A Time for Change: Results and Recommendations from the Americans for the Arts Environmental Scan

I came across this research by AMS Planning & Research where they identify 12 challenges that are affecting all artistic discipline groups and arts service organizations. You may download the report here: Americans for the Arts

I thought this idea was particularly important:

Abandon boundaries.
"The arts and culture sector, particularly its nonprofit segment, has created all kinds of boundaries by defining its arts organizations, its work, and itself as professional or amateur, for-profit or nonprofit, formal or informal, established or emerging. Most of these definitions are meaningless to consumers. Organizations should engage in marketing and messaging that focuses on the benefits of their activities, as opposed to reinforcing these boundaries."

Also note the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs (FL) case. It is refreshing to see that they've collaborated with other brands (MTV) to extend their reach.