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The gulf between for-profit and nonprofit entities is more like a stream — something not widely known by the public — but can be difficult for leadership to navigate.
“I think the differences are very small,” said Katie Hallman, 37, of Cedar Rapids, executive director of Theatre Cedar Rapids. “And I actually think the differences are not about being for-profit or nonprofit, but are perhaps more about size and scale. …
“A nonprofit exists with the legal charge of serving the public or community good. Many for-profits have that exact same tenant,” she noted. “So I think the more interesting differentiator might come from size.”
For instance, a small nonprofit may have more in common with a small for-profit business than it does with a large nonprofit organization.
Hallman helms a nonprofit with a nearly $3.5 million budget, almost 20 full-time staff members and another 20 part-time staff members. “We’re the biggest employer of theater and creative individuals, I would say, in the state,” she said.
So the challenges grow exponentially, putting nonprofits on par with for-profit businesses, not a step beneath them.
“Theatre Cedar Rapids is regarded as a major quality of life enhancer and a vitality enhancer for downtown Cedar Rapids. And so if nonprofits are considered the JV team of businesses, that is simply not accurate,” Hallman said. “We are a major economic generator and energy generator in downtown. We’re a sophisticated, medium-sized business in this city.”
Funding is one of the biggest misconceptions for nonprofits — a topic that will be among the challenges addressed during the Arts and Culture sessions in the Oct .12 and 13 Iowa Ideas free virtual conference.
“I think the real thing that holds us back is (the idea) that contributed revenue is somehow free and easy revenue, and it’s just not true,” Hallman said. “There’s not federal money, there’s not government money, there’s not foundation money or donor money that comes for free. None of it is — it’s all earned. It’s just a different strategy.”
Hallman, a working arts professional for 15 years, will moderate “A hit and a myth: The reality of nonprofits as a business,” from 10:10 to 11:10 a.m. Oct. 12.
Other Arts and Culture topics include shifts in giving; bridging the engagement gap; support for diverse artists; a new era of volunteers and civic engagement; the role of art in successful communities; and the dynamics of an arts and culture board. For details, go to iowaideas.com/topics/arts.
Nurturing, engaging
Most of the arts and culture nonprofits around the state begin engaging audiences in elementary school, either bringing students to venues for concerts, productions and exhibitions, or taking artists into schools and community enrichment programs.
But what happens when students grow older and become involved in sports, extracurricular activities, studies and jobs in high school and college? How do arts organizations bring them back into the fold as young adults?
The Englert Theatre in Iowa City is ramping up its efforts to nurture and retain interest in the arts, said Keegan Colletta Huckfeldt, 33, of Coralville, the Englert’s senior production manager.
The foundation for his career began in fourth grade and snowballed as he appeared in Equity theater productions in his native Missouri throughout his school years.
“That’s where I gained my passion for small-town theater and the idea that art should exist everywhere and everybody should have access to it — not just for patrons seeing art, but for artists living in those communities or near those communities to make art, as well,” he said.
That’s why he’s so excited to see arts engagement blooming at the Englert. The theater is taking what he called a “three-pronged approach” to filling in the engagement gaps: working with the schools to bring artists into classrooms and to the sites bolstering underserved populations; partnering with the University of Iowa to bring in experts to facilitate community conversations with adults about topics of interest; and establishing internships to show young people the variety of jobs in arts and culture.
It’s a matter of self-preservation.
“The world has gone through so many challenges,” he said, especially through the pandemic. “We need to make sure that we are providing access to the tools that the arts bring — the ability to critically think about issues going on in the world. For their own mental well-being, I think it’s important for the arts to continue to exist.”
Arts and Culture track
A hit and a myth: The reality of nonprofits as a business: 10:10 a.m. Oct. 12.
How do you profit from being a nonprofit? A look at how the operations and financial structure of an arts and culture organization are evolving to meet current needs. How are nonprofit leaders building a business model that adheres to staffing, funding sources and strategic goals?
Shifts in giving: 11:15 a.m. Oct. 12
Over the years, generational and corporate wealth have taken a dramatic turn, bringing to light the politics of fundraising. While change in giving across industries is certain, the assumption that arts and culture entities are safe is dangerous. Who leads giving in Iowa and how can individual, state and corporate advocates keep support of the arts top of mind?
Bridging the engagement gap: 1:20 p.m. Oct. 12
Exposure to the arts may run plentiful for young children and older adults, but what about time in between? This session will explore ways to strengthen a young person’s journey in the arts cycle and focus on opportunities after college that could engage a lifelong artist, administrator or patron.
Support for diverse artists: 2:25 p.m. Oct. 12
What do individuals with diverse backgrounds need to reach their full artistic potential? How have successful artists overcome obstacles when conditions for support are challenged? How are local communities fostering a sense of belonging for everyone who wants to participate?
A new era of volunteers and civic engagement. Who will step up? 8:30 a.m. Oct. 13
The need for volunteers has not decreased, but the number of people willing to give their time and talents has. From arts to civic service, what’s behind the waning interest in volunteerism? What has incentivized people to volunteer in the past, and how has that changed?
The role of art in successful communities: 9:40 a.m. Oct. 13
Public art is often a key ingredient when identifying and promoting the elements of a strong community. How does art address the origin of a community story? This session will look at artistic collaborations among neighborhoods and explore how communities include representatives of the arts when it comes to strategic planning and promotion.
The dynamics of an arts and culture board: 10:45 a.m. Oct. 13
Who historically has led arts and culture advocacy at a board level? What does it look like today? Board members need the mission and guiding principles to drive the work, but expectations of a board member have changed over time. Are we meeting the needs of the organizations who rely on board members to help achieve their strategic goals? This session will look at current and future conditions of engaging board members and providing tools needed to support their organizations.
Arts and Culture track schedule: iowaideas.com/topics/arts
Comments: (319) 368-8508; diana.nollen@thegazette.com
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