2010-04-16
Georgia (USA): Arts Organizations Struggle to Find Public and Private Support
A bill to let counties use sales tax money to help struggling arts groups has had trouble getting traction in the legislature, despite broad support. The measure failed to make last weeks Crossover Day deadline, meaning it could die if not attached to another bill already approved by the House. That would be only the latest blow to the arts in metro Atlanta and Georgia, which are feeling the pain of a weak economy in many ways.
Public arts funding is being slashed. Corporate and foundation giving is down as businesses salve their own red-ink wounds or refocus giving on social causes. Attendance is off for many arts groups. Layoffs are up. A few organizations, such as the Atlanta Opera, are presenting less of their art to avoid production costs they cant afford.
"Its the hardest of times Ive seen for the arts across the board," said Camille Love, director of the city of Atlantas office of Cultural Affairs. Thats why, even at the 11th hour, supporters hold onto hope for House Bill 1049, which would not assure any relief but would let any county hold a referendum on dedicating up to 1 cent of sales tax for arts and cultural groups and other economic development projects.
A model for the bill was Denvers Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, which, through a sales and use tax of one-tenth of 1 percent, distributes roughly $43 million annually to more than 300 cultural organizations in the Colorado capital.
We cannot afford to experience the devastating effect of a state without a well-supported creative economy, said Flora Maria Garcia, CEO of the Metro Atlanta Arts & Culture Coalition, an advocacy group for the citys arts and cultural community. She said job losses will grow and some groups will shut down without new funding.
Georgia in 2008 had 88,078 people in arts, according to the coalition. A year later the state had lost 5,756 jobs and cuts continue.
"The economic case has to be made that the arts matter," said Rep. Stacey Abrams (D-DeKalb), a bill co-sponsor, after the measure stalled. "To move the bill out of the House will require deeper education of legislators and their constituents."
Advocates tried. The Metro Atlanta Arts & Culture Coalition commissioned an analysis showing that support for the arts constitutes good economic development, not charity.
Read the complete article: http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-events/the-hardest-of-times-428125.html
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 4/2/10
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