Welcome to 2023. Somewhere between hanging twinkle lights and singing Auld Lang Syne the holidays impose the inevitable: deciding what new year’s resolution will positively propel us into the future. Those of us who say “what’s the point” when asked about our resolution usually do so based on our past disappointing level of resolve and promptly omit ourselves from the competition. This year, however, the resolution-averse at DRMTM see a point to a 2023 intention: Purpose. Rediscovering and passionately living your purpose.
Recently our head of research, Surale, brought up the drastic trend we’re seeing among arts and culture organizations searching for answers to their make-or-break problems. With survival at stake and communities to engage, they simply want to know and affirm their purpose.
Defining your purpose sounds daunting, like searching for the Holy Grail. But trust us, it isn’t. In fact, DRMTM has been teaching arts and culture organizations how to connect with their higher purpose since our beginning. Here’s how.
Ask the bigger question.
What do you do? We get all kinds of answers when we survey organizations going through our branding process. “What do you do?” is a favorite question of ours. We get responses such as teach and perform music, dance or theater. Operate a children’s garden. Provide art therapy for youth and veterans. Then we ask the next question.
What do you really do? An organization’s higher purpose is at the pinnacle of programs, mission and vision. It’s where your true impact lies. You don’t just teach and perform – you nurture and promote human expression. You don’t just operate a children’s garden – you open eyes to life, creativity and ecology. You don’t just provide art therapy – you promote healing and well-being. You get it.
Have a community conversation.
Do your research. You won’t really understand your purpose until you know if it is aligned with what your community wants and needs from their arts and culture leaders. Are you making a difference? How? Is your presence meaningful to your community? We guarantee that if you aren’t sure of your purpose, the people outside your doors are. They can tell you your purpose.
For all these great reasons, we are pushing purpose in 2023 and beyond until every arts organization knows theirs. Heaven forbid the word purpose shows up on Big Duck’s list of overused words this year, ‘cause we love it and always will. Look for more purpose-full emails this month and February.
Reach out to us at hello@thedrmtm.com or LinkedIn and we’ll help you find, know and live out your arts and culture purpose.
Here’s to doing it on purpose,
Surale + Laura + Cheryl