idealist.org

A Little Bit More: Support the Arts During the Economic Downturn

Thoughts from Anne.


From Flickr user bejealousofme As we wrote last week, the current economic crisis is made up of countless smaller crises. Every sector of society is feeling the impact, and the arts are no exception. A general downturn in charitable giving, coupled with declining ticket sales, has left many arts institutions struggling struggling to keep their doors, stages, and gallery walls open.

Beyond their power to entertain, inform and amaze us, the arts also play an important role in the economic well being of our communities. According to Americans for the Arts, arts organizations support 5.7 million jobs and generate $166.2 billion in economic activity every year.

During these tough times, art and entertainment are sometimes seen as luxuries. But the truth is, we still need to take time out to enrich our lives with art, or just to distract ourselves from our troubles! Here are some ideas to do a little bit more to keep the arts alive in your community.

• Choose to attend a performance by a local dance or theater company instead of going to the most recent chick flick or action blockbuster. You can always rent a movie later.


• Looking to put the spark back in your relationship? Start a weekly "date night" and try something new (and affordable) each week – maybe that art gallery down the street you've been meaning to check out, or a local film festival.


• Take the kids to an art museum on a rainy Sunday. It's educational and way more fun than watching High School Musical… again.


• Volunteer your time for your favorite museum, theater or company. You can be an usher, a docent, or a muralist, just to name a few.

How has the economy affected the arts in your community? What small things do you do to support the arts?

____
Previous entries in our A Little Bit More series:
February 17: Asking One Another: What Can We Do Now?
February 19: Use the Internet to Stretch Your Organization's Dollar