Arts Groups Struggle Against Humanitarian Causes

As humanitarian causes such as eradicating diseases in developing countries and curbing global warming absorb more and more charity dollars, arts groups find themselves struggling to attract donations, reports The Wall Street Journal.

A renewed sense of social consciousness has diverted a great deal of money that in the past probably would have supported museums, operas, and other artistic ventures, the article says. The percentage of funds donated to cultural groups has dropped to 5.2 percent of total giving, nearly three percentage points lower than in the mid-1990s.

In addition, high-profile grants from Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and Richard Branson, all of whom focus on humanitarian causes, have reinforced the perception that such causes are the most important issues of the day.

The problem is exacerbated by declining attendance at cultural events, forcing arts groups to target and approach individuals with creative proposals to donate money. Many groups have also stressed the importance of arts to the health and vitality of cities.

(A paid subscription is required to view this article.)