In your opinion, should concert halls adapt to expand the visceral experience of a performance given the level of stimulation to which we’ve become accustomed?
Absolutely not! One of the best parts about opera is the opportunity to unplug and unwind. We can close our eyes and let the music do the talking, or there’s plenty to see onstage—the costumes, the set design, the acting of the performers! The modern world can dull people with overstimulation. I think the muscle of imagination atrophies, and the arts are a great way to build it back up. I do, however, love the subtitles and want that to continue for opera performances. But please, please, please do not let people start using their cell phones during performances! That would be a greater tragedy than Othello. How do you engage your friends and circle of friends to share with them your enthusiasm for the arts?
We engage our friends by inviting them to performances with us. The Young Patron Society has a program where one can see an opera for only $25 a ticket. And they host a reception at intermission with cupcakes and champagne, so people new to the experience can socialize during the event. These features make it a fun and easy ask for us to invite friends to join us at Portland Opera. Usually, once someone goes to an opera, they come back again. I think there is an initial hurdle that people need to get over, and the Young Patron Society does an excellent job of lowering the barriers to entry. How do we get artists and audiences to interface and interact in locations away from the theatre?
I think, to the extent possible, organizations should keep the long game in mind when it comes to donors. Donations can take different forms. Obviously, large cash donations are ideal, but the reality for many young professionals like me and David is they have large student loan debts, expensive daycare costs, mortgages, etcetera among other expenses. But, eventually, we will be in place where our philanthropy can be in the form of larger monetary donations. In the meantime, I encourage organizations to engage donors with a variety of donation levels, including in-kind donations like hosting events in their office spaces, and opportunities to volunteer time. I also think family-oriented events can be great. For example, Portland Opera hosts a holiday singalong, which is a wonderful event to bring children, parents, and grandchildren. In one fell swoop, three generations can develop an affinity for an important organization and an interest in its continued vitality. Artslandia’s theme for the 2019/20 season is A Night Out. Describe for our readers your perfect night out.
A perfect night out starts with a reliable babysitter who arrives on time! (David and I have two young children—our 4-year-old daughter, Gianna, and our 2-year-old son, Mateo.) We love to gather for a fabulous happy hour with other Young Patron Society members at one of Portland’s fantastic restaurants. We’ve enjoyed delicious fare with the group at number of locations, including Nel Centro, Raven & Rose, Ringside Steakhouse, and Morton’s, to name a few. It’s a bad idea to go to the Opera hungry! These happy hours also allow us to connect with other young professionals who love the arts and who we might not otherwise meet. Then, we get an opportunity to unwind and unplug as we immerse ourselves into an art form that is both classic and timeless. .
TOI TOI TOI 107
One of my favorite events was an Opera a la Cart production held at Argyle Winery. The Opera has a food truck outfitted with all the equipment needed to bring mobile opera to anywhere in Oregon. It was a beautiful, sunny fall day, and we were out in picturesque wine country with our children and some friends. We listened to talented singers as we enjoyed delicious food and drink. The event piqued the curiosity of the others at the winery, and I think such events are a great way to attract new donors.
What are your thoughts about how arts groups could cultivate donors outside their norm?
F E AT U R E D
space where we can engage with people who are from different demographics, whether it be age, race, or profession, but we all share a common love for great music and art. It has enriched our lives tremendously.
AR TSL ANDIA .COM