One Bold Move Forward

Dear Dreamers and Doers,

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2026, let’s consider the last year’s struggles not to hold us back or induce dread, but to inspire us for progress and growth. Let’s embrace risk and change in the name of being bold, stepping up, and showing up for the communities who count on us.

Here’s what we know after weathering the storms of recent years: Arts and culture organizations that survived — and even thrived — didn’t do it by playing it safe. They made bold moves. Sometimes uncomfortable ones. Often risky ones. Always necessary ones.

Remember Triangle Youth Music? They completely reimagined their identity, moving from the stuffy-sounding “Philharmonic Association” to a name that actually spoke to their community. Resource Depot declared “ENF” (Enough Already) and turned environmental messaging on its head. These weren’t safe choices. They were bold moves that transformed their organizations.

Your Bold Move Matters

We’ve been asking leaders across the country: If you could make one bold move at your organization in 2026, what would it be?

The answers have been inspiring:

“Finally change our name to reflect who we really serve.”

“Stop chasing every grant and focus on our true purpose.”

“Tell our board we need to look different to serve our community better.”

“Admit our brand is holding us back and do something about it.”

These aren’t just wishes. They’re declarations of intent. They’re the first step in transformation.

DRMTM’s Own Bold Move

In the spirit of walking our talk, DRMTM is making our own big, bad-ass, bold moves forward. We’re excited to create change in the DRMTM universe and will make a big announcement in February about the future of DRMTM brands. (Yes, we’re being mysterious. Yes, it’s worth the wait.)

What we can tell you is this: We’re not just tweaking around the edges. We’re reimagining how we can better serve more of you in creating brands that don’t just communicate but transform (and that’s not a word we throw around lightly). Brands that don’t just identify but ignite. Brands that help incredible causes like yours make their own bold moves with confidence and clarity.

The Risk of Not Risking

The biggest risk isn’t making a bold move. It’s standing still while the world changes around you.

Safe choices feel comfortable, but comfort doesn’t create connection. It doesn’t inspire support. It doesn’t build movements or change lives. And let’s be honest — it doesn’t raise money either.

Your community isn’t looking for another generic arts organization. They’re looking for you — the bold, authentic, unapologetic version of you that knows exactly why you matter and isn’t afraid to say it.

Your Turn

So here’s our challenge to you as we start 2026: What’s your one bold move?

Not ten moves. Not a five-year strategic plan. Just one bold move that would change everything.

Tell us about it. We’re collecting your bold moves to share across our social channels — not just as inspiration, but as evidence that change is happening, that courage is contagious, and that the arts are ready to lead rather than follow.

Email your bold move to hello@thedrmtm.com or tag us on social with #OneBoldMove2026. Let’s make this the year we stop playing it safe and start playing to win.

Here’s to Bold Moves and Brave Hearts,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

P.S. Mark your calendars — our big DRMTM announcement drops February 4th. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this. It’s our boldest move yet.