Author: Chagy, Gideon

Publication Year: 1970

Media Type: Book

Summary:

It has been commonly assumed by seasoned observers of the arts world that the sovereign remedy for the financial crises that chronically plague the visual and performing arts organizations across the country is more money, especially from corporations and government. As business emerges as a significant and growing source of arts support, this assumption is, for the first time, coming under the close scrutiny of corporate executives. They are learning that an income gap is a constitutional weakness of practically all non-profit arts organizations and that business has to contribute a good deal more money than it has in the past to help close the gap. This book presents encouraging evidence that business is moving rapidly to increase its share of the needed support.

Abstract:

It has been commonly assumed by seasoned observers of the arts world that the sovereign remedy for the financial crises that chronically plague the visual and performing arts organizations across the country is more money—especially from corporations and government. As business emerges as a significant—and growing—source of arts support, this assumption is, for the first time, coming under the close scrutiny of corporate executives. They are learning that an income gap is a constitutional weakness of practically all non-profit arts organizations and that business has to contribute a good deal more money than it has in the past to help close the gap. This book presents encouraging evidence that business is moving rapidly to increase its share of the needed support.

Business is also learning that much more than money is involved in the financial plight of the arts. Imprudent handling of finances, last minute, haphazard fund raising, failure to seek and develop new audiences, inefficient administrative practices, and poor public relations also contribute to annual net deficits. Business reasonably expects efficient administration and financial responsibility from the arts organizations that it helps to support so that the purely artistic functions of the organizations receive the maximum benefit from any financial assistance.

The articles in this book discuss several of the non-financial factors that affect the solvency of arts organizations and recommend measures that might improve their general health.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Private Sector