News Release

Heard on campus – funding challenges for the arts

March 12, 2009

To survive in the current economic downturn, museums and the arts may have to make a fundamental shift in their approaches to funding and patronage in order to stave off a financial crisis.

That and other opinions were voiced March 4 as Penn State Harrisburg hosted a panel discussion during which academic and public experts reflected on the current problems facing museums and the fine arts while detailing a number of productive possibilities.

The presentation was an installment in the college’s Current Events Lecture Series, focusing on topics of concern in the midstate. "We chose the topic because the arts and museums impact all of us," says Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Marian Walters. "The problems facing them impact area residents of all ages."

The panel consisting of Stephen Krempasky, vice president for theatre operations at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, Professor Emeritus of American Studies and History Irwin Richman, and Associate Professor of Humanities and Art Troy Thomas took personal tracks in addressing the problems and solutions, but all agreed that the public perception of the arts must be altered in order to recruit more supporters and patrons.

"One problem is elitism vs. popular culture," Thomas said. "Americans need to build a bridge between popular and serious art" to enhance funding and patronage. "People must understand that mseums are cultural magnets and key factors in economic development."

Krempasky added, "The key is for the four percent of the population which statistics show seriously support the arts to introduce it to the other 96 percent and let the light bulb click on. People will always support great causes, but not necessarily needy organizations. We have to move the arts into the great cause category. There are more than four percent who appreciate the arts and they must be brought into the fold."

One of the faculty members attending the presentation, Assistant Professor of Humanities and Communications Catherine Rios joined the conversation by noting she sees an opportunity in the current funding volatility for art to join in the debate and position itself as "cultural relevance." She added, "Artists don’t take away something from others; they give something back. We are not seeking funding for the arts, but rather funding for artistic activity."

The results of an economic impact study recently released Americans for the Arts support Rios’ claim that the arts give back. The report shows America’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity each year including $29.6 billion in government revenue.

However, Richman pointed out, "In Pennsylvania, total state government funding for the arts is $40 million; a very small amount compared to the huge state budget." Yet, he warned that 10 percent of the funding is being slashed and another $2.4 million in grants to local historical societies and museums has been removed. "This could lead to cutbacks in hours and the loss of jobs," he said.

Thomas focused on the plight of museums by noting that present economic conditions have resulted in patrons cutting support or backing out of financial commitments, special exhibits have been canceled, staffs reduced, and some institutions have sold works of art to generate revenue. "But there are positives," he said. "Works of art have become cheaper for museums to purchase if they can afford it."

On the plus side, he said, "Museums are really economical venues for people to visit in difficult financial times." And Krempasky added, "Times of flux result in amazing creativity," referring to previous economic downturns which spurred an incredible amount of art.