What does leadership look like in a 21st century arts service organization? What’s the right balance between leading and serving members, arts advocates and the public at large?
The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is one of the largest cultural alliances in the country, with a membership of more than 300 diverse cultural groups and a distinguished track record in advocacy, programs and services. In March 2008, the Cultural Alliance asked Helicon to help it develop a five year strategic plan. Director Peggy Amsterdam warned, “Beware, our standards are the highest and our staff eats consultants for breakfast.”
Helicon worked closely with staff and a board planning committee, surveyed constituents, interviewed key opinion leaders and developed alternative scenarios. In an efficient six-month process, the Alliance refined its mission, vision, values and program priorities and measures of success. The recession hit just as the plan was completed, but the tenets of the plan helped shape the Alliance’s response. As a result, the Alliance nimbly organized workshops and other services for its members, stepped up advocacy efforts and strategically managed its own passage through the economic downturn.