Lauren Stephens Arie

Reflecting on ‘Working in the Arts’ with Laura Fredricks

Lauren Stephens — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:14:29 +0000

Reflecting on ‘Working in the Arts’ with Laura Fredricks Lauren Stephens Wed, 04/10/2024 - 10:14

In This Story

Professor Kennedy (left) and Laura Fredricks (right).

George Mason University's Arts Management Program, in collaboration with Central Advancement and the College of Visual and Performing Arts, recently hosted an insightful conversation and Q&A session with fundraising expert, speaker, and author Laura Fredricks, moderated by Arts Management adjunct faculty member Professor Eileen Kennedy.

In AMGT’s Fundraising and Development class, Fredricks’ The Ask was one of our textbooks. One of our assignments was to choose any “ask,” fundraising or not, and to record ourselves asking it, which helped us become more comfortable with the process of asking for something we want. This assignment and our other coursework aligned with Fredricks’ discussion on the evolving landscape of fundraising. She likened aspects of fundraising asks to everyday scenarios, taking one example from the 70+ attendees joining virtually and in person, who was negotiating a lease agreement. Fredricks also highlighted the generational differences in giving and her unique recent experience of working with teenagers on developing their asks.

Professor Kennedy and Laura Fredricks speaking in front of audience.

As a young arts management professional, Fredricks’ advice felt refreshingly practical and relatable. I was particularly interested in her emphasis on strategies prioritizing quality over quantity when it comes to donors – focusing intensely on a select few who are likely to be ready for an ask, or “top list, next list,” rather than spreading efforts thin across many.

One thing that stuck out during the conversation was their discussion about The Asking Type quiz, featured on Fredricks’ website and discussed in her latest book. The quiz, based on Fredricks’ years of professional experience, identifies distinct "asking types" and offers insights into your personal asking style and how to improve. My type, like Professor Kennedy’s, was the “Empathizer,” which means I internalize what somebody would think and feel if they were asked for the same thing. Take the quiz now to gain insights and discover your own type!

Dean Rick Davis introducing event.

I felt the event was a resounding success. Fredricks’ open demeanor fostered an atmosphere of honest and candid dialogue. She didn’t just talk at us; she engaged with the hybrid audience directly, especially when responding to questions from the audience. Attendees were engaged and enthusiastic, both in person and online. Kennedy's moderation was exemplary, steering the conversation with finesse and adding her own valuable insights as a fundraising expert throughout. Reflecting on the event, I feel inspired and more confident in my ability to navigate fundraising challenges in my future career. My own experience as an AMGT student, especially becoming familiar with Fredricks’ work in the Fundraising class, helped set me up for success in my internship. While interning, I led a small fundraising campaign and by using techniques in The Ask, I raised 53% more than the previous year.

Professor Kennedy and Laura Fredricks addressing audience.

I look forward to using these insights directly in my career post-graduation. Fredricks' wisdom left a lasting impression on the hybrid audience and reminded me of the importance of effective communication and the art of the ask.

You can learn more about Laura Fredricks and her books by visiting her professional website!

If you missed the event, you can watch a replay on Mason’s Arts Amplified channel here!

Author Lauren Stephens Arie is AMGT's Marketing and Outreach Graduate Assistant and is currently pursuing an MA in Arts Management at Mason. She holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Texas Christian University. Lauren recently completed an internship with Transform 1012, a nonprofit organization in Fort Worth, Texas with a mission of reparative justice, working to transform a former Ku Klux Klan auditorium into The Fred Rouse Center for Arts and Community Healing. After graduation, Lauren plans to work for a performing arts organization in North Texas.

Topics

Arts Management News

Arts Management Alumna, inspired by capstone project, adds Free Little Art Gallery to community!

Lauren Stephens — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:11:02 +0000

Arts Management Alumna, inspired by capstone project, adds Free Little Art Gallery to community! Lauren Stephens Thu, 02/15/2024 - 11:11

In This Story

Stacey Schwartz

Jennifer Rosenfeld

Victoria Salmon

Stacey Schwartz, AMGT ’23, brought her capstone research project to life when she opened a Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) in her community.

FLAGs are similar to free little libraries; they contain free pieces of miniature art that is created by community members and meant to be exchanged.

Close up of FLAG with various community artworks.

Stacey has worked either with or for arts organizations throughout her career including Washington Performing Arts, Arlington Arts, and WETA. Currently, she is the digital strategist for the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason University, where she combines her interests in both the arts and technology. Stacey is also the new Board Chair for the Educational Theater Company in Arlington, VA.

While completing her MA in Arts Management at Mason, Stacey read a Washington Post article about a Free Little Art Gallery in Seattle, Washington, which inspired her capstone research project. She noticed that early in the pandemic, the galleries were serving as community builders both for the people local to the gallery and those following along online, like Stacey. As time went on, the galleries started acting as strong marketing tools for artists. Stacey encourages all artists who leave art in her gallery to leave their Instagram handle or other contact information so they can be properly recognized for their contributions.

Close up of miniature art depicting a fish by Casey Wait (Instagram: @caseywaitart)

Her background as a digital strategist helped her get the free little art gallery off the ground. When first starting the gallery, she followed other galleries and artists from the gallery’s Instagram page. She also reached out to artists directly inviting them to drop off work. Stacey notes that one artist regularly uses the gallery to test out new work and new mediums. When artists drop off new pieces, Stacey uploads photos of the work to the gallery’s Instagram @freelittleartgallery_arlington. Once the photos are uploaded, anyone is free to come by and take the art home! Stacey encourages anybody to come by and take art left in the gallery, whether you have something to add yourself or not.

