Survey: Philadelphia arts and culture groups at risk due to pandemic income losses, depleted cash reserves

“As Philadelphia-area arts and culture groups await federal assistance, Philadelphia arts leaders are indicating that absent such aid, some groups might be forced to fold,” writes Peter Dobrin in Tuesday’s (3/16) Philadelphia Inquirer. “Just over 40% of organizations from the five-county area responding to a Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance survey are not likely to survive beyond this fall at their current levels of contributed and earned income, the alliance says…. Arts organizations from nearly every artistic discipline are among those at risk…. The study does not name any names.… Of the 102 at-risk organizations, 59% cite ‘limited cash savings and reserves’ as one of their top financial concerns, said [GPCA interim president and CEO Priscilla M.] Luce…. The Kimmel Center, home to many of the city’s major music and dance companies, plans to apply for the maximum allowable amount of federal assistance. Without it, the arts center is forecasting a deficit of at least $6.2 million…. The Philadelphia Orchestra, Mann Center, and other groups are also eyeing federal assistance…. GPCA notes that 41 of the 102 at-risk arts and culture groups address racial justice, 22 serve LGBTQ+ populations, 21 provide accessibility to the arts for people with disabilities, and 21 groups create workforce development opportunities.”