Update from the Director of the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga University

Hello everyone!

A few weeks ago I received an early snapshot of the results from the "Culture + Community in a Time of Crisis" Survey that was sent to almost 122K people during a period at the beginning of May. Over 650 cultural organizations sent the survey to a portion of their mailing lists (including the MWPAC) - we were asked not to send it to everyone so that a second round of the study could happen this fall.

Here are a couple of interesting facts from the survey:

• 77% of the people who responded had no formal arts affiliation
• Audiences want cultural organizations to play an active role during the crisis
• The role of digital in audience engagement - digital is primarily an audience-building and retention tool, rather than a revenue driver for organizations (76% have seen digital activities, 53% used or participated in digital offerings, and 2% have paid for one or more digital offerings)
• Planning for future attendance - audiences are basing their decisions to resume attendance to in-person arts and culture experiences on 5 key factors:
  • An increase in cleaning
  • Presence of a vaccine
  • A reduction in admission levels
  • Masks for visitors
  • Announcement from government or public health officials saying it is safe to return

Of course, much has happened in Spokane over the past two months in terms of COVID-19 (moving into Phase 2, a spike in cases, etc.), and I would be interested in hearing any feedback from our E-mail Club members regarding the facts above, especially your thoughts regarding digital engagement if we're not able to have in-person performances right away.  Please feel free to respond to this e-mail - we're listening!

And have a happy Fourth of July weekend!

Laura Sims, Director
Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center

MYRTLE WOLDSON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BOX OFFICE:

Monday - Friday, noon - 5pm
509-313-2787  (313-ARTS)
211 E DeSmet Ave, Spokane, Washington