Madison is a unique city. We are fortunate enough to have access to several opportunities, artistic and musical venues, entertainment options and dining establishments. One feature in particular that you cannot find anywhere else in Wisconsin is the Overture Center, which brings world-class performance acts right here in Madison.
The advantage such an institute brings to Madison is phenomenal and has the ability to provide a distinct flavor to the city. However, despite some of its high ticket-selling performances, the Overture Center - like many other entertainment institutes - is suffering because of the current economic state.
According to a research study group led by University Research Park President Mark Bugher, it is estimated that within the next few years, the struggling performance center will require extra aid from both the private and public centers in order to sustain itself. Although keeping the Overture Center should be important to Madisonians, asking taxpayers to help support the center is simply out of the question. Instead, the center's focus should be on fundraising from private donors, support from corporations, endowments and other alternatives that would not drain more money from the public.
Now I would never go so far as to call the Overture Center a worthless money pit"" that should receive zero public funding. The sense of culture and art the center brings to Madison is invaluable. However, only minimal public support should and can be provided to such a center. Yes, its programs and other offerings have benefited hundreds, if not thousands of community members, but expecting Madison residents to handle the bill is a bad idea.
Times are hard for everyone right now. With the current economic collapse, several businesses are closing, people are losing their jobs and sacrifices are being made. The public simply does not have the extra money to go to musicals or plays anymore, and costs are continually on the rise. Allocating more tax money for the Overture Center will likely worsen matters before making them better. Not only will you get public outcry if taxes are raised, but citizens will likely cringe as they watch thousands of taxpayer dollars being funneled away from necessary public services like the Metro, schools and community outreach programs, instead funding a performing arts center. Do not get me wrong, though. I think the Overture Center is a great addition to Madison, and while I believe we must do what we can to help keep it afloat, increasing taxes or cutting funding in other areas to support the center is just out of the question.
If the public will not foot the Overture Center's high costs, then who will? Since the performing arts center cannot rely solely on ticket sales, it should begin looking to private organizations for fiscal aid. According to a recent article by the Wisconsin State Journal, a mere 6 percent of the Overture Center's total revenue is generated via private gifts and donations. Similarly-sized establishments rely on 20 percent for their total revenue.
So why isn't the Overture Center pulling in that kind of aid? I may be mistaken, but I doubt Dane County is full of uncultured heathens who hate art.
Steps need to be taken now to increase private funding, and searching for potential donors would be a good idea for the Overture Center. Also, ideas such as corporate sponsorship may provide some relief, as well as endowments, which should initially be funded by some private donations and can help establish longevity in the arts center.
In September, the Overture Center announced it would be forced to dissolve its trust funds to help pay off loans and debts. However, its current loan agreement will be up in 2011. Some may hold onto the hope that with the recent turn in politics, the future may provide better economic opportunities - but no matter how good the promise, we cannot bank on tomorrow.
The Overture Center should be fervently acting now to increase private funding because if it really comes down to it, public support will, as it should, be minimal. Is the center a great addition to Madison atmosphere and a bearer of entertainment and culture found nowhere else in south-central Wisconsin? The Overture Center definitely is. Is the center a massive money pit where thousands of taxpayer dollars are funneled? Let's hope not.
Ryan Dashek is a junior majoring in biology. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com
