Presenting Performing Arts & Festivals
Units: 6
Presenters are cultural entities that facilitate exchange between audiences and artists through performance opportunities and educational experiences. Festivals are key components of this industry, offering unique operational opportunities and demanding specific challenges within the field of arts management. This course will cover the fundamental aspects of the performing arts presenting and festival industry in the U.S and abroad. By the end of the course, students will understand the fundamental aspects of the presenting and festival industry, including but not limited to booking/programming a season, artist management, visa/taxes and international presenting, contracts and negotiation, cultural exchange and diplomacy, labor relations, accessibility and inclusion in programming, industry resources and other topics unique to the arts presenting ecosystem.
By the end of this class, students will be able to:
- Describe the presenting field within the arts management ecosystem
- Articulate the organizational challenges and opportunities specific to the presenting and festival industries
- Evaluate and understand the importance of environmental context in all decisions
- Curate a diverse and balanced performance season or festival that accounts for ideologic and logistic factors
- Effectively communicate the vision, intent and value of programming choices
- Develop show budgets and understand the variables that impact revenue and expenses
- Create offer memos and negotiate performance agreements
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