General arts management resources

• Introduction to Arts Management by Jim Volz. Guidance in all areas of management, with humor and real-world examples.

• Performing Arts Management: A Handbook of Professional Practices by Tobie S. Stein and Jessica Bathurst. More of an encyclopedia than a book, this comprehensive guide covers mission statements, board structure, marketing, fundraising, education, facility management, touring and financial management.

Communicating

Part 1 – To audiences and communities

• The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk. A refreshing approach to developing and caring for your audience/clients/customers.

• The New Rules of Marketing & PR: How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News Releases, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly by David Meerman Scott. Overview of many outlets with up-to-date info on Facebook algorithms, current trends and more, updated for 2022.

• Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World by Gary Vaynerchuk. The best book we’ve found on social media strategy that will help your content rise above the noise.

• The Media Training Bible: 101 Things You Absolutely, Positively Need To Know Before Your Next Interview by Brad Phillips. Great preparation for dealing with the media.

• Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World by Melissa Agnes. More excellent crisis advice.

Part 2 – To colleagues, employers and other humans in your life

• Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher, William L. Ury, Bruce Patton. Classic guide to navigating difficult situations and arriving at win-win resolutions.

• Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro. Another classic – negotiations, whether it’s in a personal, artistic or professional realm, is hard, and knowing how emotions play a role will strengthen your position.

Raising Money

Part 1 – Grants

• The Only Grant Writing Book You’ll Ever Need – great outline of researching grants, writing them, and handling them once you have them.

• And if you’re in Minnesota, serving on grant panels for the Minnesota State Arts Board or your area Regional Arts Council is both an important community service and an invaluable way to improve your own grant-writing skills. If you’re not in Minnesota, contact your local/state arts funding groups and see if they offer similar opportunities.

• Foundation Directory Online (subscription required for detailed data, but there is a free version online and full version is available free at Minneapolis Central Library) National grant listings.

Part 2 – Corporate sponsorships

• The Sponsorship Seeker’s Toolkit, Fourth Edition by Kim Skildum-Reid and Anne-Marie Grey. Smart, clear guidance on how sponsorships work, serving the needs of all involved parties.

• Part 3 – Individual donors
  Yours for the Asking by Reynold Levy. A clear-headed approach, from someone who’s not afraid to ask for money.

Running your company and your life

• The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit by Beth Kanter and Aliza Sherman. Inspirational guide with real-world suggestions how to make your life and your organization healthier.

• The Freelancer’s Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Have the Career of Your Dreams – On Your Terms by Sara Horowitz. Guidance on contracts, insurance, setting fees, taxes, marketing yourself and much more.

• Update your résumé and online profile with F*ck Your Resume: The Revolutionary Guide to Getting Hiring in the Digital Age

• Becoming a nonprofit – Minnesota Council of Nonprofits walks through all the steps involved on a state and federal level.