Actors, musicians, dancers, comedians, singers, set designers, lighting and sound operators, directors, and choreographers — they all count on local nonprofit performing arts centers to provide them with the spaces to create, the training to grow their skills, and the opportunities to share those talents with the world.
Every nonprofit performing arts center is different — with different areas of focus, challenges, and priorities. That means, when it comes to the insurance coverage they need to safely serve their communities, each performing arts center has different needs.
So, what do nonprofit performing arts centers need most from their insurance?
Meet some nonprofit creative performing arts centers.
We talked with several NIA-insured nonprofit performing arts centers, who shared how their experiences serving their communities helped them determine what they needed most from their insurance.
In their own words…
IMAGINE…The Impossible for Every Child: Performing Arts Center (Houston, TX)
“IMAGINE…’s dance program is an initiative designed to provide comprehensive introductory classical ballet training to Black and Latino children (boys and girls, ages 4 to 16) from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those who primarily speak Spanish.
Our program offers training in ballet, music, and health, promoting equity and representation in classical arts. We aim to foster the next generation of community leaders, equipping them with discipline, creativity, and the self-assurance that comes from a strong foundation in the arts.
Participants will explore ballet fundamentals, including movement, technique, vocabulary, and etiquette, while also developing essential social and emotional skills.
Through regular practice and advancement, our program instills structure and discipline, thereby nurturing accountability and character development. This process supports dancers in developing a strong work ethic and self-esteem, encouraging creative thinking and a pursuit of excellence in academics.”
— Mary Johnson, Artistic Director and Founder, IMAGINE…The Impossible for Every Child: Performing Arts Center
Mid-Valley Productions (Albany, OR)
“Mid-Valley Productions is a nonprofit live performing arts and events company dedicated to bringing exceptional cultural, educational, and entertaining experiences to our community and beyond.
Our mission is to create engaging and thought-provoking productions while providing a platform for local talent to showcase their skills.
We strive to be a safe, inclusive place for individuals to practice and learn skills — both on and off the stage — while enriching our community.
Arts education is at the heart of our organization, and we are proud community partners with our local school district to bring opportunities for learning to local students and cultural clubs.”
— Erah K. McMullen, President & Creative Director, Mid-Valley Productions
Litha Symphony Orchestra (New York, NY)
“We’re a dynamic volunteer orchestra of professionals, educators, and passionate musicians, coming together each summer to bring challenging, exhilarating classical works to life for our communities.
Our flagship program is our summer orchestra season that features three performances that bring rare and challenging works to the stage — pieces often not performed outside of professional orchestras. This gives our musicians and audiences unique, enriching experiences.
We’re currently working to expand our programming with smaller concerts year-round to connect with broader audiences across the city.
Additionally, we’re forging partnerships to create outreach opportunities, bringing classical music to underserved communities and ensuring more people can experience live performances by a symphony orchestra.”
— Nick Johnson, Board President, Litha Symphony Orchestra
What did these nonprofit performing arts centers need most from their insurer?
Broad coverage to meet a multitude of risks.
“IMAGINE… needed General Liability insurance, Directors & Officers coverage, Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions, and volunteer coverage.”
— Mary Johnson, IMAGINE…
Comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price.
“Because we operate out of a community college, it was imperative that we have comprehensive coverage — and because we are a start-up, volunteer-only organization, finding reasonably priced coverage is essential.”
— Erah K. McMullen, Mid-Valley Productions
Knowledgeable staff to guide nonprofit novices.
“I think the most important factor for us is having knowledgeable staff who are available and willing to guide us.
As a volunteer-led organization with limited nonprofit experience, we’ve been learning as we go. Clear explanations and support along the way have been invaluable to our experience not only with NIA, but as nonprofit administration.”
— Nick Johnson, Litha Symphony Orchestra
How did these nonprofit performing arts centers hear about NIA?
An agent’s recommendation.
“We previously worked for another organization for about five years, and as a member of their board, insurance was often a topic of some debate and there were frequently problems dealing with the company they worked with.
When we started searching for insurance of our own, we approached a few companies, and their rates were prohibitively high — one declined to insure us at all because we were a new company.
After a string of failed applications with other companies, our agent recommended NIA.”
— Erah K. McMullen, Mid-Valley Productions
A partner from the start.
“NIA is our first insurance company. So far, no complaints!”
— Nick Johnson, Litha Symphony Orchestra
Since becoming an NIA member, how has that relationship helped these performing arts centers?
Coverage that provides much-needed peace of mind.
“Working with NIA has been an absolute relief. They truly understand the needs of nonprofits and provide coverage that gives us peace of mind — without breaking our budget.
Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely cares about our mission. We couldn’t ask for a better insurance partner.”
— Mary Johnson, IMAGINE…
Quality coverage at an affordable price.
“NIA saved the day and have been a dream to work with. NIA had the coverage we needed at a price we could afford.
We also appreciate the informational newsletters, and we hope to take advantage of the courses and meetings once our schedule eases up a bit.”
— Erah K. McMullen, Mid-Valley Productions
Stress-free claims processes.
“In the few years we’ve been insured by NIA, we’ve only needed to file one claim — and the process couldn’t have been smoother. NIA went above and beyond, exceeding our expectations and making the entire experience completely stress-free.”
— Nick Johnson, Litha Symphony Orchestra
Performing arts centers deserve insurance that places their needs center stage.
Why do nonprofit performing arts centers get their insurance coverage from NIA?
The answer is really simple: They want the peace of mind that comes from having insurance coverage that actually covers them, a provider that wants to work with them, at a price they can afford.
NIA provides coverage that’s dependable, affordable, and designed especially for nonprofits — and it includes access to a team of experts that can help you navigate the insurance world, and resources that can help your nonprofit thrive.
After all, when your nonprofit performing arts center has a show to put on, you don’t want an insurance provider that misses its cues.
