Category: issues

In his new budget to cope with the revenue loss driven by the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Jim Kenney on Friday proposed the elimination of the city’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy — a $4 million cut that would end grants to hundreds of cultural groups in the city. – Philadelphia Inquirer

The move was widely criticized across the world – and feared by nonprofits. One of them said that “the proposed buyout was an attempt by domain name industry insiders to profit off of thousands of nonprofits and NGOs around the world.” – Vice

In Oregon, arts organizations know Ronni Lacroute, and she knows what they need – usually. Right now, says the philanthropist, things are just a bit different: “The way I donate hasn’t really changed. It’s more flexible. It’s like, ‘Okay, here’s an annual donation. Now, if this, then spend it on this. If that, then spend it on that.’ And generally, it’s people first. … It’s more about people than about venues.” – Oregon ArtsWatch

Why is it in the UK we are afraid of expressing big thinking, challenging the government to a discussion about the indispensability of the arts and making the case that its practitioners are absolutely Essential Workers for our spiritual and intellectual wellbeing? – Arts Professional

“Facing his own burgeoning budget problems, Gov. Tom Wolf has directed some state agencies to rescind grant money previously awarded to arts groups. The decision surfaced Monday when numerous cultural organizations received an email from [the] executive director of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts … [saying that] “the PCA can no longer guarantee completion of processing for current year grant awards.” – The Philadelphia Inquirer

More than 50% of malls anchored by department stores could close permanently by the end of 2021. Of the roughly 1,000 malls still in operation throughout the U.S., 60% are anchored by department stores; of those, 19% are rented by J.C. Penney, 18% by Macy’s, and 20% by other stores including Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, and Dillard’s. – Fast Company

With its relief funding, the NEA is switching tack from supporting individual art projects to ensuring that non-profit institutions and organisations are able to reopen. “We want to preserve as many jobs as possible—that’s number one,” says Mary Anne Carter, the chair of the NEA. “At some point the crisis will pass, and we want the nation’s art organisations to still be there to open their doors and welcome the community back in.” – The Art Newspaper

“For every private development project of $500,000 or more in the city of Los Angeles, the developer must pay an arts fee to the city based on the square footage of the building or a percentage of the value of the permit. Those funds are then allocated to cultural events such as festivals and other public arts happenings. But with dense public gatherings not possible for the foreseeable future, L.A. City Councilman David Ryu hopes to use those funds as relief grants for arts organizations.” – Los Angeles Times

“The salaries of 89 senior-level executives — all nonfederal employees — will be cut by 10 percent for 12 months, starting May 24, with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and Deputy Secretary Meroe Park taking 15 percent cuts. The senior executives include museum and science directors and officials overseeing investments, security and facilities … The majority of the institution’s 6,300 employees are federal workers and will not be affected.” – The Washington Post

Their argument is that there is no better way to become visible than through pop culture. – The New York Times