BalletMet Ends 30th Anniversary Season with Balanced Budget

BalletMet closes its year in the black thanks to community support, outstanding leadership

COLUMBUS, OH—In its landmark 30th season, BalletMet Columbus is proud to announce it ended its fiscal year on June 30, 2008 with a balanced budget, thanks to excellent artistic and educational programs, strong management and an outpouring of support from the Central Ohio community and the BalletMet Board of Trustees.

More than $2 million, about 45 percent of BalletMet’s income, was contributed in the 2007-08 season by individuals, corporations, foundations, government, 30th anniversary special gifts, special events and more.

In June, the Board of Trustees pledged to match up to $70,000 in a challenge aimed at individual supporters. More than 120 donors made contributions to the matching campaign, totaling $100,000. The gifts came from a variety of donors including longtime supporters, BalletMet Member-Subscribers, Dance Academy parents, staff and friends.

“We are proud of our long history of fiscal responsibility, which allows our dancers and staff to provide all of us with programs showcasing BalletMet's artistic and educational excellence,” said Board Chair Sue Porter. “The tremendous community support we have received truly shows how important BalletMet is to Central Ohio."

Executive Director Cheri Mitchell said one of BalletMet’s most notable qualities throughout its history has been the organization’s dedication to balancing artistic excellence and financial stability.

“We are grateful to our Board for their commitment and to our patrons for investing in our vision,” Mitchell said. “Together, we have accomplished so much this past season including celebrating our anniversary, completing the renovations on our facility, opening our own performance space and launching a satellite Dance Academy.”

BalletMet opened its 30th anniversary season with the groundbreaking 30x30, featuring an unprecedented 30 new works choreographed by 30 choreographers. All performances of 30x30—held in BalletMet’s performance space—sold out and the show was nominated for an Artistic Excellence Award from the Greater Columbus Arts Council. BalletMet also celebrated its anniversary by honoring 30 community and BalletMet leaders that have nurtured the Company throughout its history. Additionally, BalletMet invited former Company dancers to reunite during performances of The Nutcracker.

Other artistic successes in the season included the Company premiere of Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Suite in February and the world premiere of Aladdin in March, choreographed by Artistic Director Gerard Charles with a script by Phoenix Theatre Artistic Director Steven Anderson. Additionally, BalletMet was awarded a Fellowship Initiative Grant from the New York Choreographic Institute, an affiliate of New York City Ballet, to support the development of new choreography in a studio setting. The choreographer selected was Company dancer Adam Hundt. BalletMet hosted the 2008 Columbus Choreography Project, supported by GCAC, with three Company dancers winning fellowships in the final round.

Other triumphs of the season were through BalletMet’s educational programs, including the Moving Into Literacy program at Duxberry Park Arts I.M.P.A.C.T. Elementary, underwritten by Time Warner Cable and Ovation TV, which infused dance education into English Language Arts education to positively impact literacy. BalletMet also received a grant from the Ohio Arts Council for a curriculum-building program, The Aladdin Project: Finding the Magic in Dance, which took teachers and students through the creative process of Aladdin.

In 2008, BalletMet named Susan Brooker the new Director of the Dance Academy, effective in July. Brooker brings to BalletMet more than two decades of experience as a dance educator, both in the U.S. and abroad. The Dance Academy also launched a satellite location in Gahanna in September 2007, creating an opportunity to serve even more of the community. More than 100 students have enrolled in the facility in its first year.

BalletMet Columbus ranks among the nation’s 15 largest dance companies, and its Dance Academy ranks among the five largest professional dance-training centers. Since its inception in 1978, BalletMet has added 137 company premieres to its repertoire and produced 113 world premieres. It has also developed DanceReach, a series of educational and outreach programs that serve 40,000 people annually, as well as a scholarship program that provides full tuition for talented minority and underserved youth.

www.balletmet.org

"Void filled by music, more concerts" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Void filled by music, more concerts
Tim Ferran
The Columbus Dispatch
July 12, 2008

Musicians of the Columbus Symphony brought out the volunteers last night. Tonight, they'll send in the Marines.

Seeking to fill the void left by the cancellation of the Columbus Symphony's outdoor summer concerts, the orchestra's musicians held the first of four self-produced concerts last night to the delight of more than 1,000 classical music fans.

The 1 1/2 -hour show, performed without intermission at Dublin's Coffman Amphitheater, included dance music ranging from Tchaikovsky's waltz from Swan Lake to the wedding reception favorite, The Chicken Dance...

"Council trims staff, grants" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Council trims staff, grants
The Columbus Dispatch
June 9, 2008

The Ohio Arts Council is cutting seven positions from its staff of 35 and reducing unpaid grants by 7.7 percent to offset a $2.5 million, or 10 percent, reduction in state funding.

Four full-time employees were laid off June 2, one contract worker was let go, and two more full-time staff members will retire early on Aug. 29, according to a memo from Executive Director Julie Henahan...

"Arts Fest Gets A Makeover" nbc4i.com

Link: Arts Fest Gets A Makeover
nbc4i.com
June 3, 2008

The Columbus Arts Festival is getting a new look this year.

