“Many dramatic buildings have contributed to the success of the institutions they house,” writes Victoria Newhouse in the June issue of Architectural Record. “But now a beautiful building is no longer enough: innovative programming geared to our evolving societies has become crucial…. The National Endowment for the Arts recently revealed that 73 percent of Americans who visit art museums are doing so first and foremost to meet a friend or family member…. Performance venues face a similar issue: programming that will attract younger audiences is more critical to long-term success than a striking new building…. Financial support for ongoing operations goes hand-in-hand with programming…. The League of American Orchestras reports that attendance at performances of classical music, which declined from 2000 to 2014, is now on an upswing in both the U.S. and Europe. Ideas about programming must be reconceived to retain these new audiences…. Between 1998 and 2004, $24 billion was spent in the U.S. on the construction of cultural buildings, many of whose futures became uncertain because of crippling operating deficits…. The Frank Gehry–designed New World Symphony Concert Hall in Miami Beach presents an alternate picture. Many concerts at the 765-seat venue are briefer than the norm, are scheduled at off hours, and include visual projections…. The hall’s finances are healthy…. Inventive architecture, vigorous and creative programming, and money to keep the lights on are all needed to ensure a favorable outcome.”
Posted June 15, 2018
