The Phoenix

The fallout for RI's cultural scene

In this week's Phoenix, Greg Cook writes about how the bad economy is affecting arts and culture in RI:

In September and October, Trinity's The Dreams of Antigone played to 90 percent capacity, Columbus says, but that was driven by the sale of discount tickets. Audience members seeking bargains seem to be the reason previews of A Christmas Carol have sold out — an unusual occurrence — but more pricey seats during the regular run remain. The result is that revenues are down. Trinity is hoping contributions — which, Columbus says, "are holding with last year's level" — will help make up the difference.

Fifty-eight percent of Rhode Island arts organizations report selling fewer tickets and 72 percent are seeing a downturn in contributions, according to a survey of 31 arts groups that the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) conducted in late October. Small and medium-size arts organizations (with budgets under $1 million) are even more heavily affected, with 89 percent saying that contributions are down.

State agencies, foundations, and other private donors that could be lifelines for arts organizations face their own economic troubles. The result, the RISCA report says, is that 57 percent of arts groups are planning program cuts. Already staff is being laid off, performances scaled back, and art classes eliminated. The result could be a local cultural scene that is smaller, less ambitious, and less vivid.

"How many arts organizations are going to be here next year?" asks RISCA executive director Randy Rosenbaum. "It's really hard to say. My sense is we're going to see a hunkering down of the arts community."

Published Dec 04 2008, 10:11 AM by Ian Donnis

ben@gladworks.com said:

This is a “call to arms!”, asking all art lovers to support Festival Ballet Providence by attending The Nutcracker this month!

As the economy continues to falter, it is more important than ever to support local non-profit arts organizations – especially those whose performer’s livelihoods depend on audience support. It is not cliché or trite – but fact- that art and culture serves as the foundation for any civilized, flourishing and progressive society.

Providence is an official RenGen City <//www.therengen.com/> . I am very much looking forward to seeing the Nutcracker this year. Although times are tight, the Nutcracker will be an outlet for me personally.

THE NUTCRACKER

December 12|13|14 2008

PROVIDENCE EPRFROMING ARTS CENTER

220 WEYBOSSET STREET, PROVIDENCE, RI

FRIDAY AT 7:30 PM

SATURDAY AT 2:00 AND 7:00 PM

SUNDAY AT 1:00 AND 6:30 PM

Individual ticket prices range form $18-$83

Call 401.421.ARTS or order online at www.ppacri.com <//www.ppacri.com/>

Student Rush tickets available 2 hours before curtain for a 50% discount

For a $10 discount per ticket, mention code word “Clara” when ordering tickets

FUN FOR ALL AGES! CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY

SEASON WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY

“Festival Ballet Providence’s Nutcracker remains the same: Excellent!” Providence Journal

“A true Christmas gift not to be missed” Motif

A magical holiday tradition that literally sparkles with Swarvoski crystals, stunning choreography, breathtaking costumes and majestic scenery. The Nutcracker brings out the child in all of us each holiday season.

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC AGAIN AND AGAIN!!

December 5, 2008 12:17 PM