FROM ESPN (Hurtz, I know you look at the pix) - Article is shallow and oblivious, but the last sentence is absolutely sound and pertinent - Lockout In B-Flat: Among the bêtes noires of this column are artists going on strike or being locked out owing to wage disputes. The latest is happening in Atlanta, where the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has suspended operations because musicians are resisting pay cuts resulting from higher health insurance costs. The arts make an important contribution to society, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is a high-quality symphony. But Geoff Edgers of the Washington Post reports that orchestra members earn an average base salary of $71,256, which is above the median household income. And they get to be artists -- a form of psychic income most Americans can only envy. Millions of people would trade their current circumstances for income in this range and the high status of being an artist.The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Its music is wonderful, its economics not so much.Disputes of this kind are TMQ bêtes noires because when members of symphony, opera or dance companies complain about their pay, essentially they are demanding more charity. Of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestras revenue, only $21 million is ticket sales while $16 million is donations and endowment support. Yes, the rich should give more to art. But demanding extra charity isnt a particularly dignified pose. Fun fact: the money numbers breakdown posted on the web by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra management is boldly stamped CONFIDENTIAL. Obviously its not, but suppose it were. What possible justification could a publicly supported tax-exempt organization have for claiming its financial data are confidential?
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 04:23:26 +0000
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