Evaluating the state of the arts in Chattanooga might be akin to defining an abstract painting or sculpture. Where some see beauty, others see pain or sorrow.
A Times Free Press online poll shows the sluggish economy has stressed some area arts agencies and artists financially, but overall survey respondents characterized the state of the arts as sound in Chattanooga.
While some arts agencies reported their sponsorship dollars are down as much as 50 percent, others said Chattanoogans and tourists continue to support a variety of visual and performing arts, the survey showed.
“If I had to base my sense of the economy solely on ticket sales, I’d have to say we are in a bull market,” said Patten Performance presenter Bob Boyer. “We sold out five of seven shows this season.”
The economy, however, has affected one of the city’s premier arts events — next weekend’s 4 Bridges Arts Festival.
Christa Mannarino, executive director of the Association for Visual Arts, said sponsorship for the two-day festival dropped from $100,000 last year to a little more than $50,000 this year. In addition, the number of application fees dropped from 700 to 570, resulting in a loss of about $10,000, she said. The festival will feature 150 vendors, the same as last year.
And for the first time in the nine-year history of the popular festival, AVA will charge admission, she said. The organization also will charge $5 for parking, a fee instituted last year.
Ms. Mannarino said the fee hasn’t deterred support for 4 Bridges.
“Our peers and the artists say if we charge a modest fee, it brings value to the arts,” she said. “Some say the arts are undervalued and free admission helps perpetuate that.”
AVA, an advocacy and resource group for the visual arts, faces a potential budget deficit this year, she said. Agency leaders have developed short- and long-term plans to reduce or eliminate that shortfall, she said.
Survey SAYS ...
The Times Free Press asked about 90 artists, arts agencies and support groups to rate the overall state of the arts in Chattanooga and how their agencies are faring. They also were asked to rate the support they get from the community, city and Hamilton County governments and Allied Arts, which serves as a fundraising and support agency for the arts. Twenty nine responded.
On average, respondents scored both the state of the arts in general and the level of community support a seven on a 1-10 scale.
“In terms of outreach and professional training programs, community support is a resounding 10. In terms of performances, much of the community ignores dance,” said Barry Van Cura of Ballet Tennessee.
Scores dropped a point lower when respondents were asked to rate their own financial status and that of the financial support they get from the community.
Though the city, county and Allied Arts all received some criticism for favoring either visual arts over performing arts or one group over another, they were regarded in positive terms overall.
Most respondents felt “more could be done,” however, especially in the areas of arts education.
“I think the biggest issue is the lack of support for arts education in the schools,” wrote Henry Schulson, executive director of the Creative Discovery Museum.
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Fallout from the recession, such as job losses, corporate sponsor cutbacks and tightened personal spending have created ripple effects throughout arts communities in cities across the nation. Nonprofit arts organizations, theaters, galleries, symphonies, festivals and individual artists are scaling back their budgets and rethinking how to market their productions or work.
Susan Robinson, executive director of the Arts & Education Council, said her agency proactively has redefined its fundraising practices and strengthened relationships within the community. Those efforts appear to be paying off.
“Our recent success with last weekend’s Conference on Southern Literature, which attracted an audience in excess of 700, is an example that our community continues to support high-quality art events despite challenging times,” she said.
People in seats and sold-out shows do not always indicate that an agency is financially sound, however.
“Most people think when they buy tickets they are supporting us financially, and they certainly are, but tickets only cover about 40 percent of our costs,” said Molly Sasse, executive director of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera.
“It’s hard to ask people to pay $750 for season tickets and then make a contribution on top of that, but we need those contributions to have a successful season,” she said.
Ms. Mannarino said corporate support for the arts should return as the economy rebounds, but that will take time.
“Our sponsors say they will be back,” she said.
A Growing Color PalETTE
In the past, Chattanoogans had a reputation for supporting the arts more through their checkbooks than their attendance. This seems to be changing, according to local artists.
“Chattanooga has made huge strides in emphasizing art, attracting artists to move here, reporting on arts events and generally being supportive of the arts,” said Janis Wilkey, a local painter.
A number of galleries and studios have opened in recent years in the Southside and in the Main Street community. The city’s public art and artist relocation incentive programs have helped create a vibrant arts community.
These additions have added to the list of reasons why tourists choose to visit the Scenic City, according to Bob Doak, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“It opens doors for our tourists wanting to do and see things and experience our local artisans,” he said. “It’s part of the collection and the aura and the mystique of what is created here.”
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