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Media Contact: Arts fare better under Democratic Presidents according to area leaders CHICAGO, June 2004 —Leaders of Chicago cultural institutions are breathing a sigh of relief. Increases in admissions and sales have given these leaders a new shot of optimism. The new DHR Nonprofit Cultural Index Survey jumped 20 points from Spring 2003 and now stands at 63, moving from pessimistic to optimistic. The index is measured on a scale of one to 100 with a score of 51 or better indicating optimism. Of all the cultural groups, the future looks the brightest to the leaders of nonprofit museums and galleries. Over 90% of museums and galleries had an increase in attendance, admissions and sales. Museum leaders believe this success will continue as 83% expect increases in earned revenue over the next six months. Even more remarkable, 92% predict an increase in fundraising. “One year ago, many cultural groups were still fighting for their lives,” said James Abruzzo of DHR Nonprofit and author of the survey. “Chicago arts leaders feel as if much of the economic crunch is behind them. They also feel, however, that a regime change in the White House would be better for the industry.” With the national election occurring in five months, the survey asked cultural leaders if the industry would be better off under the leadership of a Democratic or Republican president. The choice was nearly unanimous with 96% citing that Democratic presidents have a better effect on arts and culture. “It would seem that Republican-led tax cuts would provide more discretionary income to typical arts consumers and contributors, but the arts leaders in Chicago, and those we polled in New York City, seem to speak with one voice about political parties and the arts,” said Abruzzo. DHR International conducts the Cultural Confidence Index semi-annually. Leaders of museums, galleries and performing arts institutions in the Chicago area assess the present state of the arts and indicate their amount of confidence in the future. New York and Berlin cultural institutions also participate in similar surveys. For information, contact James Abruzzo at 973-912-4444. ##### Click for Printer-Friendly Version (.pdf)
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