17-member task force formed three subcommittees and working groups; Conducted more than 40 meetings with internal and external stakeholders
DALLAS – For nearly six months, a 17-member task force of business, civic, and nonprofit leaders has reviewed the governance policies of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) to propose recommendations that foster greater accountability and put safeguards in place to prevent future challenges for the cultural institution.
In connection with its work, the task force formed three subcommittees—marketing and branding, stakeholder engagement, and governance—to better understand how a recent unionization campaign may have impacted the institution’s branding, fundraising, and stakeholder relationships.
While completing a thorough examination, members of the task force’s stakeholder engagement subcommittee gathered insights from more than 40 stakeholders, including elected and appointed officials; DBDT board members and employees; philanthropic leaders; and high-level executives within the Dallas Arts District.
“Heading into the 50th season of our city’s largest and longest-standing professional dance company, the task force recognized the importance of listening to voices from every corner of the community,” said Shawn Williams, Co-Chair of the DBDT Advisory Stakeholder Task Force. “Thanks to decades of visionary leadership, DBDT has carried the cultural legacy of Dallas onto the global stage—and with focused attention in a few key areas, our entire task force believes the institution can continue to thrive as a cornerstone of artistic excellence in North Texas and beyond.”
The governance subcommittee examined the institution’s bylaws, human resources policy handbook, dancer handbook and a report analyzing the termination of dancers from the Inspector General Division of the City of Dallas Attorney’s Office, while the marketing and
branding subcommittee reviewed the current fundraising activity, ticket sales, and revenue. Independently, the task force commissioned a brand assessment to evaluate the past and current sentiment of the institution in earned and social media.
Additionally, the task force was educated on the status of the institution’s relationship with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
“From what we learned and from what we heard, our recommendations are clear and concise. And we are heartened that our recommendations were unanimously accepted by the DBDT Board of Directors,” said Jennifer Scripps, Co-Chair of the DBDT Advisory Stakeholder Task Force. “We thank the civic leaders, city officials, and philanthropic partners that generously shared their perspectives and reaffirmed their commitment to the future of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.”
The task force’s recommendations can be found online at www.dbdt.com.
