Reimagining Arts Nonprofit Infrastructure: A Call to Action

In a powerful piece by Thaddeus Squire, founder of CultureWorks, he explores the challenges and opportunities within the arts nonprofit sector. The post highlights the inefficiencies caused by the widespread institutionalization of creative vision into small, standalone nonprofits, which often results in fragmented resources and fragile organizations. Squire proposes a transformative solution: management commons, a shared infrastructure model that allows artists and cultural initiatives to access essential nonprofit resources—such as tax-exempt status, HR, and financial management—without needing to form independent entities.

By embracing comprehensive fiscal sponsorship (Model “A”), arts organizations can achieve greater resilience, efficiency, and equity, enabling artists to focus on their creative work rather than administrative burdens. This model fosters collaboration, reduces costs, and supports diverse, sustainable artistic practices.

Squire calls for a cultural shift to challenge outdated norms, educate stakeholders, and expand the adoption of shared infrastructure models to build a more just, flourishing arts ecosystem.

“Let’s support artists in doing what they do best—creating.”

Read the full post to explore how management commons can transform the future of the arts nonprofit sector.