Introducing Critical Rural Theory into the Arts Management Toolbox

Elise Lael Kieffer, Ph.D.
Program Director and Assistant Professor
Nonprofit Leadership Studies
Organizational Communication and Leadership
Murray State University

This article introduces Critical Rural Theory as a lens worthy of consideration for researchers, scholars, arts educators, and practitioners working in and with rural communities. Although rural communities boast a thriving arts and cultural sector, it differs in form and function from its urban counter-sector. These differences have traditionally been understood as deficiencies, rather than simply, differences. Neglecting the unique challenges and opportunities that rural arts organizations face or relegating them to “other” status, has perpetually disadvantaged arts managers working in rural places. Resource allocation, audience engagement, and organizational legitimacy are just a few of the many aspects of arts management that are affected by the urbannormative model of arts management education that pervades current research and practice. By looking through the lens of Critical Rural Theory, this paper advocates for a reimagining of arts leadership and management strategies that are tailored to the specific contexts of rural spaces. Recognizing and valuing the distinct cultural, social, and infrastructural characteristics of rural communities, this exploration calls for a critical reassessment of how arts management researchers and practitioners engage with rural communities, ultimately promoting self-determination and innovative practices that reflect the true diversity and potential of rural arts landscapes.

Dr. Elise Lael Kieffer (Program Director and Assistant Professor) came to Murray State University in 2021 to serve as program director of the Nonprofit Leadership Studies academic programs and also as the Director of the Nonprofit Resource Center. Specializing in Rural Arts Management, Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Management, and Rural Nonprofit Development, Dr. Kieffer is dedicated to advancing the sustainability and impact of nonprofit organizations in rural communities, ultimately seeking to improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. In recognition of her contributions to the field, Dr. Kieffer was named a Murray State University Emerging Scholar in 2024. She is the author of Routledge Rural Arts Management (2024), a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities in managing arts organizations in rural settings. She is published widely in American Journal of Arts Management, Journal of Nonprofit Innovation, and others. Her professional experience ranges from on the ground building an organization from the ground up to consulting with international nonprofit organizations with global reach. Dr. Kieffer holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre performance, a Masters in Public Administration with a certificate in nonprofit management, and a PhD in arts administration with a certificate in program evaluation. Her diverse educational background combined with varied work experiences create a pedagogical and professional emphasis on communication, collaboration, and pragmatism. She emphasizes impactful, experiential learning in her classroom. Beyond academia, Dr. Kieffer is passionate about fostering community engagement through the arts and enjoys practicing yoga as a way to stay balanced and inspired.