TCG Bulletin

December 2008, Volume 31, Issue 12

Also online this month:

FIELD LETTER

In her December Field Letter, Teresa draws attention to the White Space issue, reviews elements from the arts policy statement sent to the White House transition team and reports on her travels to CENTERSTAGE and Emerson College. She reminds us of the upcoming TCG National Conference in Baltimore, Roots. Renaissance. Revolution., and highlights poignant TCG Fall Forum moments. Teresa also observes, “I know that many of you are struggling and trying to determine how best to deliver on your missions—and perhaps even how to survive—when faced with a recession that has inevitably led to some combination of funding cutbacks, audience attrition and shrinking endowments. We are working at TCG on the best ways to support the field in these times… Do let us know if there is anything in particular you need from us or if there are specifics of your experience that you would like to share with others in some form.”

• Click here to view the December 2008 Field Letter.

CURRENT TCG NEWS

Fiscal Survey 2008 Now Available Online!

TCG member theatres are encouraged to participate in this comprehensive annual survey, which serves as the basis for Theatre Facts, TCG's in-depth report on the field's attendance, performance and fiscal health.

For many of our member theatres, participation in TCG’s Fiscal Survey has become a routine annual activity that has proven well worth the time, effort and, admittedly, a small measure of pain! Not only has online submission become a much easier process, but members have long reported that the work they put into our survey creates a fiscal template for their organizations—one that serves as a foundation for a variety of grant applications and donor correspondence. For many theatres, the Fiscal Survey process further provides an unparalleled opportunity to take stock of, and improve upon, the financial systems that they have in place.

Only participating theatres will have online access to the full survey results. In order to apply for any TCG grant program, completion of the Fiscal Survey is required.

Action: The Fiscal Survey deadline is December 5. Visit the Fiscal Survey section for more information. You will need your username and password to access the survey. If you do not have your username and password, email customer service.

TCG Board of Directors Nominations

We are currently soliciting nominations for the TCG board of directors to fill the positions left open by the board members whose terms are expiring at the end of the 2008–09 year. The board is comprised of artistic and managing leaders, trustees, individual artists, funders and others representing the full spectrum of our field. We invite you to express your interest in serving by submitting a self-nomination or by nominating a colleague.

Action: The deadline for nominations is December 15. To submit a nomination, please fill out the nomination form and, along with the requested supplemental material, mail it back to TCG. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Cleary.

2009 TCG National Conference: Roots. Renaissance. Revolution. June 4–6 in Baltimore, MD

From June 4–6, 2009, the theatre community will come together in Baltimore, MD to investigate the possibilities of our future, to share the stories of our past and to explore the complexities of our present. We stand on the verge of a generational shift as the resident theatre movement nears its fiftieth anniversary and new artistic and administrative leaders emerge. Join us and our opening keynote speaker, the groundbreaking artist John Waters, as we celebrate new perspectives while continuing to cherish the stories that have defined the movement.

TCG will also hold a pre-conference in Washington, DC on June 3–4, with a reception on June 2. Pre-conference attendees will choose between workshops on the power of participating in national policy-making through advocacy and the art of cultural diplomacy through global theatre exchange.

Action: Visit the Conference section of the website for more information. Online registration will begin in January 2009.

ADVOCACY NEWS FROM THE PERFORMING ARTS ALLIANCE AND TCG

White Space Issue: Change is Coming!

The wireless microphone technology currently in use by theatres and other performing arts organizations will soon undergo changes. As TV goes digital in February, the FCC is re-examining the use of the broadcast spectrum, specifically the “white space” that exists between broadcast television channels. A recent auction of a portion of the “white space” is resulting in a reorganization of the broadcast spectrum, changes to the allowable uses of the spectrum and the development of new devices.

On November 4, the FCC voted to authorize the development and use of new devices that would operate in the same space currently used for wireless microphones. The FCC ruling includes certain ‘protections’ for wireless microphones; please stay tuned for more information on this latest ruling in the coming months.

