Economic Turmoil and Change

Commentary by James S. Russell: A few saplings are sprouting above the rusting hulk of the High Line, an abandoned, elevated railway that once rolled meat to the butchers on the West Side of Manhattan. A brand-new park will flourish … Continue reading →

Philanthropy Northwest Executive Director Carol Lewis blogs on the arts and the recession. Read More.

At a time when most foundations are cutting back or maintaining last year’s spending, a few are doing what hedge fund manager Ken Nickerson of the Eos Foundation calls “counter-cyclical giving.” They’re increasing their grants. Nickerson heard a story last … Continue reading →

Isaac Butler on Parabasis: “Given that I worked to help elect a President who had a detailed, coherent arts policy, obviously, I would argue “yes”. yes it’s a good thing. As with most issues, arts funding and policy is divvied … Continue reading →

The Economic Meltdown Funnies are a co-production of Jobs with Justice and the Institute for Policy Studies—Program on Inequality and the Common Good. Text by Chuck Collins & Nick Thorkelson, and drawings by Nick Thorkelson.

“In these times of economic crisis, it seems only rational that we should look back at our history to review what works if we want to create jobs and secure a strong economic legacy for future generations. When faced with … Continue reading →

“The arts are in trouble. Many of the institutions that make the Bay Area’s cultural scene so compelling are facing financial difficulties. Some are severely cutting programs; others are on the verge of closing. The arts are particularly vulnerable because … Continue reading →

Let’s take the suggestion of David Wonderling [letters, Feb. 1] and stop funding the arts until “the nation is once again flush with cash.” Beginning now, let all government agencies stop funding the arts: no teachers of music or art … Continue reading →

“The stock market may be sinking and unemployment rising, but the arts are holding their own-for now. Yes, endowments that ensure the future of the city’s major arts organizations have shrunk, along with the interest income they generate. Meanwhile, smaller … Continue reading →

“Now that Britain is officially in recession, will people start spending less money on culture? The conventional wisdom is that the arts don’t suffer during times of economic hardship because the need for escapism is greater than ever—and this is … Continue reading →