It has new hours, a new location and is one day shorter than in previous years, but it offers the community the chance to discover Columbus' Discovery District, NBC 4's Ellie Merritt reported.

The new location, the Discovery District, runs from Cleveland Avenue to Washington Avenue and from Spring Street to Gay Street...

"No more doom and gloom at COSI" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: No more doom and gloom at COSI
Matt Tullis
The Columbus Dispatch
June 4, 2008

In 2005, an exhibit on the Titanic kept COSI Columbus afloat amid an ocean of financial troubles and mounting criticism.

The high-profile attraction arrived less than a year after the science museum had cut 67 jobs, closed two days a week and shuttered 32,000 square feet of exhibit space. The 226,000 people who visited the exhibit — and the corresponding 41 percent increase in gate receipts — effectively formed a lifeline.

Three years later, COSI has entered much calmer waters: Attendance and revenue have rebounded, museum officials are touting new exhibits and corporate alliances, and the science center has reopened seven days a week during the summer...

"Columbus creates second arts panel" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Columbus creates second arts panel
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
June 2, 2008

The city that might lose its symphony now has a second public commission focused on the arts.

City Council members voted tonight to create a 21-member panel that will examine city policies and seek long-term funding solutions for local arts groups that often find themselves on shaky ground.

The Greater Columbus Creative Cultural Commission will be different from the 35-year-old Greater Columbus Arts Council, officials say. The arts council divvies up millions each year from city hotel-tax money that goes to arts groups, events and programs.

The new commission will look at the bigger picture...

"Symphony ends on an uncertain note" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Symphony ends on an uncertain note
Tim Feran
The Columbus Dispatch
June 1, 2008

"This is starting to feel like a telethon," Marvin Hamlisch said to laughter and some tears during last night's season finale -- and perhaps ultimate finale -- for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Hamlisch spoke for many during the performance at the Ohio Theatre, which was filled with movie and Broadway favorites that often hinted at endings while simultaneously proclaiming hope for new beginnings...

"Arts Council awards $2.5M, postpones symphony funding" Business First of Columbus

Link: Arts Council awards $2.5M, postpones symphony funding
Business First of Columbus
May 27, 2008

The Greater Columbus Arts Council on Tuesday approved operating and project grants for 32 area groups totaling $2.49 million, but the jury is still out on an award of up to $245,000 for the suspended Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

The council, which distributes state funds to arts groups, said it awarded funding to 18 of the 19 organizations that applied for operating support, which made up $2.35 million of the total awards. But it deferred a decision on the symphony's application until later this year.

The council has supported the symphony through operating or project grants since the early 1970s, most recently distributing $261,418 in 2007 and about $250,000 the year before. But budget troubles and contentious contract talks between the symphony's board and its musicians have led to the cancellation of its Picnic With the Pops and Popcorn Pops outdoors series this summer - and put into question the possibility of opening its 2008-09 season this fall...

"Columbus Symphony board and players hold more talks but gain little ground" WOSU NewsRoom

Link: Columbus Symphony board and players hold more talks but gain little ground
Mandie Trimble
WOSU NewsRoom
May 27, 2008

Columbus Symphony Orchestra musicians and board members are considering their next steps in negotiations to keep the CSO operating. The two sides met Monday for another round of bargaining. The meeting came almost a week after musicians held a news conference to present a plan that would add "In-Kind" donations to the budget's bottom line...

...Both sides say they talked for several hours about the musicians' proposal to add $1.6 million of "In-Kind" money to the symphony's overall budget. Musicians' union president Fisher said in the end the board rejected the idea.

"Their arguments are unclear. We spent a lot of time trying to achieve a meeting of the minds on what the 'In-Kind' numbers meant and whether or not it was appropriate in counting them in creating a budget," Fisher said...

...There are no more talks scheduled at this time. The musicians said they're just waiting to hear from the board...

"Slowing economy concerns Ohio's grant-dependent nonprofit" WSYX ABC 6

Link: Slowing economy concerns Ohio's grant-dependent nonprofit
WSYX ABC 6
May 25, 2008

Ohio's food pantries, community theaters and other nonprofit groups are preparing for an expected decline in corporate donations as the economy slows and big businesses look to limit gifts.

Aside from The Columbus Foundation, which has assets of close to a billion dollars, central Ohio has few large private foundations. Instead, the nonprofits rely on corporate generosity...

"Symphony's pain hurts others" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Symphony's pain hurts others
Jaffrey Sheban
The Columbus Dispatch
May 25, 2008

Musicians and other employees of the Columbus Symphony won't be the only ones suffering financially if the next orchestral season is canceled.

The operator of the Ohio Theatre could be out $800,000 if the symphony bypasses its 2008-09 season, which normally runs for 26 weeks starting in October.

“A dark Ohio will be a real challenge for us and all of Downtown,” said Bill Conner, president and chief executive of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts...

