Loyola University is hosting Aubrey Bergauer, an influential figure in the classical music and arts management world, for a special guest lecture on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the Nunemaker Auditorium. Bergauer will be presenting insights from her recently published book, “Run It Like a Business: Strategies for Arts Organizations to Increase Audiences, Remain Relevant, and Multiply Money–Without Losing the Art.”
Following the lecture, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Bergauer during a book signing session.
Aubrey Bergauer is celebrated for her innovative and data-driven approach to transforming arts organizations. Described as “the Steve Jobs of classical music” by the Observer and “the Sheryl Sandberg of the symphony” by the LA Review of Books, Bergauer is renowned for her dynamic leadership and strategic vision. Her career includes pivotal roles at prestigious institutions such as the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Most notably, as the chief executive of the California Symphony, she succeeded in doubling the audience size and nearly quadrupling the donor base.
Bergauer’s work is characterized by her commitment to shifting organizations from a mindset of scarcity to one of opportunity. She excels in creating strategic plans that increase revenue, expand audiences and enhance overall relevance. Her expertise extends to digital content and technology, as well as prioritizing diversity and inclusion within the arts.
A Rice University graduate, Bergauer’s influence and thought leadership have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Thrive Global and Southwest Airlines magazines. She is a sought-after speaker at TEDx events, Adobe’s Magento conferences, universities and various industry gatherings globally.
In her presentation, Bergauer will tackle the often-contentious idea of running arts organizations like businesses. She will argue that, despite being non-profits, arts organizations must adopt sustainable business practices to thrive and fulfill their missions effectively. Drawing on extensive data, research and case studies from the for-profit sector, she will explore strategies for customer engagement, enhancing user experiences, fostering positive company culture, leveraging the subscription economy, utilizing digital content, creating new revenue streams and maintaining brand relevance.
Bergauer’s book, published by BenBella Books in February 2024, emphasizes that the revenue generated by arts organizations should be reinvested into their missions. She believes that a sustainable business model is crucial for revitalizing the arts sector, making it a more robust economic engine, and better serving both the art and its audiences.
This event is free and open to the public. It promises to be an enlightening evening for anyone involved in or passionate about the arts and cultural sectors. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights from one of the leading voices in arts management today.
For more information, go here.
