Biz news: New-talent agency shuts down
NewsThe board of Astral Artists, a Philadelphia agency, have ordered its closure after being unable to raise more funds.
Astral, founded in 1992, pursued engagements for young artists without taking commission. Among its proteges were pianist Simone Dinnerstein, violinist Benjamin Beilman, flutist Jasmine Choi, soprano Sarah Shafer and bass-baritone Eric Owens.
Out of curiosity, I wonder how you run an artists’ agency without taking commissions? Did it work on an annual fee basis from artists? Did it depend on