Pulse Report for Arts Groups and the Current Economy

The purpose of the survey was to gauge the initial and early effects of the current economy on arts organizations’ bottom lines. As we continue to collaborate and examine the completed information we will periodically check back and survey organizations to uncover trends, compile more information that can be shared with stakeholders and the press as well as keep our hands on the pulse of the financial environment for arts groups.

Survey pool comprised of 163 nonprofit arts organizations in a 19 county area of metro Atlanta. Participants represented organizations of all budget and audience sizes and all artistic disciplines.

Of 159 organizations, over half (59%) reported a decrease in total revenue from November 2007 to November 2008, while 21% reported an increase in total revenue.

Of 113 organizations, 55% reported a decrease in single ticket sales.

27% of all respondents have reduced programming in order to decrease costs from November 2007 to November 2008. Nearly 40% of the respondents who have undergone this change are expecting a deficit at the end of this current budget year.

Another 36% of respondents altered programs from 2007 to 2008 in order to decrease costs and 17% have reduced number of staff or artists to help reduce costs.