Facing recession & state budget fight not easy

by Harry Zimbler, Editor

The visual and performing arts make a major contribution to the quality of life in this region. Attracting new businesses, industries, executives and medical professionals to the area often depends on the cultural and educational opportunities available for families.

In addition, the arts provide a major, positive impact on the Commonwealth’s economy, accounting for nearly 62,000 full-time equivalent jobs and $2 billion in expenditures. The arts generate $283 million in local and state revenues.

So how are the many museums, performing arts venues, orchestras and dance companies faring in the current recession?  The short answer is that they are treading turbulent waters.

“We’re surviving,” said Michael Bodolosky, executive director of the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. “We had a great year last year but this one’s off to a slow start. People seem to be waiting until the last minute to decide to buy tickets.”

Funding for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts – especially if it is eliminated – will put a serious dent in nearly every artistic organization in the state.

“Absolutely we are concerned about the PA Council,” Bodolosky said. If it goes or is cut, it will affect all of us. That organization needs to exist.”

Bodolosky pointed out that arts festivals, concerts, and other events would dry up without state assistance. “That will hurt tourism. It will have a horrible domino effect.”

George Trudeau, director of Penn State’s Center for the Performing Arts, is confident and optimistic as his organization heads into the new season.

“It’s in time of stress that you find out who your friends are,” he stated. “And we’ve got a lot of them. We have taken steps—including introducing new season ticket packages – to provide flexibility and ride out the recession.”

Trudeau explained that support from Penn State allows his organization a great deal of stability from year to year, though the university only provides 25 percent of his budget.

The majority of operating dollars come from ticket sales, grants and memberships.

“Our last season was very successful,” he said. “We ended with more members and corporate and individual sponsorships. People spoke with their attendance. I think the arts provide a refuge from our challenges; they stimulate us and are an important part of the social contract. Last season’s success was heartwarming. Our importance was validated.”

Thus far, ticket sales for the upcoming season are good and new membership signups solid.

“We expect to do very well. Based on community support, we feel we can take a risk

with multi-performance shows,” Trudeau said.

Barbara Hollander, manager of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Altoona, expressed deep concern about the PA Council on the Arts.

“We have already been to Harrisburg to demonstrate,” she said. “So far, the council is being zeroed out. We don’t know what’s going to happen, but if we don’t get funding from the PCA, our artist in residency and arts in education programs—and the people who run them– will probably be gone. We will be the only state in the nation without government funding for the arts. It’s amazing.”

The Nittany Valley Symphony has been performing for forty years and is considered a staple of the region’s art community. Still, it faces challenges in the coming year.

“It’s rough for arts funding right now,” Roberta Strebel, executive director. “Dollars are being reduced significantly at the state level. It’s nerve wracking. Costs are going up, income is not.”

Strebel said she has already made spending cuts since core donors and audiences are slightly off. “I am getting good at not spending money,” she said.  “The recession puts what we do in perspective. We are a community orchestra. We are in this for the music.”

The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra is experiencing similar spending restrictions

“We need to lay low for a while,” said Douglas Meyer, music director and director of operations. “Last year was pretty tough for us. Contributions just didn’t come in the way we were accustomed. Now we have a slightly smaller orchestra and we’re putting extra efforts in our fundraising.”

The 2009-2010 season has been redesigned and has one less concert than usual. “We are in the black, but the situation with the state is going to have an impact.”

The news at the Palmer Museum of Art on the Penn State University Park campus is mixed.

“Costs are rising but our attendance is up,” explained Jan Muhlert, director. “Donation box giving is up 60 percent. That’s the good news. But like all non-profits, our endowment interest is down. And the number of members enrolling is steady but they are enrolling at lesser levels (of giving).”

The success of the museum is tied to the health of the Friends of the Palmer. “If the Friends get less money it affects all our programs,” Muhlert said. “That’s worrisome.  We’re trying to keep membership strong.”

Shipping and exhibition costs have skyrocketed in recent months and if the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts funding dries up, the Palmer will be hurt. “We are in the process of paying for 2011 exhibits in 2009,” Muhlert stated. “That’s a real challenge.”

“In all honesty, it’s too early to tell what’s going to happen in 2009-2010. We are doing O.K. but not as good as we’d like. We have to think about long-term sustainability. The economy is what it is and we will have to find ways to make things work.”