Thesis
Programming at arts organizations as community response to COVID-19
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Dec 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001230
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate and identify the strategies used by arts organizations in response to the challenges and regulations introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States of America. The study also examined the programs and operations that were affected by COVID-19 safety regulations, what struggles arts organizations encountered while adjusting to those regulations, and what made operations successful, or not? What public needs were programs created to address, and what programs will be offered in the future because of the innovations coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic? To conduct this research, The Eckert Art Gallery, The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and the Demuth Museum were contacted to dissect their organizational responses to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Examining different types of organizations allowed for a better understanding of how the arts and their audiences were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Academic literature, along with timely articles and reports, were utilized to contextualize current and previously existing trends in educational and programmatic standards, virtual learning strategies and challenges, COVID-19 regulations, and their effects on the arts in the United States, and strategies for community engagement. A multiple case study was conducted to analyze the experiences of arts professionals in the adaptation of their public programs. This multiple case study found that arts organizations were filling the gaps in both educational and social opportunities. Referencing audience response and comparing participation numbers throughout the development process of was a way in which organizations kept track of the relative success of their programs. Throughout the course of the pandemic, these organizations have had to consistently revise and re-plan their operations. Transferring programs to fully virtual settings was the initial response to mandated shuttering of brick-and-mortar sites, but as the pandemic progressed audiences were not as responsive to online options especially when businesses were allowed to open their on-site operations once again. The opening and closing of physical spaces was a constant factor to consider as mandates were repeatedly tightened and relaxed. In response, arts organizations redirected their efforts to design hybrid programs that mixed both in-person experiences with virtual opportunities. Throughout this touch and go process, organizations formed many partnerships and received funding from local and government bodies in the form of grants and contributions. In general, businesses, artists, educators, and other arts entities were willing to work together to support each other in the organizational navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States of America.
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Details
- Title
- Programming at arts organizations as community response to COVID-19
- Creators
- Julia L. Martin
- Contributors
- Pamela Yau (Advisor)Andrew Zitcer (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 63 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991018527008404721