Five Ways to Bring an Entrepreneurial Mindset to the Arts

In the latest episode of Signature Required, John Hoomes, CEO and Artistic Director of the Nashville Opera, shared his journey from small-town Alabama to leading one of Tennessee’s most dynamic arts organizations. His approach is rooted in both artistic vision and entrepreneurial thinking, making his story a fascinating exploration of how creativity and business strategy intersect. For artists and entrepreneurs alike, John’s insights offer valuable lessons on how to bring innovation, adaptability, and strategic growth to any creative field.

Here are key ways John has brought an entrepreneurial mindset to the arts:

Start with a Bold Vision but Stay Agile

Every entrepreneur starts with a vision, but the ability to stay agile and adapt is what separates successful leaders from the rest. When John Hoomes arrived at the Nashville Opera in 1995, he and his wife had already developed a business plan that laid the foundation for their leadership approach. While the plan was strong, John understood the importance of flexibility as the organization evolved. Over the years, this willingness to adapt and seize new opportunities has been a key driver of growth.

"You need a plan, but you also have to be ready to change course when the situation calls for it. That flexibility is what has kept us growing for nearly 30 years," says Hoomes. Under his leadership, the Nashville Opera has expanded its productions, deepened its community outreach, and grown its budget from $340,000 to over $3 million—a true testament to the power of vision combined with agility.

For entrepreneurs in the arts and beyond, this lesson rings true: have a clear direction but remain open to change. In the fast-paced world of business and arts leadership, adaptability is often the key to long-term success.

Make Your Product Accessible to a Wider Audience

Much like a business seeking to scale, John Hoomes knew the importance of making the opera accessible to broader audiences across Nashville and Tennessee. One of the biggest misconceptions about opera is that it’s an elitist art form. John has spent his career breaking down those barriers, ensuring the Nashville Opera welcomes people from all walks of life. By removing common obstacles—such as the pressure to dress formally or the fear of not understanding the foreign languages in many operas—he has opened the door to a more diverse audience.

"Opera is for everyone. We’ve made it a priority to remove the barriers that make people feel like they can’t engage with the art form," says Hoomes. For instance, the Nashville Opera includes English subtitles for all its performances, making the stories and emotions accessible to anyone, regardless of language background. Additionally, John embraces a casual dress code policy, welcoming everything from tuxedos to jeans.

Just as entrepreneurs work to widen their customer base, John’s efforts to demystify opera have allowed the Nashville Opera to engage new audiences, turning first-time attendees into lifelong supporters of the arts.

Embrace Innovation and Technology

In today’s rapidly changing world, staying ahead of the curve often means embracing new technology—a lesson that resonates with both entrepreneurs and arts leaders. John Hoomes is a strong advocate for integrating modern technology into traditional art forms. Over the years, he has pushed the Nashville Opera to adopt digital innovations like LED video walls, which allow for more dynamic and visually compelling performances. This fusion of technology and art brings new life to classic operas, making them more relevant to modern audiences.

"We can’t rely on old ways of doing things. Embracing technology allows us to keep the art form alive and connect with audiences in new, exciting ways," Hoomes explains. By incorporating cutting-edge visual elements, the Nashville Opera has enhanced its productions, creating immersive experiences that appeal to both opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

For entrepreneurs in any industry, John’s approach highlights the importance of innovation. Whether you're leading a startup or an arts organization, staying ahead means finding creative ways to blend tradition with technology.

Collaborate, Don’t Compete

Successful entrepreneurs know that collaboration often leads to greater success than competition. John Hoomes brings this philosophy to arts leadership, fostering a spirit of cooperation among Nashville’s arts organizations. Rather than viewing the Nashville Symphony, Ballet, or Repertory Theatre as competitors, John sees them as essential partners in growing the city's cultural footprint. This collaborative mindset has led to cross-promotion, joint events, and a unified arts community in Nashville that works together to elevate the entire city's artistic presence.

"We have an incredibly supportive arts community here in Nashville. Instead of competing, we collaborate, and that’s made all the difference," Hoomes notes. This cooperative approach strengthens Nashville's reputation as a hub for diverse artistic experiences, from opera to symphony performances, ensuring that the arts thrive across the board.

In entrepreneurship, building strategic partnerships can create new opportunities for growth, just as collaboration within the arts community helps to foster innovation and shared success.

Lead with an Abundance Mindset

At the heart of John Hoomes' leadership style is an abundance mindset—the belief that there is enough opportunity for everyone to thrive. When he took over the Nashville Opera, its budget was small, and resources were limited. Yet, John focused not on scarcity but on potential. Over time, his optimistic approach has attracted new donors, expanded the opera’s programming, and increased its influence in the community.

"We’re lucky to be in Nashville, a city with so much generosity and support. An abundance mindset opens doors you didn’t even know were there," says Hoomes. This belief in possibility has allowed the Nashville Opera to grow exponentially over the years, building strong relationships with donors, artists, and the public alike.

For entrepreneurs and arts leaders alike, an abundance mindset is crucial. By focusing on growth and opportunities instead of limitations, leaders can inspire their teams, attract new resources, and create lasting impact.

Listen to the Conversation

John Hoomes’ entrepreneurial approach to arts leadership offers lessons that resonate far beyond the world of opera. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or both, the five strategies outlined above—vision and agility, accessibility, innovation, collaboration, and abundance—can help you navigate your own path to success. To hear more about John’s journey and how he transformed the Nashville Opera, listen to the full episode of Signature Required.