296: Why Nonprofit Arts Organizations Must Focus on Impact with with Alan Harrison

In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri welcomes Alan Harrison, a seasoned nonprofit arts professional and author, to discuss the critical need for nonprofit arts organizations to focus on creating measurable impact in their communities. Alan emphasizes that arts organizations must go beyond just producing art and work towards making a tangible, positive difference in society. He shares powerful examples of organizations like the Louisville Orchestra and Out of Hand Theater that have successfully pivoted to impactful missions. Alan also touches on the challenges and misconceptions faced by arts organizations regarding fundraising and board responsibilities, offering valuable insights into effective nonprofit leadership. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation aimed at reshaping how nonprofit arts organizations operate and achieve their missions. Episode Highlights The Importance of Impact on Nonprofit Arts Organizations Challenges Facing Arts Organizations Today Successful Examples of Impactful Arts Organizations The Role of Boards in Nonprofit Arts Organizations Reimagining Board Responsibilities and Meetings Meet the Guest A weekly columnist for ArtsJournal.com, Alan Harrison is a writer, father, performer, executive, board member, consultant, recovering artist, and the author of the industry best-sellers "Scene Change: Why Today's Nonprofit Arts Organizations Have to Stop Producing Art and Start Producing Impact" and "Scene Change 2: The Five REAL Responsibilities of Nonprofit Arts Boards." For 30 years, he led, produced, directed, promoted, raised money for, starred and failed in over 300 theatrical productions on and Off-Broadway and at prestigious (and not so prestigious) nonprofit arts organizations across the country. He's also a two-time "Jeopardy!" champion so, you know, there's that. After a lifetime in the sector, he discovered that the arts may invoke passion (mostly from artists), but nonprofit arts organizations can only be successful when they result in measurably positive change among those that need it most. When a nonprofit's donors are also its recipients, then its mission devolves into meaningless puffery, flapdoodle, and codswallop. Alan is a Fellow with the Royal Society of Arts. Connect with Alan: Website: https://501c3.guru ArtsJournal: https://www.artsjournal.com/scenechange/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanharrisonseattle/ Review for SCENE CHANGE: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/alan-harrison/scene-change/ Review for SCENE CHANGE 2: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/alan-harrison/scene-change-2-the-five-real-responsibilities-of-nonprofit-arts-boards/ Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn. Connect with Sarah: On LinkedIn>> On Facebook>> Subscribe on YouTube>>