Seattle’s announcement about a big investment in the arts comes just in time for many of the city's arts organizations.
On Feb. 9, the Gauguin exhibit at Seattle Art Museum is expected to draw a quarter million people.
"We're hoping this show is a nice follow to that cause we've never had this many Gaugin works in Seattle,” said Cara Egan, Seattle Art Museum.
Every time an entertainment ticket is purchased, the admission tax pays for more art. Seattle has announced a $1.6 million arts investment from the tax.
Funded groups in 2012 include heritage organizations such as the Northwest African American Museum, Historic Seattle, and Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project; youth-oriented groups such as The Talented Youth, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras, and School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts; and diverse arts and cultural groups such as The Ethnic Heritage Council, Raven Chronicles and Chinese Arts & Music Association.
"Arts organizations in Seattle are weathering the storm, they're doing well … a lot of positive things going on,” said Seattle Arts Director Vincent Kitch.
Kitch says the city's nonprofit arts groups took a big hit during the recession.
"They've really had to work hard to maintain their donors and find new ways of doing business,” he said.
Another positive sign is that the show will go on at Intiman Theater, which shut down last year. It’s raised a needed $1 million and will produce plays this summer.
Seattle's nonprofit arts scene generates over $300 million each year to the city's economy
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