DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS in the arts do exceptional work for far less than they could earn in the healthcare or postsecondary education sectors. But for Canadian arts, fundraising is simply too short-term. Still defining what its culture is; this country needs arts organizations to identify and cultivate connectors who will in turn enlist others. We need community builders.
In profiling a few such leaders and innovators here, may generous Canadians and strategically-minded organizations see the value in energetic evangelizing. The sector needs far more dialogue, asking those with the means what sorts of experiences they want. The search transcends race and culture—look to the wealthy, successful Chinese, Cantonese, Indian, and Italian communities on Toronto’s doorstep. If only opera leaders would drive out to meet them! This process cannot entirely transcend class, however, and that is okay.
Opera has always been and will always be niche. Indie opera and school outreach programs serve important educational and inclusive functions, yet media’s flitting, shallow gaze invariably rests on younger, hipper audiences who cannot possibly contribute to capital funds. Instead, consider inter-generational growth from the because they have both the time and the resources to do so. This is . Less ageism and more aggressive pursuit of those coming into their opera years, giving them a personalized, customer experience and teaching them to bring their friends. Because they’re the future, too, leaving legacies to pay the bills. ‘—our art relies on citizens who understand it as their civic duty to give back to their community and . PHOTO: MONIQUE DE ST. CROIX
