Best of 2023: Evolution
As we reflect on 2023 and what the year meant for Grand Performances, the words “urgency,” “evolution,” and “reach” often come to mind.
Urgency - because this was the first full season under our new leadership team. In 2022 we flew by the seat of our pants with many artist bookings and new processes being created on the fly. In 2023 we had time to settle into our roles, plan and then execute. We did this with an urgency to forge a new path for GP while also honoring its 37 year legacy.
Also, Los Angeles and the performing arts world were still recovering from the pandemic and its profound economic and social impacts. Artists were (and still are) struggling. Concert attendance and nonprofit funding were not (and still aren’t) predictable. The urgency to move forward and test the waters, regardless of global uncertainties, was real.
Evolution - with our new team came new initiatives. 2023 saw us revamp and evolve our Membership and vendor programs, launch our TikTok channel, develop GP merch - including designer clothes and unique concert posters for each event.
Our new world-class lighting system, made possible by a generous grant from the Ahmanson Foundation, illuminated Cal Plaza in unprecedented ways during our shows. Behind the scenes, we created more internship and career mentorship programs to foster young talent to keep our spirit of evolution going.
Reach - GP really extended its reach this season in a number of measurable ways. Thanks to stellar artist curation, new partnerships, and improved marketing, we reached many new audiences. Our total attendance for the entire season grew from 9,000 last year to 25,000 this year! We grew our newsletter audience by 50%. Our social media performance saw huge bumps too: