Art Trends

October 14, 2004 Community Breakfast Comments

What trends will affect the way you do business in 5 years?

Economy	Increased competition for public support, for local funding for the arts. Limited private foundation support (virtually nonexistent operating support). How to compete for support among larger organizations who must be more aggressive? Huge shift from altruistic funding to self-centered giving (targeted and restricted). Increased competition for entertainment and away from "in-person" performances. Decline in traditional arts. More competition in arts/delivery that challenges small shop/organizations. Delayed decision-making for support and participation. Challenge of resiliency. Growing development. Large number of capital projects. More accountability: shareholders, employees, regulators, customers. More consumerism: healthcare, pensions, workforce development. Greater competition for funding, customers, time. Buying trends have changed: More short-term purchases; we live in a "throw-away" society, learning to work with that idea. Grant searching, applications, where & how to apply; where to find money to fund the performing arts? Prints vs. originals; awareness and marketing; adapting to the market. Co-op advertising very successful. The lack of funding for special music programs in the schools has curtailed that branch of my work, along with fewer, lower grants; now most of my performing is meetings, conventions, etc. Lifestyle issues. "Cool" role. Financial survival of independent artists. As a retailer of fine handcrafts and art and as an artist too, our biggest challenge the last several years has been the changes in our economy and the loss of support for art. Downswing of tourists/visitors Not as much interest in culture or history, especially art and music. Attracting art students to area for voice and art classes. Lack of galleries, lack of exhibit space in area, need a space for regional art showcase. Lack of art consciousness. Fragmented art groups with no "hub" to coordinate.
Government	Arts participants need further education in marketing, media reproduction, and techniques they didn't learn in four years of college. Shrinking state support, learning to use existing resources in different ways internally.
Technology	Blending traditional with highly technical in the visual and musical arts in rapidly evolving mediums. Competition of technology.
Demographics	"Bowling Alone"-what are arts consumers looking for? Young People. What do you lose when you lose the 20s & 30s-the pattern of moving away and back may be a net loss in some areas. Harder to identify and engage good volunteers to help on Boards, other functions. Competition for time, audience, volunteers. Population growth Increasing number of people in area. Generational issues: boomers, x, y, next, omega In Traverse City, grappling with generational demographics, commitment to TC? Keeping young people here-should NMC become four-year school? Short attention spans - new trend. As Traverse City becomes more of a tourist/resort location, how it grows becomes extremely important; natural resources, affordable yet attractive housing, entertainment and education opportunities are all issues that can and should be addressed so that as a unique community and region, our future is well planned and directed.
Global	Partnerships/collaboration. Brain drain. More partnerships and collaborations, but they are messy and often confuse donors! Who to give to? Assessment and accountability Who is the convener and sustainer-we are factionalized and very separate in the arts and education for many reasons, but it works against us. Difficulty in keeping public aware of art programs (not just special events) Crooked Tree Art Center model for successful community art center
Education	Greater need for ongoing education; moving away from degree programs to certificates, endorsements. Need for community facility flexibility to be ready for change in education or entrepreneurial/traditional blend.

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