Login

NHBCA Performing Arts Attendance Survey

The New Hampshire Business Committee for the Arts commissioned a Performing Arts Attendance Survey.  The intent of the study is to support the non-profit arts sector of New Hampshire to become more effective in its audience development efforts by learning more about the interests, preferences, and behaviors of people who attend very few performing arts events in major population areas of our state.

This survey evolved from discussions of the board of the NHBCA regarding their perception of the ratio of arts performances to audience interest.  As funders, this group is concerned about the realities of placing their finite sponsorship dollars.  As citizens they are interested in supporting organizations which add value and definition to their communities.  As business people they are interested in promoting collaborations which achieve efficiencies and economies of scale.  The board is sensitive to the issue of balancing the pursuit of artistic excellence with the need to maximize attendance.

The desired outcome of the survey is to share results with all arts organizations.  They will, in turn, utilize and interpret the applicable information to help remove barriers, real or perceived, so that the greatest number of people may be entertained, educated and enlightened by the unique impact exposure to the arts in New Hampshire offers.

Major support of this project was provided by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, a statewide foundation established in 1962. This permanent endowment comes from the gifts from many individuals, families, corporations and organizations.  Earnings from the endowment are used to make grants and loans to nonprofit organizations serving the state and for scholarship awards to New Hampshire residents.

Additional support was received from NHBCA members: Citizens Bank, Jefferson Pilot Financial, Public Service of New Hampshire, Verizon, and the French Family Foundation.  Year after year these businesses continue to demonstrate their commitment to the arts in New Hampshire.

A special thank you is extended to the organizations who were the "arts anchors" and assisted in the development of the survey questions: American Stage Festival, Capitol Center for the Arts, The Colonial Theatre, Hopkins Center, and The Music Hall.

A special acknowledgment is extended to RMC Research Corporation and RKM Research and Communications.  The respective professionalism, expertise and resources these two firms contributed to the survey are immeasurable and are responsible for its success.  Without their commitment and high level of performance, this project would not have been completed.

The NHBCA was founded in 1985 to educate, motivate and recognize business participation in and support of the arts.  It has more than 70 business members and operates a variety of programs and initiatives.