Economic Woes Impact BMA, Center Stage

Two of our major arts institutions recently announced cutbacks related to the faltering economy. Center Stage reduced its main stage productions to just four plays, down from the usual six, for 2009-2010. To help offset the loss, the theater will round out its season with staged readings and other shorter pieces that don't require extensive (expensive) sets.

Today, the BMA announced it was cutting its budget by nearly $1 million, freezing salaries, and furloughing full-time employees making more than $30,000. Additionally, the museum's director and six deputy directors will be taking pay cuts of 10 percent and five percent, respectively. And the BMA’s endowment, at the end of last month, was valued at $50.5 million, down nearly 30 percent from a year ago.

The news adds another bleak chapter to the "Arts Under Attack" piece in our current issue.