Bloomberg rescues New York arts center
NewsOn the site of the World Trade Center, the Perelman Arts Center has been struggling to reach completion.
Today it was revealed that former NY mayor Michael Bloomberg gave $130 million out of his own pocket to see it through.
‘I can afford it,’ he said. ‘And they need the money.’
The Arts Center will now open in September.
More here.
You have to applaud Bloomberg. My wealthy late Grandmother used to say those who gave their money well would be remembered long after they are gone. Long may Bloomberg live and continue to build his legacy of aiding performing arts venues so they can continue to bring enjoyment to New York City.
How about a few Zuckerbucks to help finish the job …
But that’ll never happen, of course.
That’s the attitude. Well done!
If people only knew the number of anonymous donations made by Mr. Bloomberg, they would be astounded. He’s done well by New York City. Thank you, once again, Mr. Mayor!
Same Bloomberg who wouldn’t kick in $7M to save NY City Opera because he didn’t approve of their business model.
Presumably Mr. Bloomberg studied the proposed business model and as a successful businessman, he could access its viability dispassionately.
We all lament the ultimate failure of New York City Opera, but its demise was a long time in coming. A blood infusion into a dying body is not prudent. Just as with a loved one, we can take solace in happy memories.
Most of us wouldn’t want to donate money if we didn’t approve of how an organization operated.
Why should Bloomberg have invested in a sinking ship? The reason it was in desperate straights was its ridiculous Chairman Susan Baker who abandoned the collegiality of her Board, all of whom had agreed to the appointment of Francesca Zambello as Artistic Director, and instead in a moment of madness offered the job to Gerard Mortier. In doing so, she promised him an unbelievable and totally unattainable $60 million annual budget. Once his plans were under way, her donation to the company and his appointment was all of $0!! Little wonder he quit and thanks to Ms. Baker the company was left all but bankrupt.
All true true true. I had to laugh when I went to the auction at Doyle’s of Beverly Sills’ effects, for the benefit of NYCO. Susan Baker was front and center, making notes to record the winning bids.
Disgusting.
Just imagine what Francesca could have done for NYCO (or even the Met, another last-minute candidate change, sadly, due to Beverly Sills’ interference).
We are left with only one, quite diminished, major opera company in NYC.
‘I can afford it… .” He certainly can; he’s worth $59 billion, according to Wikipedia. Donald Trump is a street beggar in comparison.
Nice move by him but he can write it off.
One has to deplore the society that led to this and not the individual.
“Society that led to this”? He is the grandson of Jewish immigrants (one grandfather a rabbi), well-educated, self-made billionaire, possibly the largest philanthropist in US history…good God, even a Boy Scout!
I his own words: “I am a big believer in giving it all away and have always said that the best financial planning ends with bouncing the check to the undertaker.”[
Let’s be little more charitable to this man.