The panel, which included David Donahoe from the Regional Asset District, Robert Reed from the Multicultural Arts Initiative, Janet Sarbaugh from The Heinz Endowments and Germaine Williams from The Pittsburgh Foundation, made it abundantly clear that the funding community has been hit hard along with the arts and culture organizations that rely on them. According to David Donahoe, RAD is currently operating under an assumed 5% reduction in revenue for 2009; Janet Sarbaugh stated that the arts budget at the Heinz Endowments has already been cut by 15% and could be reduced further; and Germaine Williams said that the Pittsburgh Foundation has lost $180 million dollars as a result of the economy. This insight, and the other information and concerns shared as the afternoon's discussion continued, made it clear that if cultural organizations want to survive through the next few years, they need to work together, plan accordingly, and use their creative skills in management as well.

One of the best things organizations can do as they prepare for the challenges they will likely face during the next few years is to look for opportunities to work together. Collaborations and partnerships present opportunities to cut costs while maintaining organizational autonomy. By sharing office or rehearsal space, administrative staff and other costs organizations can reduce overhead. When it comes to necessary expenses that can't be shared, such as insurance, rates can be dramatically lowered through the collective bargaining power of partnerships like the Arts Council's recent connection with the Fractured Atlas Open Arts Network.

Planning is another crucial consideration for organizations who hope to survive this crisis. "You have to be ready," warned Germaine Williams. "If you're not asking questions about what's going to happen in 2010, you're not paying attention." The results of the Pittsburgh Economic Snapshot survey released at the forum revealed that, despite the troubles of current economy, a number of organizations have not adjusted their operating budgets for the next fiscal year. Robert Reed may have put it best when he suggested that organizations "use this [crisis] as an opportunity to focus. What do you really need to do and what is really necessary?"

As a sector, creativity has always been our bread and butter. In this current climate it is important to harness some of that creativity to come up with solutions that maybe haven't been thought of yet. While Federal Stimulus money will certainly help, it is not the long term solution to our problems. We cannot yet say which organizations will or will not make it through the next few years. But, by uniting ourselves with those in the community who care about us, sharing ideas and expenses and coming up with new ways to face old problems, the creative sector will be able to emerge from this crisis stronger and more self-sufficient.

As you face the challenges of the next few years, it is important to remember that you are not alone. The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is here to help both artists and organizations in whatever way we can. If you are looking for another organization with which to share administrative expenses, have a specific legal or business problem or require other assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For more information on the economic issues arts and cultural organizations are currently facing and tips on how to deal with them, please visit our economy page.