"A must-read for all arts leaders and lovers. These critical conversations shine new light on how to make lasting change. If you want to understand how the world is changing -- and what to do about it -- Alex Sarian shows you the way." -- Henry Timms, President & CEO, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts "Sarian''s work explores what relevance should look like for the arts today. He takes us through a series of provocations that highlight choices -- not to merely survive, but to thrive in service to our communities and indeed to be catalysts in society. A must-read for all arts lovers." -- Claire Spencer, CEO, Barbican Centre London " The Audacity of Relevance isn''t just for arts organizations and their leaders, but for artists, philanthropists, and arts-loving audiences. It provides a modern look at our ecosystem and examines how we can break the echo chamber we operate in.

By forcing us to see the world differently, Sarian invites us to rethink our relevance and lean into our shared humanity." -- Sarah Arison, President, Arison Arts Foundation, and President of the Board, MoMA "Alex Sarian asks the questions we should all be asking, and the voices he''s gathered in conversation are the ones we need to listen to. The touchstone values he endorses -- humility, generosity, and authentic engagement with community -- should be the rallying cry for the performing arts today." -- Christopher Deacon, President & CEO, National Arts Centre "Alex Sarian has the audacity to shine a spotlight on what''s been missing from our ability to engage arts and culture to build truly powerful cities: the voice of the people. He makes a compelling case that fretting over outdated models will not reveal solutions for communal resilience. For Sarian, the solution is much more pragmatic and grounded. Success hinges on understanding how people wish to see themselves reflected in the arts." -- Mayor Jyoti Gondek, City of Calgary " The Audacity of Relevance gives us the opportunity to reimagine the role of the arts in a world that is constantly changing.

Alex Sarian''s book beautifully reframes the challenges organizations are facing into opportunities for them to reengage their relevance. As a leader in reimagining institutions, Sarian''s work is essential for everyone looking to focus on audiences through the lens of humility and service." -- Devyani Saltzman, Writer and Curator " The Audacity of Relevance is a refreshingly honest reflection on the current state of the arts and an optimistic take on how to ensure their future is more equitable, inclusive, and yes, relevant. A foundational read for anyone who believes that the arts have the potential to shape society for the better." -- Victoria Rogers, Trustee, Brooklyn Museum "In The Audacity of Relevance , Sarian has curated a stellar line-up of thinkers -- both inside and outside of the arts -- who offer insights into what went wrong and what needs to change. As the global arts sector grapples with a poly crisis of issues that are fundamentally changing the way our sector operates, these conversations are essential to illuminating a way forward." -- Chris Lorway, President & CEO, The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity " The Audacity of Relevance uplifts a critical discussion that needs to happen more broadly in the arts community. As Alex points out, relevance will not be attained by public relations efforts or one-off gestures; instead, it will require arts organizations to rethink what they are, and whom they serve.

Audiences are a visible expression of the values of an arts institution. Only when those values and priorities change will our audiences return and engage. Alex''s book throws down an existential gauntlet in our sector, and it''s a challenge we must rise up to if the arts are to thrive in the twenty-first century." -- Rachel Moore, President & CEO, The Music Center (performing arts center of Los Angeles County) "Written in a practical way with authenticity, transparency, and positive provocation, Alex Sarian invites all of us to take a step back and have an anthropological approach to the future of the arts. How do we balance our artistic and civic responsibilities to reassemble today''s struggling arts community? Certainly a book to read in this particular time of change." -- Marie-Josée Desrochers, Présidente-directrice générale, Place des Arts.