The following quote was in the conclusion of a reading assignment for my class on Presenting Live Performances. The article was mostly talking about the decline in arts attendance and participation in the last decade or so, why that might be, and some things she thought should change in order to turn that around. I thought this quote made some very important, thought-provoking, and inspiring points:
A 1965 Rockefeller Brothers Fund report, The Performing Arts: Problems and Prospecls, states "The arts are not for the privileged few, but for the many. Their place is not on the periphery of daily life, but at its center. They should function not merely as another form of entertainment but rather should contribute significantly to our well being and happiness." The US came a long way but didn't fulfill John D. Rockefeller III's vision in the 20'th century. But wouldn't it be great if we-all of us---could do it in the 21't? If we could actually put the arts at the center of daily life? Who in this world couldn't use a little more happiness right now? Look at the countless people whose lives and well being are affected by the declining economy, or by war, or who are simply worn down by the daily grind. The arts have the potential to contribute to anyone 's well being and happiness. Let's not buy into the idea that some people are simply "disinclined" to the arts and so we should not bother with them. And let's not declare mission accomplished just because we get people in the door. Attendance is cheap. We need to hold ourselves accountable for mattering to people, for making life better.
Excerpted from The Excellence Barrier, an address given by Diane E. Ragsdale on July 22, 2009 at the annual conference of the Arts Marketing Association of the UK.
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