The downturn has transformed the landscape of the Berkeley arts sector, leading to fewer performances, staff layoffs, and a shrinking pool of opportunities for artists.
Emilie Whelan remarked on the profound ripple effects of this decline: "If you're a creative, you're just not getting as many phone calls," highlighting the diminishing opportunities.
The financial pressures are resulting in not just organizational struggles but also personal decisions, with many artists like Whelan's colleagues leaving the Bay Area for more stable work environments.
The esteemed Freight & Salvage venue's $1 million budget deficit exemplifies the dire situation, as the venue battles to recover from pandemic-related financial stresses.
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