I am so glad to report that there is a group of people that are seeing the opportunities during our Corona Virus times. I know how tough it is to be shut down from performing in our normal halls and other performance spaces. I feel for the artists that have already had festivals canceled.

Yet, take heart. There are many opportunities during this time of more time. Instead of the working on producing for a performance or festival, there is space for all that back burner work you have been putting off. Unfortunately, what has been on the back burner for many of us are programs spent outreaching to your audiences, fans, supporters, etc. We do as much as we can during the busy season, but we mostly are missing out on connecting with our people.

Also, there is now time to evaluate the past before we return to the present. We have been given a respite. A time to meditate, chill, and ponder about what works and what doesn’t work. It is a blessing to finally have the down time to do this important work.

What should continue is fundraising and any audience development efforts you had planned that are all about building relationships with your people and your community.

What I am loving right now are the arts organizations that are helping their communities. For example: Ballet Company Costume Departments Jump Into Action, Sewing Masks for Coronavirus Aid,

Or how about the benefits of art during the stress and the creation of programs for people: STRESSED OUT? ART CAN HELP US GET THROUGH THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC,

I hope to see more efforts of us helping the communities we live in using our art.

The main point is, there are many opportunities to grow and learn, to become better at running our organizations, to connect more with people, and to matter in our communities.

Here are a list of opportunities for you:

• Evaluate – As mentioned before, find out what is working and what is not. Develop better programs if needed so when you are fully open again, you will be better than ever.
• Program Online – If you can offer online programs for your patrons, it’s a perfect time to offer a little fun during these stressful times.
• Develop performances for the community – Yes, right now, there may be opportunities to have performances in your communities. I have seen musicians give concerts on their porches. Or, why not have a block party concert where the block can enjoy from their porches? Perhaps you can host a social distancing concert in the park (limited numbers). There might be other possibilities out there.
• Create for community solutions – As in the example of the ballet world making masks, what other opportunities are there for the arts to matter to our communities? What about special messages to the people in the hospitals to cheer them up? How about music for the doctors and nurses working endless shifts? You could send them art too. Think about how the arts can benefit the community and work out a program that gives back.
• Fundraise – It can be a time for fundraising. Not everyone is being hit financially like we are. There are people out there that still have the means, and giving them the opportunity to give will boost their spirits too.
• Audience Development outreach – create your list of donors, audience members, volunteers, etc., and call them to see how they are doing. Do they need anything? Become care agents for your people. Listen and learn from them. This is valuable time to get to know them personally.

In the next few posts, I would like to highlight some of the best examples I am seeing of artists and organizations choosing these opportunities.

So, don’t shut down. Don’t lose hope. Choose opportunity instead!

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder, Audience Development Specialists

I want to help you! For only $25 (1 hour session), I am here to schedule Zoom calls to talk about your Covid-19 Audience Development Plans. Please use my contact page if you are interested. I hope to hear from you soon!