Cristina Fowler arts management consultant for performing arts organizations
Cristina Fowler | Arts Management Consulting Brand Logo

Stop firefighting. Start leading.

Operational consulting for performing arts organizations ready to scale without the chaos.

Keeping an arts organization going is hard in the best of times, and there comes a point (or many points) in any organization where you reach a crossroads. You love the work you're putting out there, but you don't quite have the systems in place to support your next phase. Your board meetings accomplish nothing. Your budget process is held together with duct tape. You're doing three people's jobs because you can't figure out what position to actually hire for.

I help small and mid-sized performing arts organizations ($250K-$5M budgets) build the operational infrastructure that lets you focus on your art instead of constant administrative crisis. Twenty years of experience, now focused exclusively on helping performing arts organizations like yours work to their full potential.

Let's get to work!

I've got your back when it comes to...

Theater company strategic planning and operations consulting
Arts organization strategic operations and governance consulting
  • ORGANIZATIONAL ALIGNMENT

  • STRATEGIC OPERATIONS

  • GOVERNANCE EFFECTIVENESS

  • EVENT AND RETREAT PLANNING

the WORK

I've spent more than two decades in the organized chaos of operations, starting at Disney Theatrical Group, then later leading strategic planning at New York University. Along the way, I've managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led organizational restructurings, overseen capital projects, designed HR systems, and generated new revenue streams. But here's what I've learned: It's all about people. Sustainable success isn't about working harder; it's about articulating a clear mission to guide every decision, getting suitable and sustainable systems in place, and gathering and supporting the right people on your team to make it all happen - with shared joy and satisfaction.

That's where I come in.

I strive to help small to mid-sized organizations move from constant crisis mode to intentional, strategic growth. Maybe you're stuck in the weeds without the staff or systems in place to allow for a growth mindset. Maybe you can't afford more full-time help, or you're not sure exactly who or what you need. Maybe you know something needs to change but are unclear on where to start.

I get it. And I can help.

My approach is straightforward: I ask a lot of questions, get to the root of what's actually going on (it may not be what you think!), and work alongside you to build an infrastructure that lets you lead instead of constantly fighting fires. I'll look at your team, your board, your budget, and your systems to help you see what's working, what's not, and what's possible. Then we'll start from where you are to build something that actually fit your reality, rather than use a one-size-fits-all template. Whatever your specific needs may be, I bring both strategic expertise and a genuine commitment to you and your goals.

CRISTINA FOWLER

arts management consulting

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