What are the challenges for community arts these days?

I'm going to manage a community arts classes and make small festivals. Does anyone know what the challenges are? Thanks.

What are the challenges for community arts these days?myspace background

Money and audience: there is never enough of either. Publicity is expensive, and many times there is just too much going on to support another group of events. What's important is that you know who is in your market niche and how best to reach them.

What are the challenges for community arts these days?flash myspace myspace.com

Lack of funding is a big one. Audience publicity too. I play in the community band in the summers and over 3/4 of our audience comes from nursing home type residents. The other 1/4 are family of band members.

A great way to overcome lack of audience is to have your ensembles play at well established festivals, like summer street fairs, county and state fairs, etc. Also, smaller ensembles (clarinet choir, flute choir, brass choir) can give more frequent recitals at many different locations. Visual art can often be displayed in public libraries.

The most important thing to remember about community art programs is that they're meant to be enjoyed by first and foremost the musicians and artists involved.