Infographic from original article: Surprising Findings in Three New NEA Reports on the Arts  –  Exploration into who participates and why, as well as the arts as an economic engine

I came across this infographic this morning.  I have seen similar statistics in other reports.  So, what are we going to do with this data?

It is 2015, and having the New Year’s resolution of finally coming to terms with these issues and creating solutions to build audiences using this data would be amazing to see.

What should you do?  It is as easy as taking a piece of paper out and listing the whys and the why nots in one column and in the second column, list what you can do to boost audiences in regard to these whys and why nots.

For example:

Socializing is a motivator………………………Create social events before and after the program

Cost is a barrier…………………………………….Carry out a cost analysis on your ticketing to figure out better price points

and/or survey and ask people what they are willing to pay for particular programs

and/or develop programs that ease people into a higher cost once they are dedicated

Etc.

I have yet to see a matrix of this sort at any of the arts businesses I have come in contact with.  If you are already doing this type of solution based audience building work, big hurrahs to you!  If not, the beginning of a new year is a great time to get started.

Remember to bring your thinking caps and open minds and allow for a diverse group to weigh in on the issues.  I would also recommend if you have the data for your own arts business, to use these facts and figures as well.

With you being a part of this resolution, I know we can start to head toward a creative-solution-based focus this year and build happy and loyal audiences for the arts!

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder, ADS