3 weeks ago The Kennedy Center launched a new initiative called "Arts In Crisis". Through this new program, non-profit performing arts organizations from around the country can sign up to receive counseling on everything from how to make budget cuts, to fundraising, to marketing helping arts organizations keep their doors open and their staff employed through this troubled economy.
The Washington Post Article named some staggering statistics on the suffering of arts companies around the nation.
In recent weeks, organizations from almost every part of the country have reported belt-tightening measures, or worse. The Baltimore Opera Company filed for bankruptcy. The Seattle Repertory Theatre asked its staff of 55 to take two weeks of unpaid leave. The Orlando Ballet cut live music for "The Nutcracker" so the dance troupe wouldn't be reduced. The Santa Clarita Symphony in California canceled its season.
Michael Kaiser, President of The Kennedy Center, has stated this program as an answer to President Obama's call to arms. The Kennedy Center is the Nation's leading Performing Arts center with programs ranging from Dance, Opera, and Theatre to Education and Outreach including two national touring family productions yearly.
This is not the first time The Kennedy Center has leant a hand during crisis. After Hurricane Katrina, they stepped into help the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra set plans in motion to keep their doors open. When The Dance Theatre of Harlem closed its doors due to financial difficulties, Kaiser stepped in and helped them reorganize to open again just 6 weeks later.
In this time of economic crisis around the Nation, few people realize that the entertainment industry is being affected as deeply as everyone else, as made apparent by the outrage at money set aside for Arts in President Obama's financial reform package. Over 9 Broadway shows closed this past January including blockbusters like Hairspray, Spring Awakening, and Spamalot and this year The Actor's Equity Association announced there are the least available weeks of contracts as have been seen in a long time. Millions of people are out of work across the nation, and since the arts are seen as expendible they have been hit twice as hard.
It is so great in all this darkness to see a place like the Kennedy Center take it upon themselves to help others in crisis and keep arts alive in this country. I could not be prouder than I am now to have The Kennedy Center on my resume.
I also cross posted a more indepth version of this on my Daily Kos Blog so check that out as well!
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