Opening night nerves have never run so high. Returning to the arts stage after so much time away (and under an ongoing public pandemic) carries an intense level of expectation for an engaging but safe experience. For both audiences and performers, we are eager, excited and riddled with anxiety all at the same time.
After 588 dark days, UMS (University Musical Society) of Ann Arbor, MI shared news about their recent opening night calling it “unforgettable” and “a night to remember.” They asked attendees: what words best described how the experience of being back at a live event made you feel?
Now, the DRMTM loves us some juicy, flavorful terms and this little cloud is full of word candy. Besides the obvious biggies like happy and excited — and empathizing with a few uneasy returners — there is true treasure here. Words like humanized, home, overjoyed, reborn, liberated, uplifted and transported describe what the arts really deliver.
In our DRMTM workshop we ask organizations, “what do you do? what do you really do?” The answer: it’s not managing collections, giving tours or offering performances.
It’s sharing your higher purpose — like creating transcendent experiences, forming community, connecting and healing through art, or carving space for everyone to belong.
The UMS word cloud proves it. We recommend asking your audiences what it feels like to be back, then chow down on that tasty word burger covered in your extra special sauce. There’s nothing like comfort food to ease any remaining anxiety.
WYT/Worth Your Time
American Decay, the new book by photographer Bryan Sansivero, continues his exploration of the art of America’s abandoned houses. Capturing life, death, sadness and beauty, these works of art are unusually spellbinding.
LOOK WHO’S BOLD AF
Historic sites have long counted on events and celebrations to supplement budgets and care for historic museums and properties. Now plantation weddings and celebrations at sites of enslavement are being reconsidered for good reason. The National Trust for Historic Preservation just issued a new six-part series on the subject. “Reconsidering Celebrations at Sites of Enslavement” explores the history of places of enslavement and recent efforts taken by the National Trust to ethically steward and interpret those sites for visitors. Explore the entrenched meaning behind these places and how the historic preservation field continues to address the challenges of presenting the full story.
READY. SET. REIMAGINE.
Does your brand say what you really do? We ask all the right questions to develop your bold, compelling brand. Just email hello@thedrmtm.com. Your next word cloud can be filled with flavorful words, too!
Never settle,
Surale + Laura + Cheryl
Research + Messaging + Design
If you don’t want different, you don’t want DRMTM.