Meanwhile, a specific portion of the “white space” (channels 52-69, roughly between 700 and 800 MHz frequencies) had already been auctioned off, and current users, including performing arts organizations, will be required to vacate this part of the spectrum by February 17, 2009.

The Performing Arts Alliance, of which TCG is a member, has filed several sets of comments with the FCC on behalf of the not-for-profit performing arts community, urging the agency to find a viable solution to protect wireless audio devices from interference as new devices come into use. We are encouraging all parties to find a solution that is affordable for not-for-profit theatres and that will guarantee that migration to new technology and a new location on the broadcast spectrum will be free of interference during performances.

Action: You are urged to contact your wireless microphone equipment manufacturer. Depending on make and model, your equipment could be re-banded with a new frequency range. Otherwise, it will need to be replaced. Please do this as soon as possible, especially if you are in a metropolitan market. TCG is interested in hearing about the impact of this change on our member theatres. Please contact Laurie Baskin if your theatre is adversely impacted.

National Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, DC, March 30–31

The 2009 Arts Advocacy Day will take place on March 30-31. Arts Advocacy Day will bring together arts, education, entertainment and policy leaders to develop strong public policies and support for increased public funding for the arts. A new administration and Congress bring the promise of bold, new leadership for the arts in America. However, during these uncertain economic times, it is important to let congressional leaders know that the arts are an economic engine for development and a priority for every American. Join hundreds of grassroots advocates from across the country in legislative training sessions, the Congressional Arts Breakfast on Capitol Hill, the Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy at the Kennedy Center and meetings with your Members of Congress on important arts-related issues. Your involvement does make an impact!

Action: Visit the Americans for the Arts website to register, and to view a schedule of legislative training sessions. If you do register, please email Laurie Baskin at TCG so your visit can be coordinated with other theatre advocates.

Advancing the Arts, Approaching the Next Administration

TCG has been working with the broader arts community to develop a slate of recommended actions that the new Obama administration can take to strengthen support for the arts in communities nationwide. A transition document has been created that speaks to traditional arts funding areas, including the NEA and U.S. Department of Education. It also addresses a broad array of federal policies including International Cultural Exchange; National Service and the Arts (i.e. AmeriCorps); Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (NCLB); Nonprofit Tax Policy and Oversight; and a Senior Administrative Position on Cultural Policy.

Action: Visit the Advocacy News section of the website to read the complete unified statement.

Americans for the Arts and Business Committee for the Arts Merge Operations

Americans for the Arts and Business Committee for the Arts (BCA) recently announced that BCA will merge its operations with Americans for the Arts, creating the largest-ever advocacy group for the arts in the private sector. The partnership will further enable the organization to generate increased private-sector support for the arts and arts education by engaging and educating business leaders nationwide on the economic impact and value of the arts in business and community settings.

Action: Visit the Americans for the Arts website to read the full announcement.

Minnesota Citizens Approve Sales Tax Increase to Fund Outdoors, Clean Water and Arts

The new constitutional amendment will raise about $275 million a year by increasing the sales tax by 3/8 of a percent, or 38 cents on a $100 purchase. It becomes effective in July, and will continue for 25 years. Of the new tax revenue, 33 percent, or about $90 million, will fund outdoors and wildlife habitat projects; another 33 percent will go to clean water programs; 19.75 percent, or $54 million, will be directed to statewide arts and cultural groups; and 14.25 percent, or $39 million, will be used for parks and trails.

Action: Contact the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts for more information.

Source: Star Tribute, November 5, 2008

National Endowment for the Humanities Chair to Step Down

Bruce Cole, the chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities for the past seven years, recently announced he is leaving in January to join the American Revolution Center in Valley Forge, PA. Dana Gioia, the chairman of the NEA, announced in September that he will be leaving the first of the year to join the Aspen Institute, an international organization that conducts forums on contemporary issues.

Action: Visit the Washington Post website to read the full story (free registration required).

New Members Confimed to Serve on National Council on the Arts

Conductor JoAnn Falletta and country songwriter and singer Lee Greenwood have been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the NEA. The confirmation follows their nomination by President George W. Bush to serve on this advisory body to the Arts Endowment.

