From the Members

[Re: The 2007 Conference]

First and foremost, thank you for what I think may be the most exemplary APAP conference I have attended during my eighteen years of attending this annual event--from the opening plenary session with ANDREW ZOLLI to the closing plenary session with ANNA DEAVERE SMITH--the conversations and panels were taken to another level that spoke to the highest levels of curatorial methodology, practice and theory in the performing arts field. I was struck by discussions ranging from global trends to race to world music and culture. I especially appreciated the acknowledgment (even in the conference title) of American perspectives within an international context and dialogue. 

For the first time in many years, I left the conference feeling inspired and uplifted rather than drained and frustrated. I took home with me a signed copy of Ken's Foster amazing book *Performing Arts Presenting: From Theory to Practice,* published by APAP (I want to order more copies!). It is clear to me that my colleagues around the country and around the world are tackling and taking on difficult issues in creative and imaginative ways. It seemed that so many people told me that in spite of challenges and difficulties, they are optimistic about 2007. I think the tone of the conference contributed to that optimism. Claudia Norman shared with an audience at a panel discussion that she thought this was the most diverse group of conference attendees (particularly as it related to participants from Latin America) that she had ever seen. I am sure that you both probably experienced nightmares or problems behind the scenes of plans or programs that did not happen as expected--but please know that (it's even hard for me to believe :o) I cannot think of one thing that I would have changed or corrected . . . Congratulations and kudos . . . and again, thank you . . .

Baraka Sele, Assistant Vice President of Programming

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Two months into my job at the Lied Center, our Executive Director, Charles Bethea, sent me to the "Basic" session in Ann Arbor. I came away with a much clearer understanding of arts presenting, as well as thirty new collaborative industry partners, who I'm also lucky enough to call friends. Several of us met up again as the official first class of "Emerging Leaders" at the January conference in New York two years ago. And again, at a presenter's session this summer at Jacob's Pillow. Arts Presenters has been the ultimate resource for my development in our field, has helped me refine my role and professional future, and continues to help inspire and engage me in new ways.

The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization that presents and produces a full range of performance and education programs in the Greater Washington area, as well as nationally and internationally.

As an active member of Arts Presenters for more than 25 years, it is clear to see the significant contributions this organization has made to field, as well as society, by serving as a vital resource to the performing arts community. It provides us with unique access to artists, funders, and each other. The organization offers us an environment that promotes the freedom to engage in imaginative and supportive dialogue with our peers. Arts Presenters' important research and advocacy in the field arms us with critical information necessary to succeed in this volatile economic environment. I have long considered Arts Presenters a partner in our efforts to make the world a better place – through the performing arts!

An APAP membership is everything you need to know about "presenting the performing arts" all wrapped up in one great package - artists, managers, networks, and inspiration!

The Reston Community Center serves the social, recreational and cultural needs of the community of Reston, VA, which is known for being one of America's first planned communities, designed to allow residents to "live-work-play" in one location. Our 300-seat, professionally-staffed and equipped proscenium theater is home base for nine community arts organizations and hosts some 65 professional arts events annually.

The secret of whatever success I've enjoyed as a presenter is directly related to my Arts Presenters membership, particularly the Annual Conference. There, I have been able to recharge my batteries each year- and I mean each battery. The conference provides the intellectual stimulus, the aesthetic bounty, the warmth and camaraderie of friendships with presenters, artists and agents--these are the features of the Annual Conference that never change.

The Center for Faith and Life, a performing arts facility of 1500 seats that opened in 1978, later became the Center Stage Series. The eclectic series of 12 performances includes dance, theater, music and musical theater. Decorah, where Luther College is located, is a community of 8,000 in rural northeast Iowa, and the center is the only arts facility within a 70 mile radius.

I came to my position as Director of Campus Programming with no previous experience. I had been an active musician but I had everything to learn about presenting the performing arts. My predecessors strongly urged me to join Arts Presenters, and I did immediately. It proved to be the best decision I ever made. I cannot say enough about the benefits and value of my association. Conferences have provided important seminars, workshops, lectures and times for discussion and brainstorming along with numerous networking opportunities with peers and managers. Regular publications keep me abreast of current happenings, reviews and thought-provoking articles by the best in our field. The success I have had is largely due to what I have learned through the many educational avenues provided.

The Berkeley Agency represents 20 nationally-known artists in jazz, Latin, blues and world music. The agency is located in the San Francisco Bay area, which has always been rich with cultural diversity in the arts.

The Berkeley Agency was one of the first jazz agencies to belong to Arts Presenters. What I like about working with presenters is that you get back to the concept that together we are presenting arts to the public. It feels as though we are both providing a service to better this world.

Pentacle is a New York-based, non-profit service organization which specializes in providing essential administrative functions for emerging, experimental and culturally-based choreographers and their touring dance troupes. Prominent among these functions since our founding 20 years ago has been fostering the visibility and viability in the marketplace of "single-choreographer" companies.

For us here at Pentacle, Arts Presenters is a forum, perhaps the most effective national, even international, forum we have, to unite the pluribus of artists, managers, agents, presenters, funders and service providers into a cohesive community of cultural endeavor. A rising tide...etc., and it's true. Arts Presenters is at its organizational best when we, its diverse members, are at our individual and collective best-working together on behalf of artists and against the forces of fear, ignorance, prejudice, apathy and sloth, including our own. All that, and we get to have fun, too. No wonder civilians are jealous of arts workers!

I started Lois Scott Management with one artist (piano/cello duo) the first year; and by the second year I had added a piano duo, and an ensemble who performed all Viennese programs. The third year I added a brass quintet and a string quartet; and now I have added a piano trio, a flute and harp duo, a violinist, a bassoon jazz band and a cabaret of pops music.

For me, being a member of Arts Presenters is basic to being a manager of performing artists. The organization imparts communication of various types on a regular basis to keep everyone up to date on the happenings in the performing arts field. The highlight of my membership is the annual conference in December. Although it is huge, busy and hectic, it nevertheless affords an artist manager the opportunity to meet presenters from all over the country – all in one place!

Advertising in Inside Arts has enabled World Music artists to gain recognition, and now a permanent place, in the fine arts market.

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