Arts and Culture Strategy from Coursera

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Syllabus

Arts and Culture - Value Then, Value Now, Value Tomorrow

We welcome you to this five-unit course with a brief history of the world relative to arts and culture and where we are now. What is the substance of value (objective/subjective) – to whom, for what? What are the essential and timeless issues facing us? How do we connect and interlock mission and value to be supportive, contingent and flexible?

Form Follows Function: Organizational Structures Aligned to Purpose

How do we deliver on value? This week explores form and function of organizations. By the end of the unit, you will clearly understand organization structures – historic and behavioral biases that keep us from changing current structures, frameworks and logic that build better structures. And you will better understand risk - how best to identify and manage it.

Who Are We For?

To answer this question we need to understand and evaluate the critical features of our external environment. This will give us context to identify the unique values organizations can bring to communities that build support and allow for stronger collaborations. We will be better able to balance artistic and economic choices, and create differentiation and positioning that attract, serve and keep participants and customers.

Where Do We Stand? Making Choices

A tension exists between artistic/mission and economics. As much as we’d like to try, we can’t be everything to everyone. We must find alignment and balance. How do you recognize and systematically respond to changes in your community? In this unit we’ll explore advancing your mission through a sharp focus on customers and markets; how best to understand the needs and interests of stakeholders; how to identify the best target-customer segments for your organization/project; and how to attract and retain those customers.

Building Support & Finding Legitimacy

Who determines value and how do you influence that determination? In this unit, we look at meaningful measures and meaningful communication. How do you test value? How do you make timely decisions? How do you communicate to the vast variety of stakeholders who support your organization or will support your organization?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides value to leaders with varying levels of experience in managing cultural and artistic institutions

Examines the historic evolution of arts and cultural organizations and how value has shifted over time, providing context for decision-making in the present

Emphasizes the importance of understanding the external environment and its impact on arts and cultural organizations

Guides leaders in making meaningful decisions by exploring stakeholder interests and customer needs

Helps leaders build support and legitimacy, ensuring long-term sustainability

Reviews summary

Arts and culture: a strategic approach

learners say this is a well organized course with qualified instructors. learners appreciate the useful materials that are provided, but some express disapproval with the self-grading

Course materials are helpful

"Very usefull material for life"

Instructors are knowledgeable

"Both of the PHD teachers were very exact and qualified for the specific subject"

Self-grading is not helpful

"i didn t like the way we had to grade ourselves as, as learners we are not qualified in that level"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Arts and Culture Strategy with these activities:

Volunteer for an arts organization

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Gain hands-on experience in the arts field by volunteering your time.

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Find an arts organization to volunteer for
Apply for a volunteer position
Volunteer your time and learn from experienced arts professionals

Read "Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations: A Practical Guide for Leaders and Boards"

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This book will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to create a strategic plan for your arts organization.

View Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit... on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes
Answer discussion questions

Review mission and value in the arts

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Review previous course materials on mission and value as these are essential concepts in the arts.

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Read assigned materials
Review notes and any past assignments
Watch video lectures

Five other activities

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Start a blog or website

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Start a blog or website to share your thoughts on the arts and connect with others.

Browse courses on Blogging

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Choose a topic for your blog or website
Create a blog or website
Write and publish your first post

Join a discussion group

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Join a discussion group to connect with other arts leaders and share ideas and best practices.

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Find a discussion group that is relevant to your interests
Introduce yourself to the group and share your experience
Participate in discussions and share your thoughts and ideas

Attend arts events and meetups

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Connect with other arts professionals and learn about new trends in the field.

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Find arts events and meetups in your area
Attend events and meet new people
Exchange contact information and follow up

Mentor an emerging arts leader

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Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring an emerging arts leader.

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Find a mentee who is interested in your area of expertise
Meet with your mentee regularly to provide guidance and support
Share your knowledge and experience with your mentee

Write a case study

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Write a case study on a successful arts organization that you admire.

Browse courses on Case study

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Choose an arts organization to write about
Research the organization's history, mission, and programs
Interview key staff members
Write a case study that highlights the organization's success

Career center

Learners who complete Arts and Culture Strategy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Arts Administrator

Arts Administrators plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of public or private nonprofit arts organizations, such as museums, theaters, dance companies, and music groups. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Arts Administrators to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and lead arts organizations, including strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and audience development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arts Administrator

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations, including arts and cultural institutions. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Nonprofit Managers to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and lead nonprofit organizations, including budgeting, human resources, and strategic planning.

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Curator

Curators plan and stage art exhibitions for museums, galleries, or other institutions. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Curators to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and curate art collections, including exhibition design, collection management, and public outreach.

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Development Officer

Development Officers raise funds for nonprofit organizations, such as arts and cultural institutions. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Development Officers to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively solicit and manage donations, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and campaign management.

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Executive Director

Executive Directors provide overall leadership and management for nonprofit organizations, including arts and cultural institutions. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Executive Directors to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage arts organizations, including strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and audience development.

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Performing Arts Manager

Performing Arts Managers plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of performing arts organizations, such as theaters, dance companies, and music groups. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Performing Arts Managers to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and lead arts organizations, including strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and audience development.

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Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs for museums and other cultural institutions. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Museum Educators to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively engage and educate audiences, including curriculum development, lesson planning, and public speaking.

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Program Manager

Program Managers plan, develop, and implement programs for nonprofit organizations, including arts and cultural institutions. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Program Managers to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and implement arts and cultural programs, including curriculum development, program evaluation, and public outreach.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers develop and implement public relations campaigns for organizations, including arts and cultural institutions. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Public Relations Managers to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and implement public relations campaigns, including media relations, social media marketing, and community outreach.

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Social Impact Analyst

Social Impact Analysts measure and evaluate the impact of social programs, including arts and cultural programs. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Social Impact Analysts to develop an understanding of the role of arts and culture in society, as well as the research methods that can be used to measure and evaluate the impact of arts and cultural activities.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologists study the behavior, beliefs, and languages of human societies, past and present. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Cultural Anthropologists to develop an understanding of how culture influences the development and implementation of arts and cultural programs.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues, including arts and culture policy. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Policy Analysts to develop an understanding of the role of arts and culture in society, as well as the policy levers that can be used to support and promote arts and cultural activities.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including arts and culture. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Teachers to develop an understanding of the role of arts and culture in education, as well as the teaching methods that can be used to engage and educate students in arts and cultural subjects.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics, including arts and culture. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Researchers to develop an understanding of the role of arts and culture in society, as well as the research methods that can be used to study arts and cultural activities.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including articles, books, and scripts. An Arts and Culture Strategy course may be useful to Writers to develop an understanding of the role of arts and culture in society, as well as the writing skills that can be used to effectively communicate about arts and cultural topics.

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