COLLABORATION IS KEY

We're smart people.

There are infinite ways in which we might work together. Let's get this conversation started...

To begin, it's essential for those leading and managing cultural venues, programs and offerings in Austin to sit down and talk, openly that is, about challenges and triumphs, audiences and supporters.  Once all realize the experiences are sometimes identical (and we're all in this together), solutions can be defined.

It's not about re-inventing the wheel either. City models of inspirational collaborative success are being shared, resourced and reviewed all over the country. Like art, this can become a process of exploration and growth for Austin.

In unity comes opportunity....some even you might not imagine (yet).

Comments

[James T. Parsons]

I would strongly agree with this sentiment. I often suggest collaborative approaches, and am surprised when the response is something like, "... but they do X, which is not something we are interested or involved in, since we do Y." While apples and oranges are not always interchangeable, often they can be combined in a fruit salad - something that is different and unique, but beneficial for both, and attractive to more people.

An example in the arts community. Would live music and classical music benefit from collaboration? Short answer - OF COURSE. Often the statement is that "what they do is different than us." However, while there are definitely differences, collaborations might provide areas for new performances (like Ballet Austin did a few years back with Tucker Livingston, a live musician associated with the Austin Music Foundation). Such live music efforts might also encourage more young people to appreciate classical music. Often live musicians have synthesized classical violins or other sounds in their music, that might provide for an avenue for real classical musicians. Take for instance a classical musician, who does work on local soundtracks potentially suggesting local live musicians for the non-instrumental portions of a soundtrack. This would allow collaboration of these areas with the film industry. These are just some ways that two areas of music can mutually support each other. To the extent that Austin artists help each other, they are at a competitive advantage against similar musicians in other parts of the country. Visual artists could be approached to help develop cover art, set designs, etc. for performing artists. The ideas can keep growing and growing.

The spirit of Austinites is very welcoming and helpful. Collaboration seems to be second nature here,... all we need to do is encourage it some, and be more strategic and insightful about it!