The entertainment industry in New York used to have a clear trajectory for emerging artists – they could refine their skills in rehearsal spaces and secure grants that would lead to further opportunities. However, in recent years, this support system has crumbled, leading to a decrease in funding and opportunities for artists. Post-pandemic, audiences for nonprofit theatre are down, and corporate giving has decreased significantly. Financially strapped venues are producing fewer shows, resulting in a decline in new work labs and programs. Private philanthropic foundations, such as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Ford Foundation, have withdrawn their support, causing extreme turbulence in the arts landscape. Organizations like the Public Theatre and Playwrights Horizons have faced budget cuts and lost crucial funding for new projects. The elimination of subsidized rehearsal spaces and grant programs have further hindered the development of new work in the industry. The National Dance Project and the National Theatre Project have announced the end of their funding arcs due to the loss of support from major donors. In 2023, Duke informed several beneficiaries that their support would be phased out, leaving many organizations in a state of uncertainty. The foundation’s shift in focus towards equity has impacted the arts sector, with a renewed emphasis on supporting individual artists and new technologies. The Playwrights Horizons artistic director notes that general operating support funds have become scarce, with funders favoring project-specific grants instead. The uncertainty surrounding federal funding, exacerbated by recent executive orders, has added to the instability in the arts sector. Amidst these challenges, arts organizations are bracing themselves for further disruptions, as rumors of potential executive orders targeting tax-exempt status circulate. The shifting landscape of arts funding highlights the need for the industry to adapt and innovate in the face of uncertainty.