JoAnn Falletta serves as the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Country music artist Lee Greenwood is best known for his anthemic, crossover single "God Bless the USA," which received the Country Music Association Song of the Year honor in 1985.

Action: Visit the NEA website to view the entire announcement.

White House Announces 2008 National Medal of Arts Recipients

President George W. Bush recently announced the recipients of the 2008 National Medal of Arts. Nine medals were presented by the President and Mrs. Laura Bush in an East Room ceremony at the White House. The National Medal of Arts is a White House initiative managed by the NEA.

In a surprise announcement at the ceremony, President Bush announced the award of five Presidential Citizens Medals to:

The 2008 National Medal of Arts Recipients:

Action: Visit the NEA website to read the full press release and bios of the recipients.

ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Applications Now Being Accepted for MAPFUND Grants

MAP supports most direct costs related to the conception, creation and premiere of a new work. These include but are not limited to commissioning fees and artists' salaries, research costs, rehearsal and workshop expenses, promotion and audience outreach and production costs up to and including the premiere run of the work. MAP awards up to 40 grants per annual cycle, ranging from $10,000 to $45,000 (average award amounts are $25,000). Eligible organizations are based in the United States, have current not-for-profit federal tax status (501c3) and demonstrate at least two years professional experience.

Action: The application deadline is January 20, 2009 at 2pm (EST). Visit the MAPFUND website for more information and application materials.

ARTS EDUCATION

Americans for the Arts Presents Arts Education Webinar

Steve Seidel, director of Harvard’s Project Zero and director of the Arts in Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, will present the completed findings of his Wallace-commissioned study, Qualities of Quality: Excellence in Arts Education and How to Achieve It in a 90 minute webinar on December 17 at 2pm (EST).

The study focuses on the character of excellence itself and asks three core questions:

1) How do arts educators in the United States, including leading practitioners, theorists and administrators, conceive of and define high quality arts learning and teaching?

2) What markers of excellence do educators and administrators look for in the actual activities of art learning and teaching as they unfold in the classroom?

3) How does a program’s foundational decisions, as well as its ongoing day-to-day decisions, impact the pursuit and achievement of quality?

In the December 17 webinar, findings of the study will be shared and some of the tools developed by the research team for use by practitioners committed to examining and improving the quality of the arts learning experiences they provide for young people will be introduced.

Action: Visit the Americans for the Arts website to register for the webinar.

VSA Arts and MetLife Foundation Announce Arts Connect All Grant Opportunity

VSA Arts and MetLife Foundation have announced the next round of the Arts Connect All grant opportunity for arts organizations to create or enhance inclusive educational programs by strengthening partnerships with local public schools. A maximum of ten grants of up to $15,000 each will be awarded to selected programs.

The program invites proposals from arts institutions whose programs incorporate the following: inclusive teaching practices; access to students with all types of disabilities; development of social, cognitive and artistic skills; involvement of people with disabilities in planning and implementation; building staff, teacher and/or artist knowledge and skill of inclusive practices; and collaborations with public schools that engage students, parents and school administrators.

Action: Visit the VSA Arts website for more information.

CONFERENCES & SEMINARS

Annual APAP Conference in New York City, January 9–13

The annual APAP Conference, produced by the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, will take place in New York City, January 9–13, 2009. The APAP Conference brings together performing arts decision-makers from across the U.S. and around the world. Keynote speakers will include playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb.

Action: Visit the APAP website to register for the conference.

Arts Reach National Arts Marketing Conference in New York City, March 2009—TCG Member Discount!

TCG members are entitled to $80 registration discounts to the 2009 Arts Reach National Arts Marketing Conference, scheduled for March 14–16, 2009 in New York City. The theme of the event is Cultivating the Next Generation of Audiences & Securing Your Organization's Future: A Technology, Research and Programming Summit for Our Times. Top theatre professionals, as well as leaders from other arts disciplines, will be discussing trends, best practices and ways to recession-proof your organization. Managing leaders and board members, as well as marketing, public relations, membership and development professionals from all cultural disciplines are encouraged to attend.

