Darrel Kau has academic degrees and professional experience in arts administration and marketing. He has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit marketing, fundraising and event management. His instructional courses focus on marketing and fund development in the cultural sector, the business of presenting and promoting performing arts events, and current trends influencing the arts and entertainment industry. In his courses students are engaged through open-discussion lectures, topical discussions, and in-class learning activities. Through strategic analysis of case studies and scenarios, students apply theory to practice. Special attention is focused on developing critical thinking and analytical capacities. Students receive knowledge and skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers in the arts.
Darrel has held performing arts management positions with the University of Oregon, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, the Eugene Ballet, and has served as a consultant for several cultural institutions in the region. His leadership experience includes board positions with the Emerald Valley Development Professionals, the Arts Federation of Western Oregon of the Oregon Community Foundation, Arts Northwest, Western States Arts Federation TourWest Program, the Eugene Concert Choir and Eugene Ballet. Currently, Darrel is the Director of Development for FOOD For Lane County, the second largest food bank in Oregon. He is also an adjunct professor for the University of New Orleans Certified Performing Arts Executive (CPAE) program.
Courses
AAD 315: Funding the Arts
AAD 410/510: Performing Arts Industry
AAD 610: Marketing, Media & Communication