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November 29, 2018
Think Opera’s Not for You? Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Says Think Again
How can performing arts groups use market research to develop programs that appeal to new audiences? A just-released study and video from The Wallace Foundation’s Building Audiences for Sustainability initiative show how the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis used market research to understand and reach new audiences—with lessons that orchestras can apply.
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May 31, 2016
Converting Family into Fans: How the Contemporary Jewish Museum Expanded its Reach
"The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco moves to a larger space and secures a nine-fold increase in family visitors of all backgrounds." - Author(s): Bob Harlow and Cindy Cox Roman
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March 16, 2021
Leaders of Thriving Arts Groups of Color Identify Keys to Success
In March 2021, SMU DataArts in partnership with The Wallace Foundation issued The Alchemy of High-Performing Arts Organizations, Part II: A Spotlight on Organizations of Color, a new report that explores how leaders of arts organizations of color view the reasons for their success, along with challenges they face.
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June 8, 2021
Conference 2021: Making Connections: Leveraging Symphonic Strengths in a Pandemic-Impacted Nation
The pandemic has created major shifts in how people engage with orchestras and make attendance decisions for years to come. From implementing new safety measures onsite to exploring new methods of engaging with audiences online, nearly every aspect of orchestral operations has been impacted by the coronavirus. But one thing has stayed the same: connection—to our audiences, to our communities, and to one another—is critical.
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October 31, 2017
Understanding Audiences, Building Connections: How the Seattle Symphony Uses Market Research
Downtown Seattle is changing rapidly, with new residents, new buildings, and new affluence. To connect with the newcomers, the Seattle Symphony launched a wide-ranging audience-research program, with support from The Wallace Foundation’s Building Audiences for Sustainability Initiative.
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October 18, 2022
Post-Pandemic Engagement: How to Reach Out to NextGen in the Digital Age
Webinar recording; registration required.
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March 31, 2015
Extending Reach with Technology: Seattle Opera’s Multipronged Experiment to Deepen Relationships and Reach New Audiences
"To engage audiences, the Seattle Opera used technology including simulcasts, interactive lobby displays and behind-the-scenes videos." - Author: Bob Harlow
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September 5, 2019
Discovering What It Takes to Attract—and Keep—Young Audiences
How does a performing arts group draw younger audiences and build loyalty? A case study in the September 2019 issue of American Theatre magazine reports how Portland Center Stage in Oregon used support from The Wallace Foundation to experiment with its marketing and engagement programs for new theatergoers—and gained insights that are relevant to orchestras seeking to strengthen their own audience-building efforts.
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June 30, 2015
Taking Out the Guesswork: A Guide to Using Research to Build Arts Audiences
Market research expert Bob Harlow shows how arts organizations can use qualitative and quantitative research to attract and retain new audiences.
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November 30, 2011
Cultivating the Next Generation of Art Lovers: How Boston Lyric Opera Sought to Create Greater Opportunities for Families to Attend Opera
"Learn about the Boston Lyric Opera’s efforts to increase opportunities for families to attend opera performances with the goal of engaging future audiences." - Author(s): Bob Harlow, Thomas Alfieri, Aaron Dalton and Anne Field