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Behind the Mission: Leading Arts Institutions for the Long Term

Cambridge Associates
Behind the Mission: Leading Arts Institutions for the Long Term

What does it take to build an arts institution that lasts?

Arts organizations do more than stage performances—they strengthen communities, nurture youth, and create moments of meaning that can last a lifetime. But behind that impact is something rarely seen: the leadership, governance, and financial stewardship that help those institutions endure.

Explore what it takes to sustain mission-driven arts organizations over the long term

Host Willis Wilson is joined by Margaret Chen, Partner and Head of Endowment & Foundation Practice at Cambridge Associates and Board Chair of Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, and Maeesha Merchant, COO, CFO, and EVP of the Colburn School, a client to Cambridge Associates.

Together, they discuss why the performing arts matter to young people and communities, how non-profit arts institutions can balance mission with financial discipline, and what leaders and boards need to get right to build organizations that endure.

This podcast episode will cover:

  • How endowments, fundraising, and financial planning support long-term mission delivery
  • Why succession planning and institutional resilience matter for organizations built to last
  • How leadership and governance help non-profit arts organizations fulfill their missions
  • What strong board-executive partnerships look like in practice
  • Why the performing arts and arts education matter to communities, civic life, and young people

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

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About Cambridge Associates

Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm with 50+ years of institutional investing experience. We partner with private clients, endowments, foundations, pension plans, and corporations to design and manage custom portfolios focused on generating alpha and achieving investment objectives. Our services include outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension, and alternative asset class mandates. Learn more about us.

 

Cambridge Conversations is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company.

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