Arts Center faces financial crisis

by Hatcher Hurd / Appen Newspapers

July 08, 2009 Despite statewide recognition for its adult programs, after-school enrichment classes and summer arts camps, the Johns Creek Arts Center (JCAC) — a wholly nonprofit organization — is facing its greatest financial crisis ever and may close its doors.

It has served a population of more than 100,000 residents in North Fulton, South Forsyth and Gwinnett counties for 11 years, while constantly expanding its facilities and scope of service.

During that time it has made do with surprisingly little corporate or public support other than the fees for its programs. But in today's climate of economic belt-tightening, it has experienced shortfalls in the spring and summer enrollments as families cut back on expenses. JCAC officials say they must raise $75,000 in 60 days or shut down by the end of the year.

JCAC Executive Director Gail Hisle said the financial crisis has been heightened by a more than 50 percent reduction in grant money since 2005 from the Fulton County Arts Council, which in turn has faced reduced funding from the county.

"That is the only source of government assistance we receive. Now with families cutting back, we are making an appeal to corporate or public assistance or we won't survive the recession," Hisle said.

A letter urging support of the JCAC has gone out with the signatures of state Rep. and House Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter, Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley and Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker.

Meanwhile the JCAC has done all it can to cut back on expenses without reducing its commitment to artistic excellence. The JCAC Board of Directors is working to provide long-term stability, but in the meantime it is calling on the community to help "provide a financial bridge to the future."

The crisis became apparent when spring and summer enrollments dropped off. These are the JCAC's biggest sources of revenue and pay the bills for its leaner months in the fall and winter, Hisle said.

"We are very seasonable. The summer camps are our main revenue driver. But we were hit with a double whammy when both spring and summer enrollments were off by a third," she said.

Another problem has been a lack of community awareness. The center relies mostly on schools and libraries to get its schedules out to the public.

"Many people still don't even know we're here," said Board President Linda Mauldin. "We have always relied heavily on our programming for revenues – more so than most similar arts centers – but we have hit a wall here.If we go away, that will leave only the Roswell Arts Center to provide programs north of the Chattahoochee."

The JCAC not only provides an important addition to the community's quality of life through its programs, it also provides many "extras," such as providing a source for Scouting merit badges, programs for assisted living residents and other "special projects."

"We had a request from a parent to paint a mural in their basement, which we were able to do," Hisle said. "They had an invalid child and they wanted to make it attractive for other children to come to their house to play since their child could not go to theirs."

The JCAC has been able to trim its budget from $500,000 annually to $400,000, but there are many fixed costs, including mortgage, insurance and utilities, that can't be cut, Hisle said.Materials for classes are costly as well. Still, the JCAC is finding more ways to design programs to fit the needs of residents.Drop-In Painting is one of those. This is a short, four-week art class designed mostly for retirees who travel a lot. The shorter class, about half as long as usual, lets retirees come when they can – all their materials are kept on site for their convenience – and is easier to schedule.Classes for all ages include painting, jewelry making, photography, storytelling, ceramics and pottery-making, theater, home-schooling, guitar for adults and teens, mosaics and stained glass work.

"We believe we are an important part of the area's economic vitality as well. Many businesses consider the quality of life for their employees when they make a big decision to locate," said Mauldin. "That is a point we plan to make when we call on corporate sponsors."

To date, the JCAC only receives about 3 percent of its revenue from corporations, despite many large companies, including those on the Fortune 500 list, being nearby. "We have relied a great deal on our own reserves in the past, but now we have to ask the business community and residents for help," Mauldin said.Meanwhile the center has been nominated for Nickelodeon's award for the "Parents' Picks" for art centers in the Atlanta area and leads all other nominees in balloting."It would be a shame if the last thing we do is win that award and then close down," Hisle said.