Abstract
Many observers fear that the 1980s will usher in a cultural depression. In the face of governmental cutbacks, economic duress, and rising social-welfare needs, arts organizations may be less competitive for limited private support, and the less established, more experimental groups would be particularly in danger of falling by the wayside. Despite the widespread belief that major portions of the funding community have slashed their arts spending, data reveal that only limited cuts have actually occurred. The commitment to long-term cultural philanthropy seems undiminished. The coming decade may witness a sharper emphasis on strengthening management practices among cultural grantees; the creation of consortia to share technology, physical resources, or fund-raising costs; and audience development to increase the pool of individual donors. Should the economy worsen, the anticipated cuts may, indeed, become a reality. But for the present, individual, foundation, and corporate philanthrophy is holding strong. Rather than an era of retrenchment, the 1980s promise to be a decade of cultural reassessment, stabilization and reform.
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