Events 2009
Kennedy Center President Shares Rules for Success in Cultural Activities
Michael M. Kaiser presents “universal rules” which can help cultural organizations survive the financial crisis
February 18, 2009
Michael M. Kaiser, President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, led a master class for managers of leading theaters, orchestras, cinemas and galleries from all parts of the Czech Republic at the American Center on February 12.
The U.S. Embassy sponsored this follow-up to his popular April 2008 seminar.
Kaiser presented his “universal rules” about institutional identity and fundraising, and how these rules can make the difference between success and failure for cultural projects and organizations.
Audience members gave Kaiser a warm reception, shared their own experiences, and acknowledged that applying these rules could help many cultural organizations survive the current financial crisis.
Michael M. Kaiser
Michael M. Kaiser, President of the John F. Kennedy Center, is responsible for the artistic programming and financial health of the organization. Under Mr. Kaiser, the nation's center for the performing arts has increased its broad educational efforts and established cross-disciplinary programming with opera, theater, symphony, and dance.
Mr. Kaiser is also a Cultural Ambassador for the State Department's CultureConnect program. He advises performing arts organizations around the world on building institutional strength through marketing, strategic planning and fundraising, and is currently working with Mexico, Pakistan and China.
Mr. Kaiser previously served as the Executive Director of the Royal Opera House, the largest performing arts organization in the United Kingdom. During his tenure with the Royal Opera House, that organization erased its historic accumulated deficit, completed a £214 million redevelopment of the facility, created an endowment fund, and greatly increased its level of support from the private and public sectors.
Prior to joining the Royal Opera House, Mr. Kaiser was Executive Director of American Ballet Theatre. Mr. Kaiser has also served as Executive Director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Foundation, the world's largest modern dance organization. He has been President of the Kennedy Center for over five years.
The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America’s living memorial to President John F. Kennedy as well as the United States’ busiest arts facility, presenting more than 2,000 performances each year in 9 theaters. Touring Kennedy Center productions and its television, radio, and Internet broadcasts reach millions around the world.
As part of the Kennedy Center’s Performing Arts for Everyone outreach program, hundreds of free performances are offered each year featuring international, national and local artists; these include early-evening concerts on the Millennium Stage, dozens of performances during the annual Open House Arts Festival, and daily concerts of seasonal music in December as part of Holidays at the Kennedy Center.
Since 1999, the Millennium Stage performances have been broadcast live over the Internet and digitally archived on the Kennedy Center’s website at www.kennedy-center.org.
Related links:
-
Strategic Planning in the Arts: A Practical Guide by Michael M. Kaiser (PDF, 1,56 MG)
