Oregon Arts Groups Post Big Losses

Arts organizations in Oregon are struggling to stay afloat financially amid high costs, executive changes, poor government support, and tough competition for audiences and donors, reports The Oregonian.

In response, some groups are cutting costs. The Oregon Historical Society, for example, plans to lay off staff members, reduce its hours, and put its book-publishing program on hold. The organization has lost more than $1-million in state and county support over the past two years.

Even groups that have been successful in fund raising are still facing shortfalls. The Oregon Symphony brought in a record $7.5-million last year, but it still finished with a loss of about $1-million.