The Audacity of Relevance

Critical Conversations on the Future of Arts and Culture

De: Alex Sarian

Narrado por: Alex Sarian

The arts and culture sector is in crisis—a crisis of relevance. Whether it’s grappling with dwindling audience sizes, shifting trends in philanthropy, or addressing social challenges, experts have been documenting this slow decline for decades.

At the core of Alex Sarian’s international career is the conviction that cultural organizations must embrace a greater civic purpose and build a new business model—one based on the social impact of the arts.

Throughout The Audacity of Relevance, Sarian engages in conversations with leaders from across industries to paint a potential future for arts organizations—a future built on measuring our sector’s success by how positively we can influence the many local communities that surround us.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned executive or are just beginning in your career—the principles and anecdotes in this book will inspire you to see the world of arts and culture for what it truly is: filled with endless possibilities for reinvention.

©2024 Alex Sarian (P)2024 ECW Press

Reseñas de la Crítica

“The Audacity of Relevance isn’t just for arts leaders but for artists, philanthropists, and arts-loving audiences. It provides a modern look at our organizations and invites us to break the echo chambers we operate in. By forcing us to see the world differently, Alex Sarian asks us to rethink our purpose by leaning into our shared humanity.”—Sarah Arison, Trustee, MoMA

“The Audacity of Relevance offers a new and compelling paradigm for the arts—one rooted in service, participation, and humility—that has the potential to transform our community for the better. Through a brilliantly curated set of anecdotes and provocations, Alex Sarian dares us to reimagine an arts ecosystem that returns to its rightful place: at the very core of our shared human experience.”—Clive Chang, President & CEO, YoungArts

“Alex Sarian asks the questions we should all be asking, and the voices he’s gathered in conversation are the ones we need to listen to. The touchstone values he endorses—humility, generosity, and authentic engagement with communities—should be the rallying cry for the performing arts today.”—Christopher Deacon, President & CEO, Canada’s National Arts Centre

Fantastic book - I hope all arts administrators read it!

Loved this book! As someone who has worked in the arts my entire career, I found Alex Sarian’s words deeply resonant and profoundly true. His insights remind us that when arts organizations focus on building strong connections with their communities, they not only become more meaningful but also strengthen the very fabric of the places they serve. Thank you for writing this inspiring and essential read!