"COSI lining up for $1.5M for changes, upgrades" Business First of Columbus

Link: COSI lining up for $1.5M for changes, upgrades
Matt Burns
Business First of Columbus
May 21, 2008

..."We are envisioning COSI better serving the community by going from a stand-alone science center to a multi-tenant, partnership-based center of science," he said. "This is all about making the facility work by working with other partners in helping us tell the story of where the economy's going."

COSI already has signed on big-name collaborators, such as Ohio State University, Battelle and TechColumbus, to become a part of the center. But with the state money, COSI plans to transform a 15,000-square-foot hallway on its first floor into a technology and innovation showcase for Ohio companies.

Those displays will join other tenants, including WOSU@COSI, an interactive radio and TV studio, and Ohio State's Center for Family Research...

"Symphony musicians propose 7% salary cut to save season" Business First of Columbus

Link: Symphony musicians propose 7% salary cut to save season
Matt Burns
Business First of Columbus
May 20, 2008

Columbus Symphony Orchestra musicians have cued up a cost-cutting proposal they say would allow the struggling group to open its season this fall, including a concession to trim their salaries by about 7 percent.

But they said that can happen only if the symphony, buckling under the weight of seven-figure deficits in recent years, cuts expenses that have caused millions in cost overruns in recent years.

Symphony musicians on Tuesday unveiled a proposed $11.1 million budget that takes into account the $9.5 million the group's board claims is the level of public support for the symphony, plus an estimated $1.6 million in in-kind donations, the annual average in past years. The proposal allots $5 million in compensation for the 53 staff musicians, representing an overall $500,000 savings and a 6.5 percent to 7 percent salary cut for each player, said Jim Akins, principal tuba player and chair of the orchestra committee...

"CSO Might Lose Arts Council Funding" WOSU NewsRoom

Link: CSO Might Lose Arts Council Funding
Sam Hendren
WOSU NewsRoom
May 16, 2008

If the Columbus Symphony Orchestra hopes to resurrect itself for a fall season, it might have to do so without funding from the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

A grants committee at the Greater Columbus Arts Council has recommended against funding the Columbus Symphony Orchestra's up-coming season which had already been in doubt. Contract talks between the orchestra's board and the musicians union broke down earlier this month; the board telling players it had no money to pay them after the end of May. Arts Council President Bryan Knicely says the grant committee's recommendation will be discussed during a public meeting May 27th.

"The grants committee recommended the symphony not receive general operating support because they felt the symphony would not be here after June 1st. The full board has to review that recommendation and make a decision based on what they know at the time."...

"Waiting for an encore" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Waiting for an encore
Jeffrey Sheban
The Columbus Dispatch
May 17, 2008

Like any good conductor, Junichi Hirokami knows the score: In life, as in music, lows follow the highs.

Such was his fate early yesterday.

Hours after leading the Columbus Symphony and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a classical-season finale, Hirokami sat alone on a steel bench at Port Columbus, waiting to return to his native Japan.

He wondered whether he was leaving Columbus for good...

"Orchestra's demise huge loss for city" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Orchestra's demise huge loss for city
Letter to the Editor
The Columbus Dispatch
May 11, 2008

...Sadly, Columbus' city leaders appear not to have similar notions about its arts culture and, therefore, don't consider a symphony orchestra fundamental to a robust city.

I beg to differ. Unless and until Columbus and its major employers consider a symphony orchestra fundamental to its local culture, it will not and cannot succeed.

"Columbus Symphony Orchestra" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Web-only letters to the editor
The Columbus Dispatch
May 9, 2008

The Columbus Symphony board and community leaders are strangely silent in their concern for our Columbus Symphony. When a business or organization is having financial difficulties, one must look at its management. Why haven't corporations been asked to support the symphony in addition to those generous businesses currently supporting the symphony? What endowments are available to maintain our symphony? Why isn't management tapping support from individuals as well? Why haven't concerts and other symphony offerings been aggressively marketed?...

"Symphony musicians, board aren't giving up yet" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Symphony musicians, board aren't giving up yet
Jeffrey Sheban
The Columbus Dispatch
May 10, 2008

Although time is running out, there's still a chance to salvage the full indoor Columbus Symphony season starting in October, an orchestra official said yesterday.

If the symphony board and musicians, who have broken off talks, can reach a new labor contract by July, the 2008-09 season could probably start on time, Executive Director Tony Beadle said.

“It won't be pretty, but it's doable,” he said...

"Sales strong for season's end" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Sales strong for season's end
Nancy Gilson
The Columbus Dispatch
May 10, 2008

...The symphony board announced Thursday that the orchestra was canceling its summer pops series and suspending operations June 1 because of a lack of money.

Yesterday, the orchestra reported strong ticket sales for the year and especially the five remaining concerts.

The May performances should reach more than 8,000 listeners, according to Tony Beadle, executive director.

As of yesterday afternoon, 1,720 tickets had been sold for the Classical Series concert tonight; 1,056 for the same program Sunday; 1,861 for the Symphony Gala with Yo-Yo Ma on Thursday; and a combined 3,179 for the final scheduled performances, featuring composer Marvin Hamlisch, on May 30-31.

All will take place in the Ohio Theatre, which seats 2,795...

