Mayor Nirenberg and County Judge Wolff are putting together a taxpayer funded bail-out for the financially troubled San Antonio Symphony, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Wolff says he will ask Commissioners Court next week to strip $350,000 from other arts programs and agencies and hand it over to the Symphony. Nirenberg says he will ask City Council to allocate some $370,000 that was earmarked for the Symphony in the current budget to be released to the Symphony, after it was held up when the orchestra announced last week that it was suspending the current season, a decision which was reversed two days later.
But Nirenberg says it is time for Symphony donors to open their wallets even wider in response.
“I firmly believe that the community wants to see a world-class symphony orchestra continue and thrive in San Antonio. However, the City and County cannot solve the financial difficulties of the Symphony by ourselves,” the Mayor said. “We hope to encourage patrons and corporate donors to increase their financial support.”
And Nirenberg says there will be plenty of strings attached to the taxpayer money.
He says Council will also consider a plan for 'fundraising, operational, and performance milestones' which must be achieved over the next six months.
Wolff, who gave a vote of confidence to the Symphony at what was supposed to be its final performance on Saturday night, says it is time for everybody in the region, from public and private funders to foundations, individuals, and corporations, to step up to the plate.
“We’ve heard an outcry to help save the Symphony, and we’re helping find a long-term solution,” he said. “However, supporters need to understand that, if this season is to be saved, their increased financial contributions are needed right now.”