January 31, 2005


Cultural institutions predict solid gains after strong 2004

WITH THE ELECTION OVER and the economy on the upswing, New York City's cultural institutions are more optimistic than they have been since the late 1990's, according to a survey by DHR International for Crain's. Most organizations expect to see gains in both attendance and fund raising in the first half of this year.

The hoopla accompanying the reopening of the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan has helped all institutions, some executives say. Others believe that fund raising strategies implemented last year will soon show results.

The predictions for the first half are based in large part on improvements seen in 2004. Of the 41 institutions responding to the survey, nonprofit art centers and theaters reported the biggest gains.

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