"Symphony will shut down for summer with future in doubt" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Symphony will shut down for summer with future in doubt
Jeffrey Sheban
The Columbus Dispatch
May 8, 2008

Citing a lack of funds, the Columbus Symphony plans to shut down June 1 and will not perform its Picnic with the Pops and Popcorn Pops summer series, the board said today.

The upcoming indoor season, which starts in October, also is in doubt, the board said in a statement.

“Whether the CSO will be able to perform its tentatively scheduled 2008-09 season … will depend on whether and when it is able to reach agreement with the musicians' union on a new contract to take effect Sept. 1,” said the board in a statement...

"Symphony gift delays "inevitable" suspension" Business First of Columbus

Link: Symphony gift delays "inevitable" suspension
Business First of Columbus
April 29, 2008

Facing what its chairman calls an "inevitable" suspension of operations, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra has bought itself some time through an anonymous donation from a board member.

Symphony Chairman Robert "Buzz" Trafford late Monday announced the organization will have necessary funds to run its Classical and Pops seasons to completion on May 31 thanks to an "extraordinary individual gift." The last-minute gift will satisfy subscribers and ticket-holders, Trafford said, but in no way pulls the symphony out of the woods. The amount wasn't disclosed beyond saying it was a "substantial six-figure sum."...

"Gift lets symphony finish season, but after that ..." The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Gift lets symphony finish season, but after that ...
Jim Weiker
The Columbus Dispatch
April 29, 2008

...Without the donation, the symphony would have closed Wednesday, said board President Robert "Buzz" Trafford.

The gift allows the symphony to proceed with its seven remaining performances, capped by two shows with Marvin Hamlisch May 30 and 31.

The board will meet before the end of next week to decide whether to hold the popular Picnic with the Pops summer series, Trafford said. The future of the 2008-09 season starting in October remains in doubt...

"CSO musicians reject contract offer" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: CSO musicians reject contract offer
The Columbus Dispatch
April 25, 2008

Columbus Symphony Orchestra musicians have unanimously voted to reject an offer for a new contract from the symphony board of trustees.

According to a statement from the Central Ohio Federation of Musicians, the proposed contract, to take effect in the 2008-09 season, calls for a 40 percent annual salary cut for all 53 full-time musicians with no restoration in future years...

"Symphony musicians reject contract offer" Business First of Columbus

Link: Symphony musicians reject contract offer
Business First of Columbus
April 25, 2008

Columbus Symphony Orchestra musicians said Friday they roundly rejected a new contract offer they say calls for a 40 percent across-the-board salary cut.

The Central Ohio Federation of Musicians in a statement said orchestra members Thursday night voted unanimously to reject a "final offer" from the orchestra's board for a contract that would be in place for the 2008-09 season. The federation said the contract would cut the $55,000 minimum annual salary for its 53 full-time musicians to $33,000, without future restoration.

The symphony's board in a statement dismissed claims that discussions can't continue in light of the union's response, but said "the ability to complete the current season would very likely depend upon being able to reach an agreement with respect to a contract for next season."...

"Contract rejection may stop the music" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Contract rejection may stop the music
Jim Weiker
The Columbus Dispatch
April 26, 2008

The Columbus Symphony board of trustees will meet Monday to determine the future of the orchestra's current season, now that the musicians have rejected a board contract offer for next season.

The board must decide whether the symphony has the financial strength to finish its ongoing "indoor" season (including a May 15 performance with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma) and whether to proceed with the annual summer program (including Picnic with the Pops).

"The immediate question is whether we can complete the season in May," board President Robert "Buzz" Trafford said last night...

"Comparing Columbus" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Comparing Columbus
Robert H. Milbourne, The Columbus Partnership, New Albany
Roberta F. Garber, Community Research Partners, Westerville
Web-only Letter to the Editor
The Columbus Dispatch
April 18, 2008

We commend the Dispatch for helping the community learn about Benchmarking Central Ohio 2008, prepared for The Columbus Partnership by Community Research Partners. The project aims to stimulate discussion about how central Ohio compares with other metro areas, and it has done just that, particularly with regards to the Arts Establishments indicator. However, some clarification is needed:

We were aiming for breadth in the selection of indicators, with a focus on economic competitiveness. A report focused on a single topic, such as the arts, could capture many more dimensions of that issue.

We did not conduct a survey. Each indicator uses quantitative data, available from a single source, that is regularly updated. The Census Bureau was the original source of the Arts Establishments data.

The project does not include collecting data on the diverse local and national perceptions of "quality" regarding the arts—or the other 59 indicators—although we hope it is a vehicle for surfacing these observations...

"Grim reality: Perception is that city lacks in arts" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Grim reality: Perception is that city lacks in arts
Jeffrey Sheban
The Columbus Dispatch
April 7, 2008

The news hit the arts community like a ton of hicks: Columbus finished last in a 16-city comparison of arts and cultural establishments.

"It's damaging; we're all concerned," said Bill Conner, president and chief executive of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts.

"I was sad to hear it," added Nannette V. Maciejunes, executive director of the Columbus Museum of Art. "I think we do fight against that perception."

