N.Y. Arts Groups Fear Gap in Funds as Bloomberg Leaves Office

Fundraisers, artists, and leaders of New York City cultural institutions are enveloped in what The New York Times calls “a cloud of unease” as Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a staunch supporter of the arts both politically and philanthropically, prepares to exit City Hall.

Since taking office in 2002, Mr. Bloomberg, whose third and final term ends in less than six months, has helped shepherd ambitious arts projects, overseen a marked increase in the city’s capital budget for culture, and donated tens of millions of dollars of his own money to arts groups.

Culture entities are concerned the next mayor will not be as arts-friendly and that Mr. Bloomberg’s commitment to city organizations may wane when he returns to private life, particularly given his recent philanthropic emphasis on national issues such gun control and the environment.

“We’re all very nervous,” said Linda Shelton, executive director of dance group the Joyce Theater. “With Bloomberg, we all knew he was an arts mayor, that he understood what arts do for a neighborhood.”