Action: Register by December 20 to get the early registration discount in addition to your membership discount. Visit the Arts Reach website to view all of the conference offerings or to register online.

DEVELOPMENT

Several Foundations and Corporations Issue Statements on Grantmaking in the Economic Crisis

Foundations including the California Endowment, the Irvine Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation recently issued statements on how the economic crisis could impact their grantmaking. Most issued statements echo the Kresge Foundation’s president, Rip Rapson, in assuring the public that “like investment portfolios across the country, Kresge’s endowment has been significantly reduced in the last few months. We cannot, however, permit that to obscure the responsibilities to community such considerable resources impart. We will not permit our grantmaking to follow the same yo-yo patterns of the broader markets.”

Recent articles in the Philadelphia Inquirer and Reuters interviewed representatives from the Pew Charitable Trust, the Philadelphia Foundation, the Independence Foundation and the philanthropic arms of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, General Electric, Wachovia, Wal-Mart and Exxon-Mobil. Representatives generally reported expectations that their giving would either remain flat or increase in the coming year. Frank Mantero, a spokesman for General Electric, stressed that “at times like these, corporate social responsibility and philanthropy are more important than ever… The plan is that the budget will remain the same.”

Action: Read the individual statements and articles by clicking on the links in the above article.

Source: Reuters, November 4, 2008

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, November 12, 2008

Foundation Center Issues Research Advisory on Foundation Giving in Troubled Economies

Authored by Steven Lawrence, senior director of research for the Foundation Center, Do Foundation Giving Priorities Change in Times of Economic Distress is an examination of trends in foundation giving priorities during times of financial difficulty. According to the Research Advisory, while actual dollar amounts of gifts and donations may decrease during times of economic crisis, overall grantmaking priorities do not tend to change significantly.

Action: Visit the Foundation Center website to read the two-page research advisory.

Chronicle of Philanthropy Publishes Survey of Small-Business Philanthropy

A new survey of small-business leaders conducted for the Chronicle of Philanthropy suggests that small business are almost equally as likely to donate cash to charities as they are to donate services or products. Results suggest that personal interests, a charity’s local connection and ease of giving are the most important factors in deciding which groups to support. Many small-business owners (41 percent) say their company is not currently doing enough charitable giving. 28 percent of respondents reported giving to arts institutions.

Action: Visit the Chronicle of Philanthropy website to learn more, and to read the survey’s results (subscription required).

Study of Million Dollar Gift Patterns Finds "Self-Made" Donors Most Likely to Step Up to Major Gifts

A study of million dollar donations conducted by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University for the Community Counseling Service Company (CCSC) found that donors of “self-made” wealth were most likely to make charitable donations of $1 million or more, and that community ties, family ties or a relationship with a board member were the most influential factors in making a million dollar gift.

Action: Visit the CCSC website to download a free copy of the report.

Mellon Foundation Awards Major Gifts for New Play Development

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation recently awarded millions of dollars to playwriting organizations and theatres around the country to encourage the creation of new plays. Recipients were the Lark Play Development Center, New Dramatists, the Sundance Institute Theatre Program, the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis and Three-Legged Dog. The Public Theater, the Signature Theatre Company, Playwrights Horizons, Lincoln Center Theater, Steppenwolf Theater Company and Roadside Theater received producing institution grants. Grants ranged from $600,000 to $2 million.

Action: None

Source: New York Times, October 20, 2008

Mixed Blood Theatre Company Receives Major Gift

The Mixed Blood Theatre Company received a $300,000 Excellence Award from the Wallace Foundation for seeking to broaden the theatre’s audience participation among Latinos and people with disabilities.

Action: None

MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH

The NonProfit Times Offers Salary Survey

The NonProfit Times and Bluewater Nonprofit Solutions are inviting organizations to partake in their 2009 Nonprofit Organizations Salary and Benefits Survey. The survey’s customized report gives participants a broad array of information with evaluation tools including benchmarking data, tri-level organizational reporting with multiple evaluation views and complete cost and eligibility information about benefit practices. Reports will be available to participants in February.

