Imagining a New Future for the Arts: Relevance and Resurgence

Let’s face it:  we all may have to imagine a new future for our work.  In the face of general societal disruption and economic uncertainty, how can the arts reach out to audiences and donors and engage them in such a way that they see how vital we are to the future of our communities?  What will it take for us to have a marketing, audience development and philanthropic resurgence?  How can we do it?

Kay Sprinkel Grace, whose work and board service are currently focused on the importance of imagining  new models for organizational renewal and greater stability, will open our Arts Reach San Francisco Conference in July with a challenge to us to use our crisis as an opportunity to construct a more dynamic future through collaborative projects, innovative outreach, distinctive programming and messages that convey the substantial impact and purpose of arts in our society.  Kay’s workshop, “Reimagining Our Model,” will provide a hands-on opportunity to do some planning for the future.

Workshop: Reimagining Our Work

Politics, Funding and Technology: A Roadmap Through Epochal Change

Change is a given. Systemic collapse is change on a whole different level. The systems, structures and institutions that have supported the making and consumption of culture and that we have all depended on for generations are undergoing historic attack and wrenching transformation. The digital revolution of 20 years ago taught us that those who insist on fighting the battles of the past get crushed in the maw of new technologies driving new systems and rules that we all ultimately have to play by.

How do we survive and adapt to precarious political turmoil, collapse of funding infrastructure, and rising costs that are making sustainability ever more difficult? Artificial intelligence, potentially a game-changer for how arts institutions are run, how art is made, and how we connect with audiences, is certainly part of the answer. This session will give an overview of where technology (particularly AI) is right now from artistic, business, and policy perspectives. We’ll look at how you can capitalize on a technology landscape that is rapidly evolving from platform-based social media into something quite new. And we’ll outline strategies for determining how technologies like AI can work best for your organization.

Igniting Donors’ Passions at Small to Mid-Size Organizations

Beyond the Scroll: Use Boosted Posts, Dark Social, and Paid Sponsorships for Exponential Advantage

The State of DEI Initiatives

The 1% You Should Love: The Nonprofit Superpower of Marginal Gains

DIY Web Maintenance and Optimization

Subscriptions Are Evolving. Are You?

With changing demographics, shifts in consumer and social behavior, new technologies, and life in a post-pandemic context, subscription practices are evolving to meet the needs of new audiences.

Hear from our esteemed panel on what they have done to meet the challenge!

Beyond the Noise: Three Pillars That Drive Success

Drowning in a sea of competing priorities? Let’s cut through the clutter and uncover the three key principles that will elevate your organization’s performance. This session will equip you with real-world success stories and data-driven strategies to:

• Cultivate growth: Discover untapped revenue opportunities within your existing audiences.
• Reclaim your time: Automate the mundane and empower your team to focus on what matters most – the human touch.
• Forge deep connections: Build authentic relationships with your audiences that drive engagement and loyalty.

Leave behind the noise and join us as we chart a course toward a more impactful, prosperous, and healthy future for your organization.

Mission Magic: Crafting Transformational Nonprofit Events

Fundraising events: A necessary evil or a golden opportunity? Many nonprofits view these gatherings as unavoidable burdens, but it's time to flip the script! Imagine transforming your next event into a captivating experience that:

• Energizes your supporters
• Strengthens donor relationships
• Ignites passion for your mission
• Leaves your team feeling inspired (not exhausted)

Discover the secrets to crafting events that aren't just tolerable – they're truly transformative. By mastering the art of impactful events, you'll turn what was once a chore into a powerful tool for advancing your cause. Get ready to reimagine fundraising gatherings as mission-centered moments that bring your community together and propel your nonprofit forward.

Participants will learn how to:

• Design experiences that resonate with attendees
• Showcase their mission's impact in compelling ways
• Create meaningful moments of connection
• Streamline logistics for less stress and better results

New Audiences, New Donors, Deeper Connections: The Vital Role of Education Programs

How do we reach new audiences? How do we ensure our sustainability? How do we become a pillar in our local community? 

These are just a few of the questions keeping arts leaders up at night. And while ticket sales are stagnant, audience expectations are up, and resources are tightening, there’s one undeniable bright spot: Education. Classes, workshops, and camps present a major opportunity for arts orgs to reach new audiences of all ages, foster community connection, and drive revenue.

Join Natasha Wahid, Head of Marketing at CourseStorm, for an actionable session and discussion all about how to build a thriving education program. Whether you're just getting started with classes or looking to take your program to the next level, you’ll walk away with learnings you can put into practice today based on what we’ve seen work for hundreds of arts orgs across the U.S.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• Why learning programs are the ideal complement to your other offerings
• Tips to build a thriving ed program that feeds your whole organization
• How leverage your education program to drive donations
• Real world examples from other arts organizations you can put into practice today

100% Digital Marketing? No, You’re Not Crazy.

In today’s ever-evolving landscape, reshaped by post-pandemic shifts, organizations are rethinking their marketing playbooks. What if you ditched traditional media entirely and went all in on digital? No, you’re not crazy. Todd Vigil, founder of EleeHub and former Chief Marketing Officer of The Phoenix Symphony, will show you how this bold approach isn’t just possible—it’s profitable.

At The Phoenix Symphony, Todd led the charge as the organization pivoted its entire single-ticket and largest revenue stream marketing budget to digital platforms for three consecutive seasons. The outcome? Historic ticket sales and million-dollar, year-over-year growth.

In this candid, entertaining, and insight-packed talk, Todd shares the real-world lessons from this digital-first transformation. From harnessing the power of data analytics to fostering a culture of experimentation, he’ll reveal how they broke free from the diminishing returns of traditional media—and how you can, too.

Whether you’re in the arts, nonprofit, or any sector looking to challenge the status quo, this session offers a practical roadmap to thrive in a 100% digital marketing world.

Full-Season Media Plans That Work