The Future of the Arts in America

In his clear-minded yet sobering book, Michael M. Kaiser provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of arts institutions, including orchestras, opera, ballet, modern dance, theater companies, and museums. According to Kaiser, the twenty-first century has brought about a series of new developments that have collectively created tremendous challenges for all arts organizations.

These developments include the Internet explosion, the decline of the recording industry, the near-death of subscriptions, economic instability, the increased focus on STEM education in schools, the introduction of movie-theater opera, the erosion of newspapers, the threat to serious arts criticism, and the aging of the donor base. Using Michael Porter's model of industry structure, Kaiser argues persuasively that unless immediate action is taken, midsized performing arts institutions will have largely disappeared by 2035. Only the largest arts organizations will survive, with tickets priced for the very wealthy and programming limited to the most popular and lucrative productions.

In his call to arms, Kaiser draws on his three decades of experience as an arts administrator to advocate passionately for risk-taking in programming and more creative marketing. He details the necessary steps to sustain the performing arts for generations to come, emphasizing the importance of building strong donor bases, creating effective boards, and collective action.

Overall, this book presents a sobering yet clear-minded analysis of the current state of the arts landscape, while offering a compelling vision for the future of arts institutions. Kaiser's expertise and insights provide a valuable roadmap for arts organizations to navigate the complex challenges of the twenty-first century and ensure the continued vitality of the performing arts.

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