As we enter Season 2, we look at two different models of patron and donor engagement for small community arts organizations: the subscription and the membership. The decline of subscriptions over the decades is not new news to those in the arts administration field, but this old model of ticket engagement isn't without its modern-day merits. Memberships have their patron engagement benefits and are more flexible than subscriptions, but they also push organizations into a more transactional relationship with their patrons.

We welcome back Cyrus Pace from The Jefferson Center in Roanoke, VA (pop. 99,261) to discuss. The Jefferson Center uses the subscription model, while my organization in Lynchburg, VA (pop. 79,285), the Academy Center of the Arts, uses the membership model. Whether you have an existing approach or are looking to engage your patron base, we have some advice to share.