Scene Change - by Alan Harrison (Paperback)

About the Book

Donors donate so donors attend. That alone has doomed the nonprofit arts to elitist irrelevance. Using this book, you can make your community a better place to live.

Book Synopsis

'Alan is a visionary who believes that theatre changes lives for the better, and who creates teams who make sure that it does.' Russell Willis Taylor, Former CEO, National Arts Strategies

Nonprofit arts organizations have to place nonprofit ahead of arts in order to thrive in these pre-post-pandemic days. Most currently don't. Scene change is a phrase tied to the arts when discussing a literal change from one scene in a play to another, eliciting a new time, place, and situation. Here, however, it refers to actions made at this pivotal moment within the entire sector, where the rules that went into play over half a century ago can no longer apply for the arts to serve their nonprofit purpose. That charitable purpose - to help those who need the help - cannot exist in an environment of privilege, exclusivity, and the subjective concept of excellence. Excellence does not put food on a hungry person's table, if they even have a table. In his brilliantly unpretentious, snarky, and hilarious style, Alan Harrison pulls no punches. He identifies and addresses elitism, defines and defuses toxicity, and provides outlines for success, including a hopeful prediction for the future. This book also provides context for the pinball journeys of a 30-year adventure, leading nonprofit arts organizations in America - warts and all.

Review Quotes

In the years that I have known Alan, I have learned more about running arts organizations, particularly if not exclusively not-for-profit arts organizations, than most people learn in a two- or three-year MA arts administration program -- and as I've taught in one such program, I can actually compare his skills to curricula and confirm that Alan is, indeed, a master class in his field. Alan's very popular contributions to The Clyde Fitch Report (a website that committed acts of journalism at the crossroads of arts and politics from 2012 to 2019, now on hiatus) were a joy to edit and one of the CFR's secret weapons. His persuasive writing skills, often rooted in the superlative use of inductive logic, are one more testimonial beyond the million other reasons why you should offer him a leadership position at your organization not tomorrow, not someday, but today. Alan has my highest endorsement -- and gratitude for all the guidance and mentorship through the years.--Leonard Jacobs, Executive Director, Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning

Alan is a gifted writer who is able to, with humor and compassion, identify, articulate, and offer solutions to some of the challenges in the nonprofit and arts sectors. As well as the inequities he sees as a citizen of the world. I have very much enjoyed his essays and posts these past few months and always look forward to reading his perspectives.--Stacey Bridge, Assistant Director, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Alan is a visionary who believes that theatre changes lives for the better, and who creates teams who make sure that it does. He is a delight to work with, and learn from.--Russell Willis Taylor, Former CEO, National Arts Strategies

Alan is clear and passionate in his work in the arts. He was fierce, in the best sense of the word, in promoting the mission of ArtsWest. He has an uncommon clarity of purpose and focus. I admire his decisiveness and ability to identify the priorities needed to achieve a goal - and make it happen! I do not believe that any detail eludes Alan. His decisions are meticulously thought out and his word is trustworthy. I enjoy his sense of humor and view of the world and welcome every opportunity to learn from his experience.--Karen Lane, Executive Director, Seattle Women's Chorus and Seattle Men's Chorus

Alan has a rare combination of talents - he understands the arts as well as he understands the business of arts organizations. He is an expert non-profit manager and a natural marketer.--Dianne Loeb, Advising/Special Projects, ADCo; Former Board Member, Seattle Repertory Theatre

About the Author

Based in Kirkland, Washington, Alan Harrison is a writer and speaker specializing in nonprofit arts organizations, strategy, and life politics. His blog posts appear regularly in major publications, including ArtsJournal. For 30 years, Alan Harrison has explored the relationships between the arts and the community on behalf of nonprofit arts organizations across the United States.