There is always a silver lining, even if it needs a microscope to see it. I know it has been a challenge for many arts organizations and artists during this time, yet there are some positives. If we can continue these positives into the future, with or without a virus, this would be a great idea.

1. More Creativity – We have been forced to be creative to pivot (there’s that word again) and provide new formats for our art. Plus, there is a chance to have more fun with your audiences. If you haven’t checked out the Getty Museum Challenge as an example, now’s the time!
2. Finally, we are trying out new technology – It has been many years where I have wished more arts organizations would dive into creating videos and using online technology, such as live streaming. Now, you kinda have to in order to remain present.
3. A global audience is possible – Even for the smaller organizations, your online events can be attended by anyone, anywhere in the world. I recently heard a friend of mine in Longmont, CO “went” to an event in Paris. The sky is the limit for broadening and diversifying your audience.
4. Breaks down barriers – Free offerings or inexpensive events make your art more accessible. Plus, people may stop feeling they have to know something before they attend. They can attend without being seen. Online events break down many of the main barriers of attending an event, including no need to find parking and accessible toilets! 🙂
5. There is time to thank your supporters properly – After a storytelling event, I donated what I could. I received a timely thank you directly from the performer afterward. This is almost unheard of before the virus. A performer thanking us directly? Whaaaat?
6. More engagement directly with the performers – It is quite the joy for audience members to be able to chat with the performers during the event. It forms a more solid connection to your audience members, and builds your relationships with them in live time. I have seen actors and musicians team up, and when they are not in the spotlight, they chat with the audience. That may not happen very often during a live performance unless you have a tweet program planned. 😀
7. The costs for producing online events are low – Without the huge overhead, you can still make some money. I recently hosted a Zoom fundraiser. The cost for some of our gifts to the performers was around $125. This was the only main cost. We made over $43,000 in one night, on Zoom! The past live fundraising event grossed about the same, but the costs were closer to $15,000. It’s all in the math.
8. There is time to breathe, evaluate your programs and data, and reach out to all your supporters – Here’s the recent post about what you could be doing with all this extra time. So, slow down a little, but there is good work that could be done.
9. There is time to be more social and reconnect with your peers. Often, life pulls us in so many directions that we lose touch with people. Now’s the time to catch up.
10. There’s time for self-care to produce more creativity. Get more sleep. Binge a little on Netflix. Take the time for a hike. You have the time to recharge your batteries and get the creative juices really flowing again. Some great ideas will come out of this respite. Guarantee!

How do you think the arts have benefited from this time?

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder, Audience Development Specialists