Odyssey Associates: Consulting for the Arts and Culture Sector

Odyssey Associates is pleased to announce that Principal Josh Borenstein will be the next theater management program chair at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University! Starting July 1, Josh will be advising a smaller roster of clients so that he can devote his attention to this new role.

Starting Monday, Odyssey Associates will be closed for the holidays, reopening on January 2. Whatever you celebrate and however you celebrate, may you have a peaceful and joyous holiday season. Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash

"Going to an arts event or taking part in a cultural activity, even only occasionally such as every few months, confers an array of 'significant' benefits that can include alleviating pain, frailty, depression and dependence on medication, the government-commissioned review has found." #arts #culture #nonprofit #management #strategy #theatre #museums https://lnkd.in/dTS-Jt3N

"Be careful not to sound egocentric: Talk about the larger community and world, and show you understand your organization’s place in it." Great advice from The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Also, remember that not everyone is in a state of despair or elation about the election. Our communities are divided about the incoming Trump administration. #nonprofit #strategy #fundraising #arts #theatre #museums https://lnkd.in/gWw6uHC5

These points about the importance tax-deductible contributions are spot on. If all taxpayers, not just those who itemized deductions, could separately deduct their charitable contributions, it would be a great help to all non-profits, including in the arts and culture sector. #arts #culture #theatre #museum #fundraising #nonprofit https://ow.ly/eU7B50UlBtc

In our work with historic preservation organizations, we have seen the importance of maintaining physical structures to tell the stories of those who have come before us. The concept of "intangible heritage" is an extension of that thinking, leading to a greater understanding of our predecessors (and ourselves). #arts #museum #preservation #nonprofit #strategy #fundraising https://lnkd.in/g9_uxcUW

"I will see organizations apply to grants so much more than they do other things because the grant portal is on a website which is way less scary than reaching out to an individual person who might say no. I want to recommend that people really spend some time figuring out what alignment looks like inside of them and what alignment looks like for their organization. I talk about that a lot in the book — how you identify the assets of your organization and you understand a little bit more about what different types of funders you’re looking for — and then you really match that up." #arts #fundraising #theatre #museum #nonprofit #strategy https://ow.ly/b6K150UknRL

Of course, it was an arts organization that came up with a creative solution to address cash flow uncertainties. Given the fluctuations in both funding and expenses since COVID, creating reserves in partnership with donors can help organizations through tough times. #arts #fundraising #strategy #theatre #museum #nonprofit https://ow.ly/XyJI50UboER

The NEA has published a framework on "trend busters" that are increasing their attendance despite national declines, with Ballet Austin and Detroit Symphony Orchestra as two examples. While times are difficult, arts organizations can increase their participation if they are willing to rethink how they engage their communities. #arts #fundraising #strategy #theatre #museum #nonprofit https://ow.ly/9hPC50UcHYV

Today is #GivingTuesday! Don't forget your favorite arts and cultural organizations in your giving. Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash