Arts orgs tackle funding losses

The Observer-Dispatch carried an article today about how local arts organizations have been impacted by funding losses and how they are responding. Some ways the organization and others have been impacted:

• The Stanley Center for the Arts lost $17,300 in funding to their arts and education program because of 2008-2009 New York State Council on the Arts cuts, and the organization anticipates yet more cuts.

The funding is used to educate public school teachers about how to integrate the arts into their classrooms. The center still will host the program, but the sessions likely will be shortened, said executive director Ron Thiele.

• Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute has seen a 25 percent decrease in its endowments, which contribute 60 percent of its yearly budget. The institute’s endowments – blocks of money invested in the stock market – have been directly affected by the market’s downturn.

In 2008, its budget was about $17 million, said Anthony Spiridigloizzi, vice president and treasurer of the institute. Public programming will not be affected, but within the institute, “belt-tightening measures” have been taken, Spiridigloizzi said.

• The Rome Art and Community Center saw a 15 percent decrease in its overall funding when it lost state funding. For example, it was among the 573 arts organizations the New York State Council on the Arts cut funding to in 2009.

The arts center annually operates on a budget of about $250,000 to $300,000, Executive Director Lauren Getek said. Without that funding, the center will not be able to provide tuition assistance to students who normally couldn’t afford the center’s art classes or summer camp.

• Utica Monday Nite expects drops in corporate sponsorship and donations, but will be most affected by a reduction in city funding. The mayor’s original proposal of $50,000 has been rejected by Common Council members, some of whom want to slash funding from last year’s $40,000 to $25,000.

These organizations will respond with cuts in programs, communication, supplies, and other areas. They are also exploring different fees and approaching businesses for additional support. Read more here.