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Arts Community Concerned By Slim State Budget

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Feb 4, 2009 9:30 pm US/Eastern

Arts Community Concerned By Slim State Budget

Reporting
Paul Martino
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Pittsburgh's Cultural District has blossomed into a vibrant area full of restaurants and theaters that bring people and money downtown.

Theater patrons, private donations and tax dollars keep the Cultural District alive.

But with a budget crisis taking center stage, it's feared the curtain may be closing on tax dollars for the arts.

"We get funding from the state and we're certainly concerned about the economic downturn – not only at the state level but the federal level as well," says Jim Barthen from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Pittsburgh boasts of a world-class symphony. About 10 percent of its funding, $2.5 million a year, comes from the state.

But tough times could take those dollars away.

"We are an asset to the region as are many others to the region as well and it's tough times and we recognize that," Barthen added.

Critics of the symphony say tax dollars shouldn't subsidize six-figure salaries for the musicians and European tours that the symphony embarks on.

But we spoke with many others who say the arts should continue to be funded.

"It makes you a better human being and I believe the government should be in favor of that by funding it," Daniel Rzewski of Bloomfield said.

"I think that this city needs that kind of culture and it would disappoint me," said Karen Torris of Scott Township.

The symphony defends its trips to Europe saying that it acts as an ambassador for the city and has attracted new businesses to Pittsburgh.

Meantime, it will be months before we know the final details of the state budget and what impact it may have on Pittsburgh's Cultural District.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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