Meet Peter McDowell of Peter McDowell Arts Consulting in Logan Square

Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter McDowell.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Peter. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started out as a musician and actor as a child – singing in opera and acting in plays and musicals. As an adult, I was drawn to arts management and completed a Masters at University of Wisconsin in Business – Arts Administration. My career since then has taken me across the US – I’ve lived and worked in San Francisco, Chicago and New York City. I’ve also lived in France and Germany and am fluent in both languages.

I’ve run arts organizations, like Chicago’s four time Grammy winning sextet Eighth Blackbird; and I’ve also served as Program Director in larger organizations such as Opera America (NYC) and Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs.

I started Peter McDowell Arts Consulting in 2009 with the goal of providing high level service to artists and arts organizations. My primary clients are musicians, composers and ensembles (primarily classical or new music), and I’ve also worked with dancer/choreographers and performance artists.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life is never a smooth road but I’d had a lot of friends and mentors who’ve cheered me on along the way.

The nonprofit arts sector was hit hard by the economic downturn of 2008 and recently has felt some impact from the US economy and political uncertainty in this country. I try to help my clients find creative solutions to promotion and success in every aspect of what they do.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Peter McDowell Arts Consulting – what should we know?
I help performing artists and arts organizations to achieve their promotional and organizational goals. I am also an experienced performing arts curator and presenter/programmer. I specialize in helping performing artists and arts organizations tell their story through self-promotion, which may include PR, web site, social media, etc. I do not serve as an agent or manager, but I advise my clients on how to self-manage, self-represent and to aim for the kind of success that may eventually attract an agent or manager. I am known for my deep knowledge of the field of performing arts, especially classical and new music, chamber music, and dance. I am also known for a hard work ethic, attention to detail, strong artistic aesthetic, and my extensive network in the industry. I am proud of having helped many clients over the past 8 years with major projects – launching over 30 web sites, and getting clients featured in the New York Times, NPR Music, and more. What sets me apart from others is the 25 years of worldwide performing arts industry experience that I bring, my seasoned expertise and my “can-do” energetic style which helps my clients get things done to further their career.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes! I have had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in my success. Some of biggest mentors include Mario Garcia Durham who is currently President/CEO of APAP, San Francisco arts manager Beau Takahara, my former boss, the late Chicago Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg, and Chicago arts legends Sarah Solotaroff Mirkin and Janet Carl Smith. My mom, Ellen McDowell and my partner Kyle have been great cheerleaders and supporters. Clients such as Gerald Cohen, Musica Pacifica, Inna Faliks, Michelle Areyzaga, Jennie Brown, and the Chinese Fine Arts Society have been amazing to work with over the years. My business associate Sacha Mullin has helped me faithfully with projects for the past several years and my friend and colleague Ari Salomon has been a huge part of my success.

Pricing:

• I offer one-on-one hourly coaching sessions in person, by Skype or by phone for $150/hr.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.petermcdowell.com
• Phone: 773 484 8811
• Email: peter@petermcdowell.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterMcDowellArts/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/pmcdowellarts
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/peter-mcdowell-arts-consulting-chicago
• Other: http://performsites.com

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