The ranking was part of a wider report released last week by the Columbus Partnership, a nonprofit civic-development group, to assess the region's economic strength and cultural vitality. Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Nashville, Tenn., Kansas City, Mo., and Chicago were among the cities profiled...

"Artspace begins survey to determine artists' space needs" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Link: Artspace begins survey to determine artists' space needs
David J. Cross
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
April 3, 2008

The Greater Columbus Arts Council, in partnership with the Artspace Projects, began conducting an artist survey last week in hopes of determining the space needs of local artists and arts-friendly businesses.

The goal of the study is to assist in the development of new live-work space for artists, as well as exhibit, rehearsal and performance space.

"What Artspace likes to do is really get a sense of how many artists are in the community and ... (a potential space's) size and what it should look like," said Emily Swartzlander, a spokeswoman for the arts council...

"Reaching a low note" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Reaching a low note
Jeffrey Sheban
The Columbus Dispatch
March 24, 2008

Columbus isn't the first community to face the prospect of downsizing, or losing, its symphony orchestra.

Throughout North America in recent decades, dozens of orchestras have dealt with financial crises ranging from near-bankruptcy to sudden death -- situations similar to the Columbus Symphony's current struggles.

Since 2002 alone, at least eight cities -- including Miami; San Jose, Calif.; and Savannah, Ga. -- have had their professional orchestras fold because of financial woes, according to the League of American Orchestras in New York...

"Do or die" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Do or die
Letter to the Editor
The Columbus Dispatch
March 22, 2008

...The musicians also say that the symphony's marketing and fundraising efforts have been lacking.

But at this point, it doesn't make much difference how the symphony reached its perilous state. If the organization is to survive, it must take the steps necessary to rebuild confidence that it can operate in a sustainable way.

"Columbus Symphony | Negotiations under way" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Columbus Symphony | Negotiations under way
Michael Grossberg
The Columbus Dispatch
March 21, 2008

Representatives of the Columbus Symphony and the American Federation of Musicians met Tuesday for an initial negotiation session about the orchestra's future.

"Both sides recognize that they face complex and difficult issues but have agreed upon an intense schedule of negotiations," the musicians union and the orchestra trustees said in a joint statement.

The meeting was the first between board members and musicians since the board's attempt Jan. 17 to outline a restructuring plan for next season...

"Columbus Symphony, musicians' union resume labor talks" WOSU

Link: Columbus Symphony, musicians' union resume labor talks
Steve Brown
WOSU
March 18, 2008

COLUMBUS, OH (2008-03-18) Leaders of the financially struggling Columbus Symphony Orchestra and their musicians' union met this afternoon for the first time in nearly two months. Union reps walked out of their last meeting, after the board proposed cutting 22 of the symphony's 53 full-time positions.

CSO executive director Tony Beadle said just before the meeting he didn't expect much in terms of progress. He said they'd be dealing mainly with what he called housekeeping issues like scheduling future meetings.

The two sides have been at odds since January when the CSO board approached the union with a strategic plan. Beadle says many corporate donors told the CSO board they were cutting off donations until the symphony stopped operating under a deficit...

"Musicians, board agree to start discussing future" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Musicians, board agree to start discussing future
Michael Grossberg
The Columbus Dispatch
March 18, 2008

Musicians and board members of the financially strapped Columbus Symphony will meet this afternoon to begin discussions.

"I have no inkling as to what may transpire, but I'm very hopeful," Executive Director Tony Beadle said yesterday.

"This could begin to have a positive effect on us being able to continue our operations."

The four-year union contract for the 53-member orchestra will expire Aug. 31. Before then, however, orchestra management must figure out how to deal with immediate financial problems -- namely, a projected $1.4 million deficit for 2007-08...

"Columbus Symphony Weeks Away from Insolvency" WOSU

Link: Columbus Symphony Weeks Away from Insolvency
Sam Hendren
WOSU
March 14, 2008

COLUMBUS, OH (2008-03-14) The chair of the Columbus Symphony board of directors says the orchestra will soon run out of money. Without an infusion of cash, Buzz Trafford says the orchestra could cease to function in less than 60 days.

The CSO hit an artistic peak a few days ago when they recorded several works by Tchaikovsky for the Denon label. But it comes at a time when the orchestra is on the verge of insolvency. Board chairman Buzz Trafford says the orchestra has been in and out of financial difficulty for 20 years. Jim Akins, the head of the committee representing the orchestra's players, agrees - up to a point.

"In the past there have certainly been ups and downs," Akins says. "There have been economic issues that come into play. But the bottom line is the artistic quality is all that we as musicians can handle. That's all we are here to do. That's really our mission. The mission of the board is to raise the funds to maintain the growth of the Columbus Symphony."...

"Columbus Symphony: Could it really die?" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Columbus Symphony: Could it really die?
Michael Grossberg
The Columbus Dispatch
March 14, 2008

Nearly broke and still short of solutions, the Columbus Symphony could fold as early as next month, the president of the symphony board says.

