Author: Baker, Ramona

Publication Year: 2005

Media Type: Report

Summary:

Most corporate executives changed careers for heartfelt reasons—to give back to their community, to support something they believed in, and to make a difference in an arts organization or in their own lives. Many found their new work more challenging than expected, especially reporting to a board and fundraising. Most consider their transition successful. Leadership change is always challenging, especially when a new leader comes from outside the arts or nonprofit sector. This Monograph examines such issues and suggests how these changes may benefit both the arts and business communities.

Abstract:

Leadership change is always challenging, especially when a new leader comes from outside the arts or nonprofit sector. This Monograph examines such issues and suggests how these changes may benefit both the arts and business communities. In response to a surprising shift of cultural leadership between the business and nonprofit arts worlds, the author interviewed 82 people to discover answers to the following questions: Why are baby boomers leaving business-world benefits to enter the nonprofit arts? What did they expect and were they happy with their decision?; and What are the predicted outcomes of these leadership changes in the arts community?[p>

Americans for the Arts’ Monograph series featured in-depth issue papers on topics that were of the greatest interest to our members and arts professionals at the time. They often still serve as excellent resources for best practices and historic reference for today’s issues. Monographs were produced from 1993–2010. Monographs from 2001-2010 are available for downloadable in PDF format our online store at a nominal fee for nonmembers but free to members. All monographs from 1993-2000 are available for free download via the National Arts Administration and Policy Publications Database.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Private Sector, Leadership