We often work with arts organizations at the beginning of their lives when almost none of these nascent groups consider or plan for the other end of their lifecycles. It is generally assumed that, in the nonprofit arts field, all organizations will exist in perpetuity or until something prevents them from continuing and they are forced to shut down. We certainly have seen several cases of organizations reaching an abrupt end as a result of external factors, usually lack of funding or loss of a key leader.   But recently, we’ve witnessed a different type of ending emerging – the planned termination. It seems that more artists and arts professionals are seeing institutions not as permanent structures but as a means to meet a specific set of needs at a particular time.

The oft-cited 13P is an obvious example. Not only a case of planned termination, but one in which the intention was designated from inception. The founders of 13P determined that the organization would produce thirteen plays (one by each of the founding playwrights) and then it would terminate. While not pre-determined by a specific time or intention, the Trey McIntyre Dance Project in Boise has disbanded as McIntyre feels he has completed one phase and looks toward a new phase of artistic work. In 2011 the Merce Cunningham Dance Company closed after almost sixty years following the death of Founder and Director, Merce Cunningham. It is worth noting that Cunningham and the company had, years prior to his death, developed a detailed plan for the celebration and termination of the company’s work.

It seems the role and nature of our organizational structures are changing and that forever is not always the goal. It may be worth thinking about not only how and why we form companies but, why and when we disband them.