“A dismal economic climate made it challenging to sustain Columbus’ performing arts programs in the past, but these days the city’s four flagship organizations are thriving,” writes Martha Leonard in last Friday’s (6/30) Columbus Business First (subscription required). “BalletMet, the Columbus Symphony, Opera Columbus and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra have become leaner and more efficient by implementing business based strategies for increasing sales, heightening visibility and providing a quality product…. A first-ever collaboration among BalletMet, the Columbus Symphony and Opera Columbus … in 2014 [was] praised by art critics nationally.… ProMusica Chamber Orchestra came out of the recession in good shape by staying nimble and flexible, [Executive Director Janet Chen] said. Hiring local talent at times, for instance, helped keep costs down during the recession. ProMusica has seen steady gains in ticket sales in the past five years, increasing by 30 percent last year alone…. Essential to financial stability for arts organizations is maintaining a balance between the art and the business. Corporations and individuals are more likely to contribute funds to successful organizations that attract top-tier artists.… Increasing contributed revenue—grants and donations—is a goal of all four organizations.”
Posted July 7, 2017
