The arts in Elkhart fall victim to city budget woes

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Funding for Elkhart Jazz Festival

Dozens of groups that promote the arts in Elkhart will no longer receive grant money from the city because of declining property tax revenue. (WSBT file photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jul 31, 2008 at 3:51 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 31, 2008 at 4:05 PM EST

ELKHART — Organizations that promote arts and entertainment in Elkhart will no longer receive grant money from the city. The move comes as the city deals with a budget shortfall because of a loss of property tax revenues.

The summer Concert on the Green Series is put on by the Elkhart YMCA. It’s one of a number of different special YMCA events and programs that were funded by Genesis grants. All will cease next year.

"The Genesis grant allowed us to do theatre, and bring in groups — like a Japanese dancing or different groups — here,” explained Joyce Forman with the YMCA.

Elkhart Centre received Genesis grants to do a number of outdoor activities, including Michiana Bike Night Out.

“The centre will be looking at other functions that we do,” said Glenn Holtz of the Elkhart Centre. “We might be cutting back a little bit here and there."

This year the centre received $125,000 in support for the running of the Elkhart Jazz Festival. The city is expected to provide the festival $80,000 in separate funding next year — a decrease of $45,000 in funding.

"It just means we have to take a whole new look at our expenses,” said Holtz. “We'll be looking for more sponsorships. We have already made some adjustments.”

The Midwest Museum of Art also depended on Genesis funds.

"The Genesis funds, we use those for the exhibits, to bring guest lecturers in, our art classes — that supports our art classes also,” explained Jane Burns of the Midwest Museum of Art.

All extra services that will fall by the wayside next year … and now several groups are looking for answers.

"I'm not quite sure what we're going to do yet,” Forman said.

Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore will hold a press conference Friday morning to discuss the impact of the loss of property tax revenues on the city.

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