Episode #296: Why Nonprofit Arts Organizations Must Focus on Impact 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.

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
Books: bookshop.org
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49aomzo

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/
Review for SCENE CHANGE 3: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/alan-harrison/scene-change-3/