Ideas & Insights

  • Study: how marketers are tailoring their plans in response to the economy

    A recent survey on ‘Marketing and the Economy’ by MarketingSherpa polled marketers about how they expect to tailor their marketing tactics in the face of a struggling economy.   While those polled were not arts-specific, it offers an interesting insight into the mindset of those in the marketing world.  

    This chart from September 2008 offers an at-a-glance look at their projected digital tactics. Unsurprisingly, organizations are more likely to cut back on the tactics that require more of a financial outlay, such as print advertising or direct mail, while the lower-cost tactics with proven ROI such as emailing to existing patrons and social network marketing are seeing increased investment.

    Posted on November 26th, 2008 at 4:53 AM

  • Looking to the arts for innovation - and inspiration

    “In the times we are living in, the arts matter more than ever.”    

    This quote from Alan Davey, chief executive of Art Council England in the Independent, sums up what most of us believe – and indeed what has inspired us to work in this very industry – that the arts are an essential part of the fabric of civil society, challenging and entertaining in equal measure.  

    Davey argues that the arts must continue to be bold and courageous in the face of potential financial hardship, maintaining standards of aspiration and ambition to engage audiences and funders alike.        

    “As JFK said of Robert Frost: ‘… because he knew the midnight as well as the high noon, because he understood the ordeal as well as the triumph of the human spirit, he gave his age strength with which to overcome despair’. That describes the role of the arts in the times we are in.”   

    Posted on November 24th, 2008 at 3:42 PM

  • It's Not Just Politics As Usual

    Today is the last day before what has been the most intense presidential campaign in history is finally over. Throughout, one element I’ve been energized by has been watching the growing sophistication of the political campaign process as technology becomes increasingly integral to it. And whether it’s a political campaign or an arts organization, I’m always excited to see smart technology and good design elevate and improve the ways things are done.

    Posted on November 3rd, 2008 at 5:35 PM