Leo Crandall
CRETA Consulting
Guidance, expertise and action for cultural not-for-profits
BIO

Overview

I hold a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago where I graduated Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa and won the Van Keuren Prize for academic excellence in the English Department.

I worked for the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra before becoming the Executive Director of the Rome Art and Community Center. While in this rural locale I instituted a number of groundbreaking initiatives including a visiting artist film series, an experimental music program, theater for the deaf performances and poetry in the prisons. Additionally, I undertook and administered a capital project that included marketing, design, reconstruction, renovation and historic preservation of the Tudor Mansion that housed the programming.

During my tenure at the Cultural Resources Council, I refashioned the organization into one of the premier art service councils in the state. Under my administration, financial support for local artists and projects increased tenfold. I significantly expanded the service area of the Council to include many regional initiatives. On an ongoing basis I collaborated with government officials at the state, county and municipal level to develop/stabilize arts funding and opportunities and was the longtime cultural spokesperson at Onondaga County Legislature.

Currently I maintain my excellent relationships with the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York Foundation for the Arts and members of the NYS Senate and Assembly. Most recently I formed a consulting enterprise, Creta, which provides expertise, guidance and action for not-for-profit organizations. I am also a Professor at Syracuse University in both the Transmedia and Museum Studies Programs.
PHILOSOPHY

Unique Solutions

I believe in crafting solutions that are based upon the unique and particular characteristics of each entity, endeavor, situation or locale. Each consultancy results in a solution, recommendation or action that stems from thoughtful and rigorous research and consideration. I believe in fostering a healthy culture at every organizational level. I am committed to efficacious solutions through thought and action.

Manifesting Real Change

The lynchpin for change is observation. A concentrated effort to hear every constituent is fundamental to understanding the complexity of a situation and its underlying dynamic. Real change flows from this in-depth process.

Pragmatism

My goal is to design and institute pragmatic solutions. I guide the constituents through hands-on, real-world experience rather than merely recommending a course of action. I am convinced that it is possible to make great strides through this positive and unifying exchange.

CONSULTANCIES

Qualifications

Client Services

Clients

During my tenure as an as an arts council director my responsibilities required me to act as a consultant for individual artists collectives, community groups, fledgling 501c3 entities, galleries and arts institutions. I also work extensively with artsmartcities.com

Additionally I am acting or have acted as a formal consultant for:
CONTACT
Leo.Crandall@verizon.net

315 476 6960