At the end of January this year, Stacey worked with a local community member to install a geocache, which has expanded the gallery's reach greatly. Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity where participants use their GPS to find hidden containers called geocaches. Additionally, Stacey has received miniature art in the mail from arts all over the United States and recently received her first international piece from an artist and FLAG owner in Australia.

Q: Why did you decide to study arts management?

Stacey: I have focused on digital platforms and the arts throughout my career, and I was ready to see the bigger picture. Many of my colleagues had gone through the program here at Mason and were so enthusiastic that it seemed like the perfect next step (and it was!).

Q: What keeps you passionate about the arts and arts management?

Stacey: I was fortunate to work for organizations like WPA and WETA early on in my career, where I was exposed daily to the profound impacts of the arts on people’s lives. This really laid the foundation for me in terms of working for mission-driven arts organizations. This really hit home during the pandemic and was such a good reminder of why I love working in the arts. It was so rewarding to offer programming and community to patrons when they needed it the most. The pandemic was a major setback for arts organizations, but I think it was also a time to reset and I am so inspired by artists and performers who are working to build back together.

Q: How did the arts management program help you in your career?

Stacey: The arts management program has opened up SO many new doors for me both professionally and personally. Gaining an overall sense of the field helps me better understand the needs of my colleagues. Additionally, I have been working closely with Dr. Salmon and the capstone students to help prepare them for graduation. Teaching has always been something that I would like to pursue, and the arts management program has gotten me one step closer. On a personal level, the knowledge that I gained from the program gave me the confidence to accept the position of board chair of the Educational Theater Company. And finally, the program is the reason that I started my Free Little Art Gallery, which has connected me to artists both locally and nationally (and internationally). My arts management background helped me understand how to use this tool successfully to build and strengthen my community. Completing the program has truly been the highlight of my career.

The FLAG installed in the community.

Stacey is working with AMGT internship coordinator Jennifer Rosenfeld to offer a summer internship with her FLAG. You can hear Stacey talk more about her career and the Little Art Gallery here on the Embracing Arlington Arts podcast!

The Embracing Arlington Arts mission is to advance the vibrancy and health of the arts and culture in Arlington, and beyond through advocacy and awareness programs, outreach initiatives and projects that enhance equitable access to the arts and cultural environment.

Embracing Arlington Arts achieves their mission through three primary strategies: inform others about the importance and diversity of the arts, artists and arts organizations in our community; spearhead initiatives that maintain and grow the County’s cultural identity; and spread the word about the diverse performance and cultural events held in Arlington.

Follow Stacey's Free Little Art Gallery (@freelittleartgallery_arlington) on Instagram!

Start your own journey and learn more about the Arts Management Program!

Topics

Arts Management alumni

Arts Management Internships

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Arts Management Program

AMGT Student Abby Rasheed Releases EP with her band Flowerbomb

Lauren Stephens — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:32:28 +0000

AMGT Student Abby Rasheed Releases EP with her band Flowerbomb Lauren Stephens Tue, 02/13/2024 - 11:32

Abby, an Arts Management MA student, released an EP titled Gloom Scroll, Pt. 1 with her band Flowerbomb this January. Abby discusses her creative process and how arts management helped her throughout the release.

Abby Rasheed, a current AMGT graduate student, is from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and moved to the DC area to attend Mason. She studied Business Management and Music Technology as an undergraduate and is now in her last semester of the Arts Management graduate program.

"In my Arts Management career, I would like to be involved with organizations that help people who want to start playing music find performance and music education opportunities. AMGT has helped me build skills I can use to do this and grow my management confidence. AMGT also inspired me to volunteer with music nonprofits like Girls Rock DC and This Could Go Boom. I love the missions of both of these organizations and hope to continue to work with them after I graduate." - Abby R.

Abby spends most of her weekends writing, practicing, recording, and performing with her band, Flowerbomb. She plays bass and sings background vocals. She attends concerts almost every week, which helps inspire her creatively.

Flowerbomb is an indie/bubblegrunge/shoegaze band based in the Washington, D.C. area. Some of the bands that inspire them are Ratboys, Alvvays, and Wednesday. Flowerbomb just released an EP called Gloom Scroll, Vol. 1 on January 19 and played a sold-out show that night to celebrate the release.

When asked how her time in the arts management program has impacted how she plans for new releases with Flowerbomb, she said, "Planning our rehearsal, recording, and release schedules can be difficult, but before beginning our Gloom Scroll releases, we had several meetings as a band to talk about our timeline. We check in with each other regularly to make sure we are following the schedule on the calendar we created. We get really excited about writing and playing new songs together, and that helps keep us motivated to record the new songs as soon as we can." The Gloom Scroll, Vol. 2 EP is planned to be released in late spring.

Flowerbomb has several shows in the next few months including a show at Ottobar in Baltimore on March 2 and a show at Pie Shop DC on May 16.

Flowerbomb's new EP, Gloom Scroll, Vol. 1, can be found on all streaming platforms and on bandcamp.

Topics

Arts Management Students