Arts and Administration Theses and Dissertations
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Item Open Access The Show Must Go On - Even When Times Are Lean(University of Oregon, 2020-02-27) Young-Jelinek, Wade; Lambert, PatriciaThis study examines issues and attitudes of performing arts leadership relating to labor productivity within performing arts facilities. Current theory relating to the labor economics of the performing arts prominently refers to a phenomenon called the cost disease that considers increases in labor productivity to be elusive throughout the sector. This same cost disease has been applied to the healthcare sector. However, leaders in the healthcare industry have been applying operations management methodologies, predominantly in the form of Lean production techniques to increase labor productivity. This study questions whether it could be possible to apply Lean methods in performing arts facilities without affecting artistic outcomes. Findings suggest that yes, it could be possible, but organizational diversity and existing organizational cultures within the sector could make such an application difficult to apply sector wide.Item Open Access Collaborating with Malian Artists for Increased NGO Effectiveness: A Bamako, Mali Case Study(University of Oregon, 2014-06-17) Schuetz, Deidre; Fenn, JohnArising from drastically different world views, misconceptions between foreign NGOs working in Mali and local Malians often lead to actions that perpetuate unjust power dynamics and/or do more harm than good. In order to better align NGO sustainable development efforts in ways that are beneficial to the populations they serve, it is crucial to listen to perspectives that are typically marginalized in our current global system. This thesis explores synergizing NGO-Malian artist partnerships in innovative, mutually understandable, and mutually beneficial ways to increase NGO project effectiveness and efficiency. This case study features twelve interviews with Malian dancers and musicians residing in Bamako, Mali. The intersections between this data and current academic sources indicate suggested 1) processes to cultivate understanding and mindfully work to shift unjust power dynamics; and 2) projects (themes, partnerships with existing opportunities, and innovations) that demonstrate promising, new potential to improve development efforts.Item Open Access Evaluating Organizational Democracy(University of Oregon, 2011-12) Tavares, Kelly de OliveiraIn this study I propose a framework to assess democratic practices in non-profit organizations. The purpose is to identify actions that strengthen empowerment, examine how they are applied in the managerial and educational practices, and determine the outcomes for participants and stakeholders. I developed an assessment protocol based on organizational democracy principles through an examination of peer reviewed literature and field observations. I applied the resulting evaluation framework in a case study of Juventud FACETA, a program at the Amigos Multicultural Services Center, an organization that has sought to incorporate democratic practices in their mission. This study will be useful for 1) testing a formulation of criteria to examine and develop democratic practices in organizations and 2) designing a piloted evaluation protocol that can be used to assess organizational characteristics and actions that yield democratic empowerment outcomes among organization constituencies and staff dedicated to these principles in action.Item Open Access Out-of-school time arts programming: A critical race theory approach(2010-03) Suveges, Lauren L., 1982-This study explores the out-of-school time (OST) arts field through a critical race theory (CRT) lens. For the purpose of this research, OST arts programs include afterschool and summer learning programs focusing on visual arts, music, theater, dance, video production, and spoken word in Chicago, Illinois for youth ages 14-21. Four main tenets of CRT guide the main research question: How are OST arts programs time addressing racism, propagating social, historical, and liberal ideologies, promoting social justice, and giving voice to people of color? By conducting eight interviews with arts professionals as well as a comprehensive literature review and document analysis, themes of race, colorblindness, social justice, and identity development in OST youth arts programs are synthesized to reflect current practices in the field. This research suggests that current methods of critical pedagogy utilized in OST arts programs could promote successful education strategies for both in-school and out-of-school education for youth.Item Open Access Symphony Audience Development: Analysis of Organizational Culture in the Performing Arts(University of Oregon, 2009-06) Gore, Erin E., 1982-Symphony orchestras operate with complex internal structures and dynamics. The connection between a symphony orchestra's organizational culture and artistic programming is undocumented in current performing arts management scholarship. This thesis hypothesizes that symphonies can enhance audience development when utilizing all members ofthe organization in making artistic programming decisions - including the staff, board, and the musicians. This research presents an in-depth case study which investigates the organizational culture and programming decision-making processes of the Eugene Symphony in Eugene, OR. The analysis demonstrates how the symphony's organizational culture affects artistic programming and subsequent audience development. This study illustrates how inherent tension within performing arts institutions can be mitigated through strong management strategies and techniques. The final chapter discusses implications and recommendations for future symphony orchestra leaders.