As this Kingston Daily Freeman article says, the recession is taking a big toll on the arts community — many of whom work as non-profits.
At issue is a double whammy on the revenue-generating ability of non-profits: consumers are tapped out and not spending as much on the arts while the larger foundations — stressed by a steep erosion in the stock market — have less money to give.
At a recent bring-your-own lunch meeting with several non-profits in the environmental conservation sector, the topic of fundraising is a sensitive topic. There’s simply less of it. And by some forecasts, the percentage of non-profits in the U.S. that are expected to fail in the next two years is 20 percent. This includes non-profits that serve in the environmental conservation, arts, health services and social service sectors.
What can you do? Whatever you can. A little bit can go a long way. And it doesn’t have to be giving money. Give your time. Lend a hand.
– Arthur Zaczkiewicz
Meanwhile, we all know that the arts bring in revenue to communities like ours far beyond what is spent directly to support them (in grants, ticket sales, etc. ) Lots of non-arts-related businesses — that are also struggling now — benefit. Restaurants. Parking lots. Retail establishments. So you make a good case for enlightened self-interest, too!