APAP Conference NYC 2010 Special Focus: Performing Arts Industry Looks to Greener Pastures in the New Year

First Ever Performing Arts Industry Greening Survey Indicates Strong Desire from Organizations to Enhance Environmental Practices

NEW YORK, NY ’Äì Performing arts organizations are determined to make a positive impact on the environment. That is one of several key findings released today from the first industry-wide study of greening in the performing arts, commissioned by Arts Presenters, in partnership with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and leading consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton. The survey, designed to examine the performing arts industry's attitudes and perceptions towards environmental issues, collected empirical data from 324 organizations. 83 percent of respondents said their organizations have implemented green initiatives, but only 24 percent have formalized green policies and goals in their organizations. One-third of respondents cited a lack of resources as the main barrier to going green. 

 "We are very encouraged learning through this first ever greening study for our performing arts industry that a large number of arts organizations are interested in greening and have taken the beginning steps to reduce their environmental footprint. We are also made aware of the important role the association can play in advancing knowledge about and providing resources to help our field take significant steps to reduce their impact on the environment and engage audiences and their communities in doing the same," said Sandra Gibson, President and CEO, Arts Presenters.

Survey results indicate the following:

• The majority of organizations are committed to going green and have or are pursuing some of the first steps towards reducing their environmental footprint
• Most organizations have an informal program focused on internal and ad hoc opportunities
• Few organizations have a formal program with specific reduction commitments or the ability to measure their improvement
• Few organizations are leveraging the full scope of their impact by connecting with their audiences, where they have the greatest ability to influence behavior and have the greatest environmental impact
• Lack of resources is the most frequently cited reason for not doing more
• Organizations are only moderately effective in communicating their work to the public and impacting their behavior

 "This survey demonstrates a critical opportunity for growth in our industry," said Terrence D. Jones, President and CEO of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. "Because the arts are society's storytellers, we have a double opportunity of leading by example and using our art to encourage others to follow their own paths to environmental sustainability." The Wolf Trap Foundation has reduced its carbon footprint by 19% in two years and has commissioned environmentally-themed work as part of the summer season in the 7,000-seat Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

"It is impressive to see the number of performing arts organizations that are actively greening their facilities and operations. There are many opportunities for private and public participation in these efforts to take advantage of the enthusiasm and interest of the presenters and audiences to make even greater impact that will reduce operating costs and improve the environment," concluded David Erne, Senior Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton.

The complete survey results and analysis can be found here. 

About the Association of Performing Arts Presenters 

Founded in 1957, the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (Arts Presenters, or APAP) is the national service organization for the field of arts presenting. The organization is dedicated to developing and supporting a robust performing arts presenting field and the professionals who work in it. Arts Presenters has nearly 2,000 organizational members and brings nearly 4,000 performing arts professionals together from around the world at the annual APAP Conference NYC. Members range from the nation's leading performing arts centers, to civic and university performance facilities, to the full spectrum of artist agencies, managers, national consulting practices that service the field, and a growing roster of self-presenting artists.

Arts Presenters is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, based in Washington, D.C. and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Arts Presenters is led by its CEO Sandra Gibson, now in her ninth year. In addition to presenting the annual APAP Conference NYC ’Äì the world's leading forum and marketplace for the performing arts (January 8-12, 2010) ’Äì Arts Presenters continues to be the industry's leading resource, knowledge and networking destination for the advancement of performing arts presenting. 

About The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts 

The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization founded by Catherine Filene Shouse (1896-1994) that produces and presents a full-range of performance and education programs in the Greater Washington area, as well as nationally and internationally. Wolf Trap, America's National Park for the Performing Arts, is home to three performance venues: the Filene Center, Children's Theatre in the Woods and The Barns. The Filene Center, which operates in partnership with the National Park Service, is a 7,028-seat outdoor pavilion that showcases an extensive list of diverse artists, ranging from pop, country, folk and blues to orchestra, dance, theater and opera, as well as multimedia presentations from May through September each year; The Barns operate year round. The Wolf Trap Opera Company is one of America's outstanding resident ensemble programs for young opera singers. Wolf Trap's education programs include the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, scholarships, master classes, and internships. Visit the Wolf Trap Web site at www.wolftrap.org for more information. Terrence D. Jones is president and CEO of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. 

About Booz Allen Hamilton 

Booz Allen Hamilton has been at the forefront of strategy and technology consulting for 95 years. Every day, government agencies, institutions, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations rely on the firm's expertise and objectivity, and on the combined capabilities and dedication of our exceptional people to find solutions and seize opportunities. Providing a broad range of services in strategy, operations, organization and change, information technology, systems engineering, and program management, Booz Allen is committed to delivering results that endure.

With more than 22,000 people, Booz Allen generates $4.5 billion in annual revenue. To learn more about the firm, visit www.boozallen.com.