The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Recession and the Arts

In the May 7 issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, there is a piece about how the recession is affecting the arts. I really like what they are doing in St. Louis with the local mall.

In St. Louis, the Regional Arts Commission has teamed up with a local mall to help fill vacant retail space with art studios, galleries, performances, classes, and offices. The project, called Art Space, has brought an increase in visitors to the ailing mall, and has helped merchants stay in business.

A dance studio now occupies what was a Gap clothing store. The performers use the dressing rooms to change into costumes, and the wooden floors are now used for tap and Irish dancing. More than 60 arts groups have signed contracts for the empty retail space so far. The rent is nominal, averaging $100 per month, plus utilities.