MACON – Townsend School of Music is presenting internationally renowned artists and scholars for the community in a new, open lecture series focused on music, philosophy and the arts.
David Mallette, president of Management Consultants for the Arts, will kick off the series with a discussion of “Leadership in Nonprofit Arts Organizations” on Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.
The series is free and open to the public, held in Neva Langley Fickling Hall in McCorkle Music Building. Those working in arts and culture fields around Middle Georgia are encouraged to attend.
The symposium will focus on how the nonprofit arts field is in the midst of multiple tectonic shifts, including demographic changes, the natural evolution of art, digital delivery platforms, labor challenges, EDIA (equity, diversity, inclusion and access) values and other challenges.
Prior to working at Management Consultant for the Arts, Mallette’s professional arts management experience began in 1984 at Houston’s Alley Theatre, where he was charged with both theatre operations and touring productions. He then joined Houston Ballet as company manager, where he was extensively involved in new productions and touring.
In 1990, Mallette was asked to join what was then Fort Worth Ballet as executive director. During his tenure, Fort Worth Ballet would triple in size through its expansion across the region and the state, first as Fort Worth Dallas Ballet, then as Texas Ballet Theater. While he was executive director, the company performed in more than 40 cities, including Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago and dozens of communities across Texas. At his departure from Texas Ballet Theater in 2005, his 15-year tenure made him the longest-serving ballet executive director in North America.
“Mr. Mallette’s extensive knowledge of the arts management world will help give our students understanding and knowledge as they navigate the business aspects of the arts upon graduation,” said Dr. Gary Gerber, dean of Townsend School of Music.
The Townsend Symposia on Music, Philosophy and the Arts will also feature inspirational speaker Terry Hershey on Feb. 8, 2023.
