Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Live performance brings us together and challenges our senses, perceptions, and imaginations--expanding what we know to be possible. It confronts a future of insularity and champions an open minded, curious, and vibrant world. Since its founding in 1978, On the Boards has been the cornerstone of contemporary performance in the Pacific Northwest.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Artists In Residence
The On the Boards Artists-in-Residence program gives Northwest-based artists, selected by Artistic Director Rachel Cook, time, access, and support for rehearsal and technical experimentation by specifically investing in their individual artistic process and progress.
The Artists-in-Residence program can include works-in-progress and open rehearsals as select opportunities for the wider community to look at the creative process. By also providing professional expertise around production, support in fundraising, and curatorial guidance for projects in development, On the Boards invests in every aspect of the artists’ professional development.
This program has been designed to put the needs of the artist at the center of the work. By encouraging these artists to use On the Boards as a home base they will each explore themes of comprehensive collectivity and belonging.
Where we work
External reviews

Photos
Videos
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
We invest in artists, and connect them and their work to audiences.
On the Boards’ commitment to risk-taking art has never wavered, however, resources for artists and arts
organizations have.
Our current moment - facing a global pandemic while, simultaneously, Seattle’s rapid growth continues to dramatically reshape the local landscape: physically, socially, and culturally. Our city has increasingly fewer places for artists to live, practice, and present. Resources for experimental art practice are diminishing. Our building is a valuable community resource. The needs of our community, and our city in transition are growing, and it is our duty to be generous and responsive.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Paper surveys, Community meetings/Town halls, Suggestion box/email,
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve,
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With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
Our staff, Our board, Our funders, Our community partners,
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
The people we serve tell us they find data collection burdensome, It is difficult to find the ongoing funding to support feedback collection, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time,
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
On the Boards
Board of directorsas of 02/22/2022
Davora Lindner
Prairie Underground
Term: 2017 -
John Hoedemaker
Hoedemaker Pfeiffer
Term: 2019 -
Ruth Lockwood
Oxbow Gallery
Emily Tanner-McLean
Artist
Michaela Hutfles
Qumulo
Tyler Engle
Tyler Engle Architect
Tom Israel
Seattle Center
Norie Sato
Artist
Mary Ann Peters
Artist
Lance Neely
Heritage Realty
Jasmine Mahmoud
Seattle University
James Rogers
James S. Rogers Law
Tina LaPadula
HeARTwork Collective
Kate Murphy
PR + Communications Consultant
David Taft
Performer, Educator, Consultant
Lara Behnert
Starbucks
Mireya Lewin
Vulcan, Inc.
Kristin Becker
Mutuus Studio
Lorrie Cardoso
Starbucks
Corey Gutch
Civilization
Jeanie Chunn
Seattle Restaurants United
Jeffrey Fracé
University of Washington
Zack Hutson
Privateer Holdings
Jennifer Roberts
Old Chaser Farm
Mari London
Spafford Robbins
Robert Stumberger
Bill Way
Amazon
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
The organization's co-leader identifies as:
No data
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 11/19/2020GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.