The Salt Lake Tribune ran a story recently about the County ZAP tax and its support of the arts in our community.
ARTS GROUPS TO GET RAISES, THANKS TO ZAP TAX BOOST
It is wonderful that the County has been able to increase the funding they give to groups such as Ballet West and the Utah Symphony and Opera. Arts organizations have been particularly hard-hit by the recession we are going through.
Utah Performing Arts Center Proposed Design
Many people don’t realize that Broadway in Utah gets no subsidies from the government and even pays taxes. The twenty-five-year-old organization that brings PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, WICKED and THE LION KING to the Capitol Theater gets almost 100% of its revenues from ticket sales, compared to non-profit arts groups that get 60-70% of their revenue from subsidies and contributions.
Broadway in Utah pays sales tax, pays income tax, does not receive ZAP tax subsidy, does not receive grants from public and private organizations and pays much higher theater rent. By paying higher rental rates and taxes, touring Broadway helps subsidize and support non-profit performing arts organizations.
In the new theater, Broadway in Utah will bring more shows for longer runs and as a result will pay more taxes and rent. This is another example of how the arts community and the community as a whole will benefit from the new Utah Performing Arts Center.
