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Artists as Administrators: Finding the Elements of a Performing Arts Nonprofit Organization that Facilitate Organizational Sustainability and Means for Artists to Create

Kowal, Lauren N
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu174465626749991

Abstract Details

2025, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Arts Administration, Education and Policy.
This study explores the elements of performing arts nonprofit organizations led by artist- administrators that contribute to organizational sustainability. Through a multiple-case study of two Columbus-based performing arts nonprofits, a thematic analysis was conducted using publicly available organizational data and interviews with artist-administrators. Themes were derived from the literature on nonprofit and arts nonprofit management, identifying key factors including financial structure, board composition, marketing strategies, and adaptability. Findings indicate that sustainable performing arts nonprofits tend to have a stable financial structure prioritizing artist support, a board of directors with diverse backgrounds, an innovative and brand-centric marketing approach, and a flexible organizational model that is responsive to environmental changes. Additionally, artist-administrators leverage experiences from various fields to balance artistic and administrative responsibilities effectively. These insights contribute to the broader understanding of how arts organizations can foster longevity while supporting artistic creation.
Rachel Skaggs (Committee Chair)
Shari Savage (Committee Member)
Abby Held (Committee Member)
71 p.
Arts Management
artist, administrator, arts administration, nonprofit organization, financial structure, board of directors, marketing, adaptability

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Kowal, L. N. (2025). Artists as Administrators: Finding the Elements of a Performing Arts Nonprofit Organization that Facilitate Organizational Sustainability and Means for Artists to Create [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu174465626749991

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Kowal, Lauren. Artists as Administrators: Finding the Elements of a Performing Arts Nonprofit Organization that Facilitate Organizational Sustainability and Means for Artists to Create. 2025. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu174465626749991.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Kowal, Lauren. "Artists as Administrators: Finding the Elements of a Performing Arts Nonprofit Organization that Facilitate Organizational Sustainability and Means for Artists to Create." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2025. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu174465626749991

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu174465626749991
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© 2025, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.
Release 3.2.12