This course explores the mission, organization and financing of diverse cultural organizations, including free-standing nonprofit museums, performing arts organizations, and libraries. In doing so, it examines the role of governmental cultural policy and financial support along with that of the private sector. The importance and impact of earned income, special events, and marketing is addressed, as well as the influence of service and advocacy organizations. Attention is paid to the effectiveness of cultural institutions in fostering creativity in talented individuals, educating the general public, and reflecting diversity and change. Sessions focus on topics of importance to cultural nonprofit organizations.
Classes involve a combination of lectures and discussion among participants and instructors.
Special guests are invited to make presentations based on their area of expertise. A term paper is required and constitutes the basis for the course grade. Students are required to select a real or hypothetical nonprofit cultural organization as the subject of the term paper. The paper focuses on the issues which confront such an organization and how to address them successfully in the context of the present and immediate future. The experience can provide a general overview of a given museum operation, or when the student's interests may be better served by specialized museological training, areas of concentration can be pursued.