Cultural Venue Planning and Operations

BCG partners with clients to develop detailed operational, programmatic and financial plans for proposed new and operating cultural facilities. We work closely with performing organizations as they prepare for utilization of a new venue. Client assignments have included feasibility and fundraising assessments, bond financing support, building governance and management, program planning, fundraising, and advocacy.

Sample Clients and Projects:

• Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Concert Hall
• Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Segerstrom Hall
• Kansas City Symphony, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
• City of Bellevue, Washington, Tateuchi Center
• City of Charleston, South Carolina, Gaillard Center

Financial Management and Accounting

Financial analysis, planning, and management are at the core of BCG’s consulting service. We guide clients in the development of improved financial systems, reporting, audits, and related functions. BCG builds financial models to support strategic planning, operations, fundraising, and marketing initiatives. Our team is available to provide ongoing accounting services, financial reporting, forensic projects, audits, and reviews. We take a disciplined approach to fiscal issues.

Sample Clients and Projects:

• San Francisco Ballet Association and Endowment Foundation
• Nashville Symphony Orchestra
• League of American Orchestras

Strategic Planning and Problem Solving

Sound planning is at the core of strong management. BCG partners with Boards of Directors and management teams to build reality-based and flexible strategic plans. While developing or updating strategic plans organizations often encounter core challenges ranging from the need for enhanced capitalization, to integrating new venues and programs, to overcoming persistent operational hurdles. We work with clients to meet these challenges, create sustainable solutions, build a long-term strategic vision, and achieve short- and long-term success.

Sample Clients and Projects:

• The Saint Paul Foundation / Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
• San Francisco Ballet Association
• Brewery Arts Center (Carson City, Nevada)
• Kansas City Symphony
• Philadelphia Orchestra

Interim Management Services/Management Recruitment

Steven Bronfenbrenner is often retained to provide interim senior management services – typically as a component of a broader portfolio of consulting services. He has served as an interim Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director, and in a variety of fundraising capacities. Such assignments typically include a concurrent recruitment effort to retain a permanent executive. Steven coordinates and advances this process.

Sample Clients and Projects:

• Tucson Symphony Orchestra
• Long Beach Symphony Orchestra
• The Charleston Gaillard Center
• League of American Orchestras

Programming and Marketing Initiatives

BCG develops and implements unique and cost-effective techniques for evaluating performing-arts marketing strategies and programming models. Data-driven models guide market and demand assessments, leading to informed and successful decisions. Pricing strategies are an important focus – emphasizing responsive scaling and price points, dynamic pricing, market segmentation and related techniques. We focus on opportunities for revenue diversification including effective membership programs, Internet-based revenue generation, sales programs, and philanthropic support.
Sample Clients of Projects:

• Pacific Symphony Orchestra
• Portland Symphony Orchestra
• Nashville Symphony Orchestra
• Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra

Capital and Operational Fundraising

BCG partners with clients in successful capital and operational fundraising efforts. We work in all phases of campaign planning and execution: developing financial analysis, creating case documents, cultivation and solicitation, campaign management, and information systems.
Sample Organizations and Projects:

• San Francisco Ballet Association
• Settlement Music School
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Gaillard Performance Hall Foundation

Information Technology

Organizations are frequently overwhelmed by the requirements for building and managing effective information technology systems. BCG works with clients across a range of technology projects including system selection and implementation, database clean-up and management, report portfolios, staff training, and security protocols. Our expertise includes network management, system utilization, and user support.

Sample Clients and Projects:

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• Bay Area Discovery Museum
• Blackbaud projects
• San Francisco Ballet Association