Although efforts to save central Ohio's largest arts organization continue behind the scenes, Robert "Buzz" Trafford said the orchestra's demise is possible if additional donations prove elusive.

"Without more help, there's a very real risk that our money won't take us beyond the next month or two," Trafford said. "Our options would become extremely limited, including suspension of operations."...

"$1.2 million pledged to local arts groups" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: $1.2 million pledged to local arts groups
Barbara Carmen
The Columbus Dispatch
March 11, 2008

Franklin County will chip in $1.2 million to leading arts groups, including the Columbus Symphony, while a consortium works with business and community leaders to look for matching funds to stabilize the arts.

“We so often talk about Columbus as a sports community. Columbus is arts, too,” Commissioner Marilyn Brown said.

Today, the commissioners pledged $600,000 a year through 2009 to lure matching private donations to the “Thrive in Five” campaign by the Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium.

That group's members received $700,000 from the city of Columbus toward its goal of raising $2.8 million this year, and $4 million next year...

"Arts Developers, Now Hear This" New York Times

Link: Arts Developers, Now Hear This
Antoinette Martin
New York Times
February 10, 2008

...“We go into these downtrodden buildings,” said Kay Kenny, a photographer and painter in Jersey City, “and we live with the crumbling walls, the darkness and the pigeons, and we succeed in making these places vibrant — and we succeed too well. Then, we get pushed out.”

As one of about 150 artists who gravitated to a warehouse building known as 111 First Street in downtown Jersey City during the 1990s, Ms. Kenny wound up as part of a well-publicized case in which artists were redeveloped out of their own funky niche...

...Once a particular building or neighborhood gets too ritzy for mattress-on-the-floor types, “it does tend to lose the look and feel that make it a real artists’ community,” in Ms. Fishman’s view. “There is some elusive quality that makes a place exciting to an artist, and I don’t know how long any place that undergoes gentrification continues to project that quality,” she said...

"City ready to boost the arts" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: City ready to boost the arts
Michael Grossberg and Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
February 8, 2008

Columbus City Council members are expected to announce financial support today for several cultural groups, including the struggling Columbus Symphony.

The money, which would come mostly from higher-than-expected hotel-room tax revenue, is likely to be matched by Franklin County commissioners and corporate donors.

"We're all in this together," said Councilwoman Priscilla Tyson, who wouldn't give details of the funding but noted that local arts leaders were invited to a 10:30 a.m. announcement at City Hall...

"City helps arts organizations" WOSU

Link: City helps arts organizations
Alaina Busch
WOSU
February 8, 2008

...The CCLC received $700,00 from Columbus City Council as part of its 2008 budget amendments.

Councilman Kevin Boyce says more than $350 million of the city's economy is generated by Columbus' creative community. He says an economic review committe will be set up to anayze future arts funding which could mean a change in the law.

Press Southworth, director of Opera Columbus, is the consortium's leader. He says if county and corporate sponsors match the city's support, the CCLC will have $2.8 million dollars to allocate to its organizations. He says the symphony could receive about $1.1 million. That's the largest chunk of funds but still not enough to make up for the symphony's projected budget shortfall. The board recently came up with a plan to cut about two dozen musicians and shorten the performance season to make up for the deficit. Southworth says that plan will still proceed and, along with the CCLC funds, will help the symphony stabilize for now...

"Library 2008" CoolTown Studios

Libraries have been on my mind for a while now, at least conceptually, as a community and "place" for congregation going into the future, beyond what and how they are used now. Think "Library Evolved" if you will. Along those lines, this article struck a cord to that end:

Link: Library 2008
Neil Takemoto
CoolTown Studios
February 7, 2008

1. The contemporary library is no longer a repository for books, nor even just a community center, but also an edutainment center as well. In other words, it doesn't always have to be so quiet.
2. They act as a town square, hosting concerts, festivals, public markets and other community events. 3. They have a cafe (pictured), ideally fronting the street with outdoor seating. Even better, design a coffeehouse setting with homey couches so patrons feel comfortable staying longer.
3. They provide a small business center helping entrepreneurs start and grow their companies...

"Death Knell for Columbus Symphony Orchestra?" WOSU

Link: Death Knell for Columbus Symphony Orchestra?
Sam Hendren
WOSU
January 31, 2008

..."Here we have a prosperous town, it's the capital of a prosperous state and the board of its orchestra are saying that it cannot afford to sustain a full symphony orchestra and wants to reduce it to chamber size. That in effect is the eradication of Columbus, Ohio from the cultural map."...

..."Well I'm not lying to you; it's the truth. We have no faith in this board," Fisher says. "They've convinced us that they do not want to support this orchestra at this level and they want to fire 22 of us. And if that is what they really want to do, I think the orchestra is finished."...

"Out of tune" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Out of tune
The Columbus Dispatch
January 28, 2008

By proposing to cut the budget of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra by at least a fifth, its board members are doing what must be done to keep the organization afloat.

The budget would shrink to between $9 million and $9.5 million, from the current $12 million. The number of full-time musicians would drop from 53 to 31; other musicians would be hired for specific concerts, depending on the need. The number of performance weeks would be cut from 46 to 34. Musicians are paid only during performance weeks and for vacations...

