There were so many ARTicles to comment on, I have decided to do yet another random post.  Let’s get right to it:

1. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra is doing a series of “High Notes” concerts or Bring Your Own Weed.  With the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes, this opened a brand new set of opportunities for my state, and the CSO is going for it! In an attempt to bring in younger and more diverse audiences, it is a bold move for the symphony.  With this bold move, they are receiving national (if not international) coverage.  I will be keeping an eye on this new program since it is in my neck of the woods, but I will say this – having the gumption to do a risky move of this nature will get you noticed!  We shall see if these experimental concerts will grow their audiences (pun intended).
2. One of the articles today was highlighting a volunteer of an arts organization.  I do not see many of these types of articles, which is why I am mentioning it here. Yes, she did win a special award, but you can still highlight your volunteers for everyday reasons.  These articles are a great way to say thank you and appreciate your volunteers while at the same time getting recognition for your organization. It will make you look and feel good too!   I hope to see more of this type of content in the future.
3. Some of us are starting to talk about online arts programming and how this is going to affect our industry.  I have blogged about this in the past. My hope is that people will watch the content online, and as the live performances become more special, people will shift to going to see the live productions.  It is similar to the resurgence of vinyl records and other quality sound productions.  Our market is filled with the digital, but the real deal is still the real deal!
4. Opera Australia will be bringing back Elvis and Marilyn Monroe for their production of Rossini’s The Turk in Italy. A 200-year old opera getting a ’50s face lift?  Pure media and potential audience development gold!
5. Art Museums are becoming production houses in order to gain new audiences.  This is not a brand new idea, but some museums are doing this on a bigger scale now.  The Met Museum Presents is the latest installment.

I could go on, but I will give you the chance to absorb these five random ramblings.  The main idea to all of these new programs – do something different!  Take an idea and make it your own. Allow yourself to take a risk and go big!  We need to get bold in the arts!  The arts are meant to be bold!

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder