Does collaboration improve effectiveness?

Summary:

Collaboration is often seen as a good thing. This study -- of arts organizations -- suggests it is a complicated issue.

Answer:

From Cultural Policy, July 27, 2005:
New Cultural Comment Essay: The Partnership Problem, by Francie Ostrower

A recent Urban Institute study took a closer look at the current partnership buzz in arts and culture, and concluded that although often encouraged by grantmakers, partnering often does not produce the outcomes that funders desired. Ostrower cites insufficient resources/funding, incongruities with missions, and logistical challenges among the difficulties that tend to plague partnerships, and offers suggestions to funders and grantees for forging more successful partner relationships. Read the essay on the Cultural Commons website at http://www.culturalcommons.org/comment.cfm.

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Posted 7/27/05 -- PB