2025 APAP|NYC Conference Preview - International Arts Manager (2025)

“We cannot sit back”

With discretionary funding under threat and significant industry changes looming, the 2025 APAP|NYC Conference arrives at a critical juncture for the performing arts. Lisa Richards Toney outlines how this gathering will address everything from audience evolution to advocacy, while empowering arts leaders to find solutions within themselves

Why is the 2025 APAP|NYC Conference particularly significant?

This is an election year in the United States, and that’s a big deal for all of us. There is so much uncertainty around how this country will move forward and how we move forward in the performing arts. Some may say the arts aren’t political, but inevitably we are political because we take up space in the world and have a point of view.

With significant federal spending priorities on the horizon, there are concerns about discretionary funding that affects the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). That’s a trickle-down effect from the NEA and then to each of the states, and then further subdivisions within that. These challenges are why we cannot sit back and ignore. We need to keep our foot on the gas in terms of our presence and visibility.

What are the key concerns facing the industry?

We’re looking at a lot of federal spending priorities that are very expensive and the question becomes: how much money will be left for discretionary funds? The NEA’s budget, which is composed of these funds, supports the arts at every level—national, state and local.

These funding challenges come at a time when organisations are more vulnerable than ever. Many festivals and institutions operated in the red for years, but that’s no longer feasible. We need to rethink how we work, adapt to new realities and ensure our practices are sustainable.

How is the conference addressing these challenges?

The conference focuses on three key areas: Audience Evolution, Advocacy and Shifts in Practice. These shifts are particularly important as we adapt to new realities in the wake of the pandemic.

Seth Godin’s keynote will be a major highlight. His new book This is Strategy: Make Better Plans doesn’t ask us to look outside ourselves for solutions. Instead, it encourages us to have confidence in what we already have as leaders and innovators in the arts. That message of empowerment is crucial in this environment.

To address and assess the current state of funding, we will be hosting a conversation with US funders on the future of performing arts funding.

We will also feature innovation in how we present the arts, like immersive programming. These hands-on experiences encourage deep engagement with the work, the issues and the opportunities, fostering both personal insight and collective collaboration. You’re not just an observer—you’re fully involved.

We will also address practical concerns like labour issues, wages, retention and rest. What does it mean to have retention? How do we maintain it? What are the expectations around wage equity and transparency? These are critical questions for sustaining arts organisations and their workforces.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has become a dominant theme within the arts in recent years as organisations strive to make the profession more representative. What is APAP’s approach?

It is incredibly important to us to support the growth of a sustainable sector and DEI is essential to this. However, at APAP we prefer to take a more holistic approach. Instead of treating issues like gender and racial diversity in isolation, we focus on accessibility in its broadest sense.

The key questions we ask ourselves when devising the conference programme is: Who’s not represented in our field and why? How can APAP open pathways to training and performance opportunities? What is our role in building a sustainable and inclusive workforce?

However, this work is increasingly challenging in a political environment where DEI initiatives are under scrutiny and there are forces that believe these efforts are unnecessary. As a result, we must remain committed to accessibility and inclusion, whilst answering questions about how DEI should evolve and what this buzzword really means? At this conference we hope to spark open and active discussions around these questions and leave attendees with thought-provoking insights that they can take back to their own work.

This APAP conference emphasises the importance of generational exchange. Could you tell us more about this and how it benefits both newcomers and seasoned professionals?

Once your career is established, it’s easy to become preoccupied with helping the next generation to succeed. Whilst there is much that seasoned professionals can do to support newcomers to the industry, at APAP we believe it is essential for this to be a two-way exchange. This ensures that the industry continues to innovate and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

At the 2025 APAP conference we will facilitate generational exchange in a number of ways. For early career professionals we see our role as a platform for newcomers to learn about market dynamics, engage with those in a variety of roles across the sector and build a robust international network.

Seasoned professionals also face unique challenges in navigating a rapidly changing market and young professionals and career changers can offer insights about the role of emerging technologies and shifting audience behaviours.

Therefore, a key feature of the conference is two-way mentoring, the Mentor Exchange Live programme, where younger professionals share fresh perspectives with seasoned professionals and in exchange, they gain invaluable guidance from decades-long careers. We hope that this process strengthens intergenerational connections across the sector and supports the longevity of our industry.

As you approach the final preparations for the conference, what does success look like for you?

If people leave the conference with hope, then we’ve succeeded. This industry has been through so much over the last four years, and we know there are more changes ahead.

This conference is about giving people purpose, gratitude and focus. Careers in the arts are varied—they have ups and downs. The goal is to create a supportive community that uplifts and empowers all its members, regardless of where they are in their journey.

Top 5 must-attend events at the 2025 APAP|NYC Conference

1. Opening Plenary

Sets the tone for the conference wiwth big-picture perspectives on the performing arts landscape in this crucial election year. Features thought leadership on current industry challenges and opportunities.

2. Seth Godin’s Strategy Session

The renowned marketing expert discusses his new book on strategy, focusing on empowering arts organizations to find solutions within themselves rather than looking externally. His session will provide practical tools for navigating an ever-changing environment.

3. Professional Development Forums

Essential sessions addressing labour issues, wages, retention, and organizational health. Features discussions on audience evolution and shifts in practice across programming, operations, and management.

4. Affinity Group Meetings

Discussion-based sessions where attendees can connect with peers facing similar challenges. Perfect for finding your community within the larger conference.

5. APAP Honors Awards Breakfast

Celebrates industry achievements and is an essential networking opportunity

The 2025 APAP|NYC Conference takes place from 10 to 14 January 2025 in New York City. To preview the schedule and to register, visit janartsnyc.org/apapnyc2025preview/#3

2025 APAP|NYC Conference Preview - International Arts Manager (2025)
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