A tactical guide for nonprofit arts leaders, revealing the entrepreneurial traits that turn creative passion into sustainable success.

Entrepreneurial Arts and Cultural Leadership focuses on real-world strategies for developing the entrepreneurial mindset necessary for leading and sustaining nonprofit arts organizations. Bonnie Fogel and Brett Ashley Crawford examine the leadership traits that drive innovation, adaptability, and long-term viability in the ever-evolving arts sector.

Through the case study of Imagination Stage, they highlight how successful nonprofit theater leaders can navigate financial instability, advocate for equity and inclusion, and implement sustainable business models in a landscape forever impacted by national and global events. With practical insights, tools, and a resource-rich appendix, this book offers arts managers, educators, and nonprofit leaders a roadmap for resilience and growth. Whether you are an advanced student, a researcher, or an arts executive seeking inspiration, this book provides an essential framework for building the future of nonprofit theatre.
 

Bonnie Fogel is the founder and longtime leader of Imagination Stage, one of the top theaters for young audiences in the United States. Brett Ashley Crawford is teaching professor and faculty chair of the arts and entertainment management programs at Carnegie Mellon University.

List of Figures

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Why Is Entrepreneurship Critical in Arts Leadership?



Trait 1. The Vision Thing: The Entrepreneurial Leadership Imperative

Trait 2. It’s All about the People: Staff and Board

Trait 3. Igniting and Engaging: Entrepreneurial Leadership and the Board

Trait 4. Making the Difference: Partnership and Community

Trait 5. The Power of Your Voice and Advocacy

Trait 6. The Entrepreneurial Balance: Risk vs. Opportunity



Appendices

   A. The Origin Story

   B. Imagination Stage Chronology

   C. Who’s Who

   D. Board Responsibilities

   E. Board Management and Governance Toolkit

   F. Board Member Engagement Grid

   G. Annual Strategic Goal Dashboard Sample

   H. Sample Board Meeting Agenda

   I. Sample Weekly Board Report (aka Bonnie’s Board Brief’s)

   J. Arts Accessibility Logic Model

Endnotes

Bibliography and Additional Resources

About the Authors