Inquirer Editorial: Region must step up support for arts groups

Philadelphia-area arts patrons rightly are being called "the heroes of the region's cultural sector" for having stepped up to the box office in greater numbers during the brutal recession, even as deep-pocketed businesses and philanthropies retreated on aid to culture.

Even with those heroic efforts, however, a new survey by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance of the recession's impact in 2009 shows cultural organizations were "hanging on by their fingertips" to stay open, according to GPCA president Tom Kaiden.

So, while loyalty to the arts demonstrates once again that culture is viewed as vital to the region's quality of life, patrons may find their reward comes in the form of canceled performances. That is, unless the regional arts-funding picture brightens.

How could that happen in a general climate of austerity?

Well, after cultural leaders have finished surveying the grim numbers, they must revisit a promising strategy that's been kicked around for nearly two decades: The region should establish predictable funding for arts troupes, museums, parks, and the like.

Pittsburgh, Denver, and other metro areas have had similar regional funds in place for decades, while this region's government and civic leaders haven't been able to move forward. That's notwithstanding the richness of cultural offerings here, their proven worth in generating state and local revenues and jobs, and the impressive self-reliance shown by cultural groups in their struggle to survive and even thrive.

The Cultural Alliance's latest look at the ledgers of more than 400 groups continues to make the case that these organizations are more deserving than ever of community, business, and foundation support as the economy heals. The groups have controlled expenses, held the line on ticket prices, and grew attendance by 5 percent between 2007 and 2009, the most recent year figures were tallied.

Sure, cultural leaders have been discouraged by unsuccessful drives in the past to expand public support, but they continue to hope that business and foundation investments in the arts will rebound. And while today's no-tax climate in Harrisburg may be intimidating, Gov. Corbett's budget cuts for culture were seen as modest, and perhaps can be taken as a hopeful sign.

What's clear is that Philadelphians turn to the arts in bad times. But bad times also mean the arts need more support.