The Sustainable Art House – Balancing Community Relevance, Artistic Vibrancy and Multiple Revenue Streams

Sustainability is not a simplistic sense of financial security. Art House sustainability requires a balancing act between three interdependent but sometimes competing priorities: community relevance, artistic vibrancy and proper capitalization – which, for non-profit Art Houses, should include dynamic fundraising programs and capabilities. This focus on fundraising effectiveness frequently conflicts with the traditional notion of movie exhibitors’ almost exclusive reliance on box office and concessions revenue. This session will walk through a case study of the Michigan Theater, which has steadily expanded its level of community participation and artistic quality. As a result, it has increased its fundraising capabilities from 15% to nearly 50% of total revenue. These sustainable contributed revenue streams, in turn, have allowed the Michigan Theater to invest in needed digital projection equipment, focus on improved customer service and hire fundraising staff.

Panel Date/Time

10:30am – 12pm – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

Session Leader

• Lee Berry, MBA, Chief Development Officer, Michigan Theatre

For the complete Art House Convergence 2012 schedule, click here.