More than 120 members of The Boston Foundation gathered yesterday to discuss the dismal future of the arts in Boston, which receive one of the lowest allocations of state funding compared to most metropolitan cities.
The state legislature did not mention funding for the arts in this year’s budget, despite the fact that one-third of Boston’s revenue comes from tourism, where people soak in the sights of Boston’s artistic culture and heritage, participants said.
Ann McQueen, program officer of The Boston Foundation, dedicated to funding nonprofits, said the state’s fiscal crisis is detrimental to cultural projects.
‘The results of these budget cuts are devastating,’ she said. ‘There is deferred maintenance, delayed building projects, lack of creativity and as an overall result, a loss of the competitive edge, both in the art and business sector.’
McQueen said many smaller organizations are often overlooked.
‘The Museum of Fine Arts, the Aquarium and Museum of Science all receive 60 percent of any funds allocated to the arts of Boston, which is over $20 million,’ she said.
Much of the funding for Boston’s arts programs comes from individual donors, McQueen said.
‘Government and corporate funding is significantly low, less than $500,000,’ she said, ‘yet this makes up over 80 percent of the market.’
Susan Hartnett, director of economic development for the Boston Redevelopment Authority, said despite the ‘innovation and technology’ of the city, Boston neglects its cultural urgency.
‘People are proud of Boston’s cultural sector, but don’t understand the gravity of the situation,’ she said.
Josiah Spaulding, president and CEO of the Wang Center for the Performing Arts, suggested an entertainment tax to alleviate the budget woes.
‘We need to learn how to maximize our profits,’ he said. ‘Our share of money must stay in cultural community.’
Paul Grogan, president and CEO of The Boston Foundation, said proponents must band together to strengthen the cultural market.
‘We need a more collective advocacy,’ he said. ‘We cannot embrace our cause is we don’t accept it.’
David Ellis, president of the Museum of Science, said ‘the need for leadership’ was the biggest problem facing the administration.
‘Isn’t there anyone willing to innovate, rather than follow innovations?’ he asked. ‘Someone needs to take a stand, otherwise we will all fall.’
Dan Hunter, executive director of Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences and Humanities (MASH) emphasized the need for alliances.
‘Boston is reputed for its high education establishments,’ he said. ‘If different art foundations and organizations can team with them, the clout behind Boston’s art institutions will be greatly increased.’
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