...Another bailout won't fix what ails the symphony. A sound business plan that provides predictability and sustainability is needed. The current symphony leadership deserves credit for facing hard financial truths and working to build a symphony that can last without repetitive financial crises.

"Symphony on the brink?" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Symphony on the brink?
Michael Grossberg
The Columbus Dispatch
January 18, 2008

Leaders of the financially troubled Columbus Symphony are proposing dramatic cuts in the number of full-time musicians and the number of weeks the musicians perform.

The restructuring plan is designed to get the symphony on firm financial footing and ensure its survival.

"This is to try to save the orchestra and enable us to grow it into something special," said Robert "Buzz" Trafford, chairman of the symphony board...

"Columbus symphony has eye on public bailout" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Columbus symphony has eye on public bailout
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
January 19, 2008

The symphony is pinning its hopes on a city-county arts package -- dubbed Thrive in Five -- to help eliminate its deficit this year. The fundraising campaign would provide $4 million annually for 16 arts groups -- including $1.2 million for the symphony the first year.

The plan includes $1 million each from the city and county. Mayor Michael B. Coleman's proposed city budget included no help for the group, but Councilman Kevin L. Boyce suggested that up to $572,000 in hotel-room taxes might be sent its way.

Franklin County commissioners approved a 2008 budget in December with no money set aside for a rescue, but they will address the request by March...

"Music scenes a sign of economic rise" CoolTown Studios

Link: Music scenes a sign of economic rise.
Neil Takemoto
CoolTown Studios
January 2, 2008

What does a thriving music scene have to do with a city's economic growth? According to economist Richard Florida in his recent study, "It signals the rise of regional ecosystems that are not only open to new sounds and new ideas, but have the size, scale and commercial oomph to retain key talent and turn their ideas into global commercial successes. Once music scenes of this scale get going, they produce a logic and momentum of their own and signal that more entrepreneurship is on the way."...

City Council, JPMorgan Chase and Columbus Downtown Development Corporation sponsor Artspace artist market survey

GCAC stays committed to moving artist housing project forward

press release
Columbus, Ohio – Columbus City Council, JPMorgan Chase and Co. and the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation will sponsor a survey of local artists that will determine the parameters of an artist live/work project led by Artspace, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to creating affordable arts spaces.

The Greater Columbus Arts Council, which has been working with Artspace to garner support for this initiative, announced today that Artspace will conduct an Artist Market Survey in early 2008. The survey, which will be conducted electronically, will take up to six months to complete and will cost $35,000.

“This project solidifies City Council’s commitment to building a thriving, vibrant downtown, and the need to nurture the creative class in our economy that we believe will be the leaders in making the heart of our city the place we expect it to be,” said Councilwoman Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, who has led City Council’s support of the initiative.

City Council will give $13,500 of the total cost, and JPMorgan Chase will give $17,500. The Columbus Downtown Development Corporation will fund the remaining $4,000.

"The Artspace project has great potential for Columbus across multiple dimensions - as a way to support and inspire our artist community, as an important affordable housing development project that promises to strengthen its host neighborhood, and as a public statement about the quality of, and commitment to, the arts in our community," said Jeff Lyttle, Regional Vice President of Community Relations for JPMorgan Chase and Co.

In July, Artspace conducted a two-day visit to Columbus to tour several potential sites and meet with arts, civic and business leaders to discuss the feasibility of an Artspace project. In October, Artspace and GCAC released a report that recommended conducting an Artist Market Survey to determine the size of the market for an affordable live/work project. Once the survey is complete, Artspace will work within the community to determine a final location, size and layout for the project and to raise funds to begin construction. 

“We are thankful for the collaboration and support that the city, business community and artistic community have shown for this project, and we look forward to taking the next step,” said GCAC President Bryan W. Knicely.

About the Greater Columbus Arts Council:

Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Ohio Arts Council for their continued support of all our programs.

Greater Columbus Arts Council Awards 2007 Project SUpport Grants to Area Arts Organizations and Projects

press release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Greater Columbus Arts Council Board of Trustees today announced the approval of 26 Project Support grants.

GCAC’s Project Support grants provide funding for specific activities that are distinguishable from the organization’s ongoing operations and programming.

“Our Project Support grants continue to lend vitality to the city’s arts offerings,” said Robert Falcone, Chair of GCAC’s Grants Committee. “The grants approved today will help to support amazing new theater, dance, music, and exhibitions – along with audience development initiatives and new collaborations – throughout the next year.”

