Financing Cultural Institutions: Strategies and Challenges

Cover the basic models of how cultural institutions finance their programs in light of the challenges presented by today's competitive economic environment. Topics include how institutions price services; the different roles played by auxiliaries (food service, retail, and others); membership programs as a fundraising tool; and how capital financing and grants management fit into the financial mix. The role of the board is discussed, as are current trends in institutional financing, including Internet use. The course may include one field trip. No prior coursework in finance or business is required.