Econ 185/80J
The Value and Support of the Arts
UCSC Fall 2004
Basic “Texts”
èFlorida, Richard, The Rise of the Creative Class [Basic Books, 2002]
èMcCarthy, Kevin, et. al. The Performing Arts in a New Era [Pew Charitable Trust/RAND, 2001]
èSalamon, Lester, The Resilient Sector: The State of Nonprofit America [Brookings Institution/Aspen Institute 2002]
èClass Reader
Note: Final exam (required) will be on Wednesday, December 8 (7:30-10:30)
Part 1 The Social Sector
September 29
David Kaun (UCSC)
Lance Lanires (Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County)
An analysis using Burt Nanus’s three sector model of the economy. The norm in economics has been to characterize the economy in a two-fold manner: the public (government) and the private (profit oriented) sectors. It is in these two sectors where the wants and needs of society are assumed to be met. In reality, a third sector, what Nanus refers to as the “social sector” has come to play an ever increasing and crucial function in our society. This sector is made up largely (but not exclusively) of firms operating under non-profit status. It is in this social sector where the vital educational, health, welfare, spiritual, and cultural “products” emanate. While central to the overall well-being of society, this sector has received little attention in contrast to the traditional public/private characterization. At the same time there is a growing literature that offers the opportunity for considerable study.
The first week of the course will be devoted to a discussion of the Social Sector, with a brief analysis of some of the main components—health, education, religion—being the main focus of discussion during the first half of the period. The second half of the period will be devoted to a discussion of funding aspects facing many of these groups.
Part 2 Art and Culture—The Broad Outlines
October 6
David Kaun
The second week of the course will be devoted to a more intensive discussion of what will be the main focal point of the remainder of the course, art and culture. Here we will consider the broad macro economic aspects, with a focus on the non-profit portion of the sector (as distinct from what may be thought of as more popular/commercial aspects); in particular, the size of the sector in terms of GDP and employment, as well as the economic rationale for non-profit status of the participating firms.
Part 3 Art and Culture—The Specifics
October 13-November 10
Ann McCrow UCSC Arts Development
Bev Grova Steinbeck Center
Michelle Witt UCSC Arts and Lectures
Ellen Primack Tom Fredricks Cabirllo Music Festival
Dean Silvers Santa Cruz Baroque Festival
In the next five weeks, we will hear from these individuals, professionals with direct experience in arts management, board development, production and fundraising. Each of these five weeks will be devoted to one or more of the following:
a) The role of the artistic director in confronting the inherent conflict between quality and production cost.
b) The role of the artistic manager in dealing with the same issues, and in relationship with the organization’s board of directors and artistic director.
c) The role of the board of directors in dealing with the artistic director, manager, and public.
d) The role of the development officer in facilitating the quality and expansion of arts offerings in a university.
e) The role of the program director in developing public offerings that are of high quality and can survive in an era of ever shrinking public funds.
f) The role of community support in support of many social sector functions—in this area, there is the possibility of considering issues such as fund-raising and development, donor development, program development, as well as the legal aspects of gift giving that influence the amount and nature of major contributions.
Part 4 A “Departure” and Special Bonus
November 17
Ten Mile Tide
The class will move to the College Nine Event Center, where we will be able to discuss the world of contemporary popular music. Ten Mile Tide, one of San Francisco’s leading folk-rock band will be meeting with the class. Every aspect of the band’s life—its formation, the uniqueness of its music, life on tour and life with downloading—will be open to the class via discussion and example. The class meeting (5-7) will be followed by a concert performance open to the campus community.
Part 5 The Value of Creativity in Society
November 24 (Thanksgiving Eve: no formal class meeting, with activity TBA)
December 1
David Kaun
In the last week of the course we will turn to the impact that art and culture are thought to have on society. The discussion will focus on the intriguing and unique arguments brought forth in Richard Florida’s book, The Rise of the Creative Class. In a simplistic sense, Florida suggests that the notion, “keep Santa Cruz weird,” may in fact create a climate that is in the end vibrant and healthy. A conclusion that is applicable at the world and national level as well.
FINAL EXAM
7:30-10:30 December 8
There will be a final discussion and final exam. If you plan to take the course, the final exam must be included in you plans.
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