region, and that it is articulated clearly and loudly!

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