ARTS MANAGEMENT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

"...I remember a series of workshops we held along with the local chapter of Artists Equity, probably in the late ‘70’s or early 80’s. This was a series that covered issues pertaining to visual artists, and included sessions on how to file taxes, how to set up a studio, how to avoid toxic chemicals, etc."

In 1978, Kristen Amundson was the first Master of Arts Management from American University to present at an academic conference. Her paper, "The First Grand Design for a National Cultural Center," examined the historical relationship between the public sector and a large non-profit arts organization, uncovering themes that are still central to the conversation about how we value the arts in the U.S. today. Read the abstract below. The full paper is in the AU Archives.

In 1982, the Arts Management program participated in a recent survey conducted by the South Carolina Arts Commission to determine the number, race, and sex of persons receiving advanced degrees in Arts Administration in the United States and Canada since 1978. Click the link below to read the results of that survey.

circa 1977

"Looking back, I had no perspective that the program was so young when I became a student in 1979. We were a diverse group of bright young things...I met my husband in the back row of medieval musicology, an elective taught by George Schuetze. On the first day of Arts Management 101, Valerie Morris asked us what kind of arts management position we thought we wanted, and we all said Executive Director...we lacked the vocabulary and context to think of ourselves as emerging leaders. But we were."

"The chance to work at AU opened new horizons. Valerie [Morris] was very helpful and flexible in allowing me to choose some work that I felt I needed to do in the new field and to find ways to do some hands-on learning at Wolf Trap, the National Symphony, the Kennedy Center, etc. When I returned to BGSU my life took new and very satisfying directions. It continues to find further interests that have come from starting in new directions at AU and the publication of my thesis there."

In this issue: "From Plies to Plexiglass," Naima Prevost "The Arts, Society, and Conference Planning," David B. Pankratz "Be Careful Where You Intern, You Just May Get the Job," Sandra Shahrivar

"Gail Humphries Mardirosian's zest for learning and teaching...Interning at National Endowment for the Arts & Smithsonian Institution's Young Associates Program."

"Several arts management students [incl. BeaJaye Whitaker (1992)] have recently begun an Arts Management Student Council to create new opportunities for the arts management students to get to know one another outside the classroom. A brunch in February was the kick-off, followed by a night at the DPA production The Woolgatherer and a party at Nina Prevots' house in March.

"American University has been a large part of Brenda's roots...Throughout her life Bredna has worked in the special events business where she has performed in and produced shows throughout the country as an accomplished singer/actress...In 1992 [she was acknowledged as] "Outstanding Graduate Student at American University." ("Spotlight on Alumni," Bells are Ringing, The Experimental Theatre, 1996-7 Season)

In this issue, contributors include: Cindy S. Kramer (1991), Jim Dowd (1991), Sheri Elder (1991), Carla Hanzal (1990), Caroline H. Joss (1990), Elinor Kotzen, Anne S. Meredith (1990), Timothy J. Reagan (1991), Charlotte M. Sadel (1990), Sandra Tisiot (1990), Stephanie L. Watanabe (1990), and BeaJaye Whittaker (1992)

"Remember two things--one, presented with a fellowship the last year prior to graduation; two, planting a tree in front of the old building in memory of class member, Louis Chavis. The fellowship allowed me to put into practice use the skills obtained in the graphic arts course I took through the Communications Department. Believe there were two or three issues, which I was the primarily content and photo writer and editor."

"In October the DPA Arts Management Program was host to a national teleconference sponsored by NASAA, South Carolina Educational Television, and the South Carolina Arts Commission. Via satellite, the arts community across the nation participated in an open forum discussion on the issues related to the upcoming reauthorization of the NEA.

“The program helped me understand the breadth of the arts management field and the vast opportunities open to those wanting a career in arts management,” said Jeffries Hazangeles. “I was immediately connected to individuals with deep knowledge and experience, and organizations where I could gain hands-on skills.”

"Starting the AU Wind Ensemble in 2006. The camaraderie and community aspect of that ensemble was a wonderful experience."

"His accomplishments...at the Kennedy Canter,,,included more than doubling the amount of designated support raised for...projects each season and securing the...first official corporate sponsor, Delta Air Lines...His commitment to the arts stems form an early love of theatre and brief performing career, whereas his experience in corporate negotiations can be traced to work in industrial sales." ("Alumni Hall of Fame," Art at the Heart, Greenberg Theatre, 2003-2004 Premiere Season)