Creative news and views for May 8, 2012

Using collaboration and shared learning to help performing arts companies

Build Capacity Build Audiences Build Spaces

More on crowd fundraising and why online donors are so special

My crowd sourcing post generated a flurry of comment and interest. And for good reason, according to this fascinating piece from NetWitsThinkTank. It says that while the majority of giving still comes from offline channels, online fundraising is becoming increasingly important for acquiring new donors. In fact, it’s the dominant giving channel for new donors 64 years old and younger, and an increasingly common way for new donors to give their first gift.

We’re testing this out right now in Toronto, by way of the Fringe’s charming and cheeky Lots of Little (LOL) Campaign. If you haven’t seen the Fringers’ penny packing video, watch it now. This campaign combines a creative and compelling ask, with a tight timeline and a matching incentive: TD Bank is matching up to $20,000 in donations to the Fringe Creation Lab until July 15th.

(Excuse me; I was just upstairs, making my donation. I want to see this one exceed its goal!)

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Get Green

David Mirvish just unveiled an all-LED lit marquee at the newly-named Ed Mirvish Theatre. Like his colleagues at Broadway Green Alliance, he’s projecting a 90% reduction in energy use from replacing the old incandescent bulbs. Green and smart…

Measuring What Counts

What really happens when a young person experiences music, theatre or dance? Is it possible to understand and explain the transformative power the arts can have on people’s lives? Can we measure joy?

These questions will be tackled during our final PAEO workshop, Measuring What Counts, May 29th, 9:30 – 1:00 at CSI Spadina. (register by emailing paonearts@gmail.com). Like the previous workshops, this one will be firmly aimed towards collaborative action and problem solving.

We all know that the numbers – how many schools, how many students, how many workshops – don’t tell the story. But we also understand that we need to go beyond anecdotes and case studies to convince the unconvinced and, ideally, free up new resources and support. Read more

Get Smart: Financial Management and Technology Workshops

Canadian Dance Assembly has a day of terrific workshops coming up:

Financial Management: Building a Strong Bottom Line
Date: May 17, 2012
Time: Noon – 2:30 pm
Technological Innovation: On and Off the Stage
Date: May 17, 2012
Time: 3 pm – 5:30 pm

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