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Brandeis University Press

Curtains?: The Future of the Arts in America

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In this clear-minded but sobering book, Michael M. Kaiser assesses the current state of arts institutions―orchestras; opera, ballet, modern dance, and theater companies; and even museums. According to Kaiser, new developments in the twenty-first century, including the Internet explosion, the death of the recording industry, the near-death of subscriptions, economic instability, the 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 have together created tremendous challenges for all arts organizations. Using Michael Porter’s model of industry structure to describe how industries evolve, Kaiser argues persuasively that unless steps are taken now, midsized performing arts institutions will have all but evaporated 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. Kaiser concludes with a call to arms. With three extraordinary decades’ experience as an arts administrator behind him, he advocates passionately for risk-taking in programming and more creative marketing, and details what needs to happen now―building strong donor bases, creating effective boards, and collective action―to sustain the performing arts for generations to come. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Brandeis University Press


Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 3, 2015


Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 172 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1611687039


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 33


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.1 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #1,468,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #352 in Performing Arts Industry #17,592 in Performing Arts (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Michael M. Kaiser has managed to get to the ...
Michael M. Kaiser has managed to get to the heart of the challenges facing those of us who manage and support performing arts organizations. There is practical advice that should and must be heeded by non-profit arts companies no matter the size if they wish to exist in the future. Don't be put off by the preface: it is, perhaps, a sobering look at the state of the performing arts yet one that we need to see. As an arts administrator, I'm looking. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2015 by Kathy Nixon
    • A (hopefully too) dark view to the future
I am very conflicted as I finish Michael Kaiser's latest work. I think highly of him and find his advice and "rules" to be pragmatic and effective. "Curtains?" is a pessimistic view towards the future of performing arts organizations. While it's hard to argue the basis of some of his arguments: the growing role of the Internet and broadcast media in the arts, the loss of a generation of future arts course due to poor arts education - I feel they are often taken to extremes here. If you have read Mr. Kaiser's other work, there really is a little new here in terms of recommendations. He continues to espouse his (albeit well put) belief in quality art, marketed well, led by a committed board and supported by ambitious fundraising. As a representative of a small to midsized performing arts presenter, I sincerely hope that Mr. Kaiser's view that the majority of arts organizations that will exist in the future are the large ones, is wrong. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2016 by T. D. Fogdall
    • A powerful book and message that every supporter of the arts should read and take to heart.
Format: Hardcover
As executive director of a small but growing 20-year-old arts presenting organization I couldn't wait to receive Kaiser's newest book. Much of what he says parallels what I have been saying to my board and to the arts and cultural leaders in our community - but in a far more articulate and concise way. I am making a personal gift of the book to each of our organization's board members with the hope that they will read, assimilate, and hopefully share the book and the message it contains with others. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2015 by J. Fischer
    • Most informative but wanted more on the "future"
Format: Hardcover
Michael Kaiser provides a lengthy introduction and sample experiences into where the management of the arts has come from and where it is now. This is an important foundational piece, as we explore ways for the arts to keep pace with an ever advancing environment. Clearly, competition from other activities available to the 21st century audiences will require adept managers, adequately prepared and experienced, to maneuver thru and establish a footing for the future. The title hinted at more about the future than the author ventured to propose. Understandably, predicting how, when and why things will evolve is not a science, but given Michael Kaiser's extensive experience, successes and development of smart phrases, I had expected more. Nonetheless, this is a work worthy of being in the library of today's and tomorrow's arts manager. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2015 by Richard Kamenitzer
    • Research much?
Except from the recent information, EVERYTHING is a blatant ripoff of my book, "Mozart in the Jungle." But who the hell would care about something a girl wrote, went to school to research, and RESEARCHED. I don't notice Kaiser has one goddam footnote. And guess what? I was the person actually IN the trenches, actually MAKING the noise. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2015 by BeachyWave
    • Must read for all arts leader's
Always enjoy Kaiser's insightful books. The future presents loss of challenges and for sooner, some real opportunities. This is a must read for all arts leaders.
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2017 by Peter A. Mello
    • An effective dose of cool - no
An effective dose of cool - no, make that cold water, on the future on the performing arts in America.
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2015 by dr nik nak
    • A Scary Wake Up Call for Those Of Us Who Love the ARTS!!!
Format: Hardcover
As a board member of ACT Theatre it scared me. I would hate to see us those that treasure as well as the other performance venues. I am going to work hard to get young members to attend ACT and Pacific Northwest Ballet our other art home.
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2016 by Judy Ness

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