Arts NFP - Developing Strategy

We helped a performing arts organisation to develop an
evidence-based strategy that responded to COVID-19.

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Client Situation

  • Our client is a Victorian-based performing arts organisation who delivers classical music performances and education

  • The organisation needed to develop a new 5yr strategic plan, as well as short-term strategies to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic which continued to cause significant disruptions to its performances

  • Acutus was engaged to develop a detailed ‘Fact Base’ and then facilitate the Board’s strategy day

Our Approach

  • We commenced the project by engaging with key stakeholders to understand their views on how the organisation had tracked on its strategic plan

  • We analysed historical operational performance (activity, ticket sales, audience, musicians) and financial performance (economics, funding mix, donations)

  • We profiled key competitors and then benchmarked our client against key measures

  • The ‘Fact Base’ was provided to participants as pre-read with accompanying homework tasks

  • We then facilitated the Board’s strategy day, focussing on both short-term COVID-19 responses as well as longer-term strategic planning

Outcome

  • Our ‘Fact Base’ provided the Board and Executive with a common understanding of the organisation’s performance and competitive context

  • The workshop outputs included short-term strategies for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term strategies to grow audiences and leverage digital platforms

Darren McGowan