Operating Support

Present and host high quality performances that are eclectic and inclusive, and offer a mix of styles and disciplines that are innovative and diverse in their viewpoints and traditions. Performances will emphasize women artists and leaders, with content focusing on contemporary issues that women face. Artistic programming will help launch low or no-cost opportunities for deeper dialogue between artists and students, faculty, staff, and general public audiences. 130 events will be presented or hosted for an audience of 94,400 patrons. Our calendar expanded from 110 days of activity in the fiscal year 2012 season to 180 in the fiscal year 2013 season. Of these, 19 events were presented or co-presented, an increase of 20% from the previous year. Support for local artists increased 75% from the previous season, and artists of color were the primary artists featured in 14 of the fiscal year 2013 presenting events. An eclectic mix of dance, music, and theater was offered in fiscal year 2013 presenting season. The Women of Substance brand was officially re-launched and strengthened through co-presenting partnerships with Northrop Auditorium, Red House Records, and Sue McLean and Associates. Educational workshops were offered to select Saint Paul Public School students through the GIRL Initiative for the four dance events co-presented with Northrop. Community partner programming continued its strong multicultural emphasis, including Irish, Chinese, Korean, Hmong, and Indian dance and music events. 2: Support the arts community by nurturing rental clients with guidance, advice, and expertise in ticket pricing, audience development, marketing, and technical production. Arts groups will be supported in their efforts to further develop their art and grow their respective audiences. Minnesota artists seeking a large venue with which to grow their art form and their audience will find their needs accommodated by The O’Shaughnessy. We overhauled our contracts, rental information templates, and processes to better match client needs. Production and event meeting frequency increased, to better service production needs and allow staff to find ways to increase the technical sophistication of the event and potentially save costs. Clients were consulted on policy changes to increase safety, security and usability of the space. Ticketing consultations were put in place, and we moved some clients to more of a dynamic pricing model. Marketing efforts were put in place to better promote shows through electronic means. This resulted in an increase of consistency in the process of the show productions. The outcome had a greater impact on the artistic process, and less on the actual production itself. With our new Web site, scheduled for launch in September 2013, rental clients will have their own listings and Web site links.