GCAC awarded $268,491 in Project Support grants to the following organizations:

Name / Project Title  Grant Amount 

Dance
BalletMet / Summer Series  $17,750.00
Columbus Dance Theatre / Columbus Dance Theatre WOSU Performance Series  $11,895.00
Kristina Isabelle / Environmental Tones $5,432.00

Music
OSU School of Music / Contemporary Music Festival 2008 $12,200.00
Six String Concert / Six String Concert Inc.   $2,485.00
Women in Music / Cantilena Concerts  $6,100.00

Theater
Actors' Theatre of Columbus / Cool Classic Series $4,495.00
Available light [theatre] / Two Columbus Premiere Productions   $3,550.00
Contemporary American Theater Company /
         Three CATCO Productions: Crowns, Drawer Boy, Doubt   $61,200.00
MadLab Theatre / The Angels of Lemnos   $924.00
Senior Repertory of Ohio / Tuesdays with Morrie  $1,543.00

Visual Arts
Columbus Jewish Community Center / Artist in Residence - David Moss  $3,876.00
Dept of Theater, OSU / Exhibition: The Artists of Notting Hill Carnival   $10,714.00
Lima Company Memorial / Lima Company Memorial   $2,936.00
Ohio Designer Craftsman / Best of 2008  $5,202.00
ROY G BIV / 2008 Exhibition Season  $4,309.00

Media Arts
Columbus Jewish Film Festival / Columbus Jewish Film Festival  $3,100.00
CSCC Development Foundation / Downtown Digitial Arts Festival  $2,310.00
Film Council of Greater Columbus / Columbus International Film & Video Festival  $1,395.00

Multidisciplinary
Asian Festival / 2008 Asian Festival   $15,620.00
COSI / "Art@COSI": Phase II Tech& Innovation @ COSI   $25,500.00
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra /
                       Thurber's Dogs Project: Promusica, Thurber, OSU AACAD  $20,130.00    

Literary Arts
Ohioana Library Association / 2008 Ohioana Book Festival  $10,675.00
Thurber House / Expansion of Education Programming  $15,300.00

Opera / Music Theatre
Gallery Players / South Pacific  $2,100.00
Opera Columbus / The Mikado  $17,750.00

Grants guidelines, application deadlines, and application forms are available on GCAC's Web site, www.gcac.org. The next deadline for Project Support grants will be in April 2008.

About the Greater Columbus Arts Council:
Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, GCAC funds exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community.

GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, Franklin County, and the Ohio Arts Council for their continued support.

ColumbusArts Card Allows Under 40 Crowd to Access Discounts, Information About Arts and Cultural Events

GCAC debuts ColumbusArts Card program on newly designed ColumbusArts.com

press release
Columbus, Ohio – Want full access to the arts at a fraction of the price? Well if you’re under 40, the Greater Columbus Arts Council has a new way for you to save and a newly designed Web site to find events you want to attend.

GCAC today announced the debut of the ColumbusArts Card – a new program aimed at increasing arts attendance by people under 40-years-old.

The ColumbusArts Card, an annual membership program, will give members discounts to arts and culture events across the city, along with discounted memberships to museums and organizations.

Anyone under 40 can join the ColumbusArts Card program for $40 per year, with the chance to receive over $1,300 in discounts. Members receive a card that allows them to access the discounts. GCAC will also send members a weekly e-mail letting them know about new and upcoming discount opportunities.

“National and local research shows that the average age of arts and cultural audiences is increasing, so we’re trying to provide incentive for new audiences to experience the arts and culture in Columbus,” said GCAC President Bryan W. Knicely. “This effort goes hand-in-hand with the city’s initiative to attract and retain young talent for our region. If people are more engaged in the community, they’ll be more likely to stay.”

To purchase a ColumbusArts Card membership, go to www.ColumbusArts.com. This newly designed Web site – central Ohio’s most comprehensive art and cultural events resource – lets people sign up for the ColumbusArts Card and manage their membership online.

Additionally, ColumbusArts.com users can take advantage of the increased search functionality to search for events by venue, organization, event name or date.

The ColumbusArts Card is a partnership between the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Columbus Arts Marketing Association.

About the Greater Columbus Arts Council: Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Ohio Arts Council for their continued support.

"Millions sought for the arts" The Columbus Dispatch

It will be interesting over the next few years to watch the big name art organizations and their funding initiatives versus the grassroot efforts of indie artists and Columbus and their effort to get better organized and mobile on local arts via the self-declaration of Columbus as THE indie art capital of the world (in case you hadn't heard):

Link: Millions sought for the arts
Nancy Gilson
The Columbus Dispatch
November 9, 2007

Central Ohio's major arts groups launched a unified campaign this week to raise $12 million from public and private sources during the next three years.

The money would be divided among the groups based on their budgets and needs...

...With a nod to the city's 2012 bicentennial, the 16 arts groups that make up the Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium have selected "thrive in five" as their motto. But they hope it takes only three years to raise and distribute the $12 million.

The consortium, formed last year, includes BalletMet, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, Columbus Children's Theatre, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Symphony, the Contemporary American Theatre Company, COSI Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory, Jazz Arts Group, the King Arts Complex, Opera Columbus, Phoenix Theatre, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Thurber House and Wexner Center for the Arts. The Greater Columbus Arts Council will serve as fiduciary agent but won't receive money...

"Group pictures artists' haven" Business First of Columbus

Link: Group pictures artists' haven
Jeff Bell
Business First of Columbus
November 2, 2007

...Cable and like-minded artists in Central Ohio could get their wish if Artspace Projects Inc., which creates affordable spa