Symphony Audience Development:

Analysis of Organizational Culture in the Performing

Arts

July 29, 2009

Erin E. Gore

Structure of PresentationI. Introduction

II.Researcha)Research Strategyb) Research Questions

III. Findings

IV. Conclusion

Goal of Case Study• Discover how the tensions within

a symphony can be harnessed into a positive effect for the organization

• Fill the gap in existing literature

Organizational Culture

•Evolving internal dynamics and behaviors which affect management outcomes within an organization

Inherent Tension•The tension that can manifest while attempting to appeal to a wide range of audiences and maintain artistic quality

Inherent Tension

Existing Research•Established connection between artistic programming and audience development

•Lack of research investigating the connection between symphony organizational culture and artistic programming

Hypothesis•Internal organizational dynamics of a symphony orchestra affect the ultimate product of artistic programming

Research Strategy

•Literature Review

•In-depth Case Study

The Eugene Symphony• Professional Orchestra• $2 Million budget

Main Research Questions• How does a symphony’s

organizational culture and structure affect the artistic programming?

• How can symphonies utilize programming to optimize their audience development efforts and increase organizational stability?

The Artistic Process and Inherent Tension

• A challenge between economic and administrative sides of an organization

• Product of the hierarchical management structure

Symphony Hierarchical Structure

Inherent Tension

“It is not necessarily destructive to have friction and struggle in an organization”Report of the National Task Force for the American Orchestra, p. 75

How does Symphony Organizational Culture affect Artistic Programming?

• The traditional hierarchical symphony structure affects decision-making

• Organizational history and values influence programming

Findings:• Organizational Culture• Inherent Tension• Artistic Programming

Organizational Culture

• Inclusivity within organizational culture increases commitment to artistic output

Inherent Tension

•Communication from both the musicians and management led to a positive organizational culture

Programming• Connection and passion for

classical music aligns organizational goals with artistic programming

“Artistic programming is like putting this huge puzzle together”

Chris Collins, Education and Operations Director, Eugene Symphony

ProgrammingEugene Symphony Programming, 1999-2009

Bach Beethoven Berlioz Brahms Copland Dvorak Mahler Mozart Shastakovich Tchaikovsky0%

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Implications

•Connection between organizational culture and artistic product of all arts organizations

•Need for further research

Conclusion

• Correlations exist between the organizational Culture and Artistic Programming in the Eugene Symphony

Questions?