When theaters, orchestras, opera companies, and other leading performing arts organizations need digital expertise—whether it's website redesigns, app development, video production, or ongoing maintenance—they turn to Bust Out. Hennepin Arts, The Ordway, Schubert Club, and other prestigious arts organizations have all chosen us as their digital partners. But why?
Sure, we know our way around code and design, but that's just the foundation. It's about understanding the unique world of performing arts from the inside out.
We Are Musicians, Patrons, and Board Members
Our founder and multiple staff members serve on the boards of local arts organizations including the Ordway, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Schubert Club, and Theatre Latte Da. Many of our team members are musicians and artists themselves. We don't just build digital experiences for arts organizations—we are the people buying tickets, attending performances, and supporting the arts in our community.
This insider perspective makes all the difference. We understand the nuances nonprofit arts organizations navigate because we have lived and breathed their successes and challenges.
We Understand Your Unique Challenges
Arts organizations face unique digital challenges that general web agencies often miss. We get it because we've been there:
Audience Development: You need to attract new and younger audiences while retaining loyal patrons who may prefer different digital experiences. We design with multi-generational audiences in mind, creating websites that feel fresh and modern while remaining accessible and intuitive for longtime subscribers.
Budget Constraints: We understand that arts organizations operate with tight budgets and need maximum impact from every dollar invested. Our approach balances ambitious goals with practical financial realities.
Multiple Goals and Revenue Streams: Unlike businesses with a single focus, arts organizations need to simultaneously sell tickets, cultivate donors, promote education programs, and communicate their broader community impact. We design with all these goals in mind.
The Post-Pandemic Reality: We recognize that the arts world has fundamentally changed. Organizations need digital solutions that help them rebuild audiences, engage patrons in new ways, and adapt to ongoing economic uncertainties.
Limited Staff Capacity: Small teams are wearing multiple hats, and you need digital tools and partners that work intuitively—not systems that require extensive training or constant troubleshooting. We build solutions for busy arts administrators, not tech specialists.
Changing Ticketing Models: Traditional season subscriptions are evolving across orchestras, opera companies, and theaters. Organizations need flexibility to experiment with mini-series, choose-your-own packages, and Broadway-style flexible offerings. Our team is savvy in promoting innovative ticketing approaches that let you adapt to changing patron preferences.
Mission-Driven Design That Brings Brands to Life
Arts organizations have something invaluable—artistic vision and community mission. We excel at translating that vision into compelling digital experiences that reflect the quality and sophistication of your artistic work.
We often use website redesigns as an opportunity to modernize and breathe new life into your brand. Whether you're refreshing an established identity or building on existing elements, we create digital experiences that feel fresh and contemporary while honoring your organization's unique character and legacy.
Take our work with composer Libby Larsen, for example. We created a comprehensive digital library of her work paired with an original mini-documentary film series that tells her story in a creative way and extends her legacy. This type of innovative approach to digital storytelling is what sets our work apart.
We don't just build websites; we create digital stages where your artistry can shine and your mission can connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
Technical Expertise That Serves Your Needs
Our deep arts industry experience means we understand the technical requirements that matter most to performing arts organizations:
Strategic Planning & Analytics: We provide comprehensive digital strategy, content strategy development, and analytics implementation with ongoing analysis to help you make data-driven decisions about your digital presence.
Ticketing Integration: We've worked extensively with platforms like AudienceView and Tessitura, optimizing ticket purchasing experiences that minimize sales lost due to technical friction.
Complex Event Management: We build systems that handle everything from single theater productions to full orchestra seasons, opera runs, and special events—all while keeping your staff's workflow simple and efficient.
Accessibility Excellence: We prioritize accessibility features and follow established accessibility guidelines because we understand that accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's about fulfilling your mission to serve your entire community.
Responsive Experience: We create websites that intelligently respond to each user's device and needs, delivering the right experience whether someone's exploring your season on a laptop or buying last-minute tickets on their smartphone.
Proven Impact
Our arts clients consistently report improvements in online engagement, ticket revenue, and more effective digital fundraising. Staff find their new systems more intuitive and efficient to manage, while patrons express genuine excitement about the improved experience. More importantly, arts leaders tell us their websites now truly reflect the quality and professionalism of their artistic work—invaluable when competing for audience attention and donor support.
Ready to Transform Your Digital Presence?
When you choose Bust Out, you're choosing fellow arts advocates who understand that your website isn't just a marketing tool—it's where subscribers renew, new audiences discover your work, donors connect with your mission, and more.
Ready to work with a team that truly gets performing arts organizations? Let's talk about how we can bring your artistic vision to life online.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.