Cautious optimism on income

Arts organisations feel they are unlikely to recover losses in public sector funding from other sources until at least 2015, according to the latest findings in a survey looking at the impact of global recession on the cultural sector. However, 43% of arts organisations say they expect to improve their fundraising performance next year. The research suggests that this year, corporate sponsorships and donations, and project funding from trusts have overall remained static. Core funding from trusts appears to have fallen, while small gifts from individuals have grown somewhat. For some, the economic climate also appears to have been a stimulus for generating more earned income. Theatres are increasingly predicting that earned income will grow in the year ahead, with a greater likelihood of generating more from ticket sales, catering, hire of space and, to a lesser extent, merchandise. Over 450 arts organisations of all scales, regions and artforms took part in the survey, which was conducted by consultancy AQ. Copies of the report are available from its website.