Austin, Texas, philanthropists Sarah and Ernest Butler have dedicated much of their philanthropic energy to providing "risk capital" as an investment in what might be for arts organizations like Ballet Austin. This month they receive Dance/USA's Champion Award for their generosity and vision. Learn more here.
Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, founder of Urban Bush Women, laid the underpinnings for a company and a process of working that draws on her commitment to the culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora. This week she receives Dance/USA’s Honor Award for her extraordinary leadership in the field through both artistic excellence and force of vision.
Market research expert Bob Harlow shows how arts organizations can use qualitative and quantitative research to attract and retain new audiences. Watch a video of Harlow distill lessons about audience research, get practical tips and more
Ann Williams receives the Dance/USA Ernie Award this month at Dance/USA's annual conference in Austin, Texas. Williams founded Dallas Black Dance Theatre and her tireless dedication to the dance world and to encouraging black dance around the country has empowered young dancers, leaving a lasting legacy.
As this year’s Dance/USA Trustees awardee, Ella Baff is being recognized at our annual conference in Austin, Texas, for her contributions to dance — particularly 17 years at the helm of Jacob’s Pillow Dance. Read on for more on how Baff advanced the dance field.
Among a board member’s many responsibilities and opportunities, the chance to reach out to audience members and say “thank-you” is among the most powerful and rewarding. That personal touch with a patron is valuable. Read about how Ron Fredman harnesses this practice as a development tool.
Who hasn't shared a fun personal video on social media? Read dancer/choreographer Alexandra Beller's cautionary tale about what can happen when a personal video goes viral.
Dyeing to Match is a national awareness campaign about the lack of new dancewear for darker skin tones. This is an issue of equity and diversity; the dancewear industry produces things that they say are nude but that always are a shade lighter than the skin tones of many of our students and dancers.
We hear, in whispers and loudly, that political and economic uncertainty, changing corporate priorities and the world’s daily chaos seem to be giving businesses sudden pause and tighter budgets, at least when it comes to the arts. Read more in this month's Development Dialogue.
Every leader needs a fundamental understanding of how each part intersects and works together in their organization, whether it’s operations, marketing, production, business, they all serve, ultimately, the mission, said Oregon Ballet Theatre Executive Director Dennis Buehler. Read more on leadership here.
