How “Small” Are Small Arts Organizations?

Abstract

Small arts organizations (SAO) have not been studied in the field of cultural policy and arts administration despite their purported importance. Through a review of the literature and extensive personal communications with professionals in the arts world, various meanings and manifestations of “smallness” across the creative sector are explored, highlighting the significant role of SAOs and their dynamic ecology. Multiple indicators of “smallness” are identified, whose possible combinations can enhance our ability to recognize both the uniqueness and sub-categories of organizations that currently are grouped into a single category of “small” arts organizations.