Volunteer-run Arts Organizations: A Snapshot of Grassroots Volunteer Experiences and the Challenges of Researchers

This study explores grassroots, volunteer-run arts organizations by examining: volunteer experiences in three different geographical communities including Easthampton, MA, Providence, RI, and Oakland, CA; the ways in which volunteer motivations and commitment influence the sustainability of these organizations; the recurring issues confronting grassroots, volunteer-run arts organizations; the internal and external structures that support volunteer-run arts organizations; and the lack of sufficient data necessary to gauge the societal and economic impact of these organizations.