The Six Most Important Conversations?

There are big questions for the arts on the national horizon, and nobody articulates them more clearly than Barry Hessenius on Barry's Blog. His June 13 entry, "Re-examining our Models," lists "The Six Most Important Conversations for the Arts in the Next Five Years."

Maybe a bit alarmist, maybe a bit pessimistic, maybe not a true picture in Iowa (or maybe so....) - but it's important reading and thinking material. For instance:

"Maybe you and your organization can continue to skate for awhile. Maybe as the economy improves (assuming arguendo that it does improve), your circumstances will change for the better, and you may even recover somewhat. But ask yourself this: Will anything have really changed to move you forward towards real growth and sustainability? Will you be better prepared, using the same old models of doing things, for the next crisis and for all the change the next decade portends? Are you equipped to thrive, or merely survive?"

How do Iowa arts organizations answer these questions? Read the entry, talk to your friends and colleagues, and let us hear from you at the Iowa Arts Council.