arts & business council

MetLife Foundation National Arts Forums Series

Greater Hartford Arts Council
Hartford, Connecticut

Leadership: New Frameworks for the Changing Face of America
10/22/2008

Moderator: Moderator: Mike Hydeck, News Anchor, CBS

Panelists:
• Paul Pita, Principal, Pita Communications
• Robert Tierney, Manager, Business Development/Strategic Planning, UTC Power
• Will K. Wilkins, Executive Director, Real Art Ways

On October 22, moderator Mike Hydeck, panelists, and business and arts leaders returned to continue discussion on innovative business methods, arts and business partnerships, and marketing strategies.

When discussing the current economic climate, panelists noted the anticipated shift in business alignments. At this point businesses have an even stronger focus on maintaining clients against their competition. This change has emphasized the need for creative thinkers. Arts organizations should see this as an opportunity to leverage themselves into collaborative partnerships with business by offering their creative input.

Business and arts partnerships are beneficial to both sides. However, arts organizations need to communicate the benefits of the partnerships to hopeful business collaborators, not assume that they already understand. Panelists agreed that the arts need to demonstrate that they have a value proposition and that they operate on a sustainable model. The equation of arts in the workplace equaling employee engagement and retention should be emphasized when approaching businesses for collaborative work.

Arts organizations should also consider collaborating with like minded organizations. For example Hartford Stage Co. made its scene shop available to all theater groups in the region which helped cut costs for participating arts groups.  The Greater Hartford Arts Council developed umbrella support for dance organizations. The creation of a common ticket office for performing arts organizations was suggested as a way for arts organizations to cut costs.

Following this forum steps will be taken to create an “idea swap.” Panelists and participants will come together to look for 20 business leaders and 20 arts organizations from the Greater Hartford area that are interested in collaboration. Bob Smith of the Autorino Center offered his space free of charge for a day-long workshop for the exchange of ideas and thoughts on collaborative efforts.