Planning /Programming

Of Cultural Events

Programming is a management strategy

Our text describes programming needs as arising from the individual felt and ascribed needs. In a disingenuous manner the text suggests that clever advertising may convince some individuals that ascribed needs are felt needs.

Organizational needs—mission statement--purposefulCommunity needs—demographic

Why do we festival?

Smithsonian Institution is principally an object-based museum setting. Since 1967, however, the Smithsonian has organized, fund raised for, and mounted a ten day outdoor exhibit on the Federal Mall in Washington DC. Richard Kurin, former head of the Office of Folklife Programs at the Smithsonian Institution, outlined the following programming goals:

Cultural Conservation strategy for the National MuseumFestival so people can be heardSo that practitioners may be encouraged to pass on their skills and knowledge.The Festival contributes to the development of scholarship and museology.The Festival symbolizes aspects of our own nation and a sense of community.

Needs Assessment—Program objectives

The Mission statement of any cultural programming institution should include a clear and manifest statement of the objectives.Screened through:Institutional purposes—Tactical Program feasibility—capacity to carry out the programConstituent Interests—who are the constituents, what are their interests?

Scheduling considerations

Balance, breadth of attractions (different kinds of expressive presentations.Diversity, ability to participate at different levels of involvementVariety, events of greater and lesser intensityFlexibility, responds to changing desires of participants.

Implementation

AnticipationPreparationParticipationReflection—FeedbackRecollection

Assumption of cyclical programming model. Through evaluation there will be program modification.

Planning Specific Programs

Time-line (the larger the reach the longer the time frame)Budget IssuesProgram managersLocationSchedulingParticipantsSafetyDocumenting the event

Uniqueness of cultural events

Distinctiveness is necessary for all manner of cultural programming.

In-reach and out-reach may create complimentary or competing objectives.

Weather is a factor for all events. Consideration of the impact of an inclement weather condition.

Festivals

Special Event, one-timeFestival-recurring

Importance of schedulingVolunteers assume much greater importanceRisk and Crowd managementStyle of the Festival—bring unity to multi-event activities

Merchandizing

Advertisements (posters and other announcement materials)Branding and marketing of festivalRecognition of sponsors

Staying Fresh and Relevant

Programming and Packaging

Packaging includes:

ValueConvenienceConsistent QualityEase of Budget and planning.