Action: The deadline for completion of the survey is January 30, 2009. Visit the Bluewater Nonprofit Solutions website to register and begin the survey. For more information on the survey, visit the NonProfit Times website.

RESOURCES

New York Times' Special Giving Section Profiles Philadelphia's Arden Theatre Company, Kennedy Center's Michael Kaiser and Lincoln Center's Reynold Levy

A recent special section on giving in the New York Times featured an article on an innovative giving partnership between Philadelphia’s Arden Theater Company and the Independence Foundation, and interviews with Michael Kaiser of the Kennedy Center and Reynold Levy of Lincoln Center Theater in the article The Nonprofit’s Guide to Surviving a Downturn. Other articles in the special Giving section include features on a new arts fellowship program, United States Artists, and an article with predictions on how the economic crisis will affect philanthropy.

Action: Visit the New York Times website to read the special Giving Section

Online Discussions on the Chronicle of Philanthropy Website

The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s weekly Online Discussions feature experts and discussions on topics including “Dealing with Unexpected Gifts”, “What the Election Results Mean for the Charity World”, “Spending Donations Wisely in Tough Times” and “Inspiring Your Board to Raise Money”. Discussions are free, live and open to everyone. Questions can be submitted in advance.

Action: Visit the Chronicle of Philanthropy website to sign up for an upcoming discussion, or to read transcripts from previous discussions.

NEW TCG MEMBERS & AFFILIATES

TCG DEADLINES

RECURRING TCG NEWS

Wanted: Electronic Human Resources Documents for TCG's Topical Files

As a service for member theatres, TCG maintains electronic resource files for inquiries about performance reviews, job descriptions, organizational structure, trustee evaluation, software packages and more. Some of our most useful and most requested files contain employee handbooks, reviews, job descriptions and contracts that are submitted by member theatres to be used as a resource by other member theatres.

All member theatres are encouraged to send us any electronic human resources-related documents they utilize for inclusion in these files. We can remove any language that identifies your theatre, if you wish to contribute anonymously. In particular, we are looking to expand our collection of employment contracts for full-time and management-level staff, but we gladly welcome any and all submissions. Also, if you have worked with a consultant that you particularly would recommend, please forward their information as well.

Action: If you have any documents that you would like to contribute to our files, please email them as an attachment (Microsoft Word preferred) to Sarah McLellan .

Update Your Staff Contacts with TCG

TCG sends email notification of the TCG Bulletin and Field Letter directly to general managers, education directors, business managers, marketing directors, PR directors, literary managers, dramaturgs, development directors and associate artistic directors at TCG member theatres. We do this in order to keep staff informed of the activities and developments of the not-for-profit theatre field, to deepen staff knowledge of TCG and to increase participation in our programs. Many of these senior staff already participate in TCG programs and have sent TCG their email addresses. However, we are far from a complete list. We strongly encourage you to send us email contacts for all senior staff at your theatre, and to inform us of any staff changes when they occur.

Action: To receive the TCG Bulletin and Field Letter by email or to inform TCG of staff changes at your theatre, contact Gregg Gomez .

TCG Requests Production Posters

TCG is requesting posters from your theatre's current season. We prominently display members' posters in our office, which not only creates a lively and attractive work environment but also helps us showcase the full diversity of our membership to the artists, funders, government leaders, theatre administrators and board members who visit TCG. We also remind you to send posters to your federal, state and local legislators. They often like to display their constituents' posters in their offices.

Action: Mail posters to Demosthenes Chrysan, TCG, 520 Eighth Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10018-4156, as well as your legislators.

TCG Trustee Leadership Network

All trustees of TCG member theatres are eligible to join the TCG Trustee Leadership Network. For $100 annually, the network affords trustees the following benefits: American Theatre magazine; annual TCG Theatre Directory; and notification of management publications including the TCG Bulletin, Field Letter and Centerpiece. Please encourage your board members to join.

Action: Visit the Membership section of the website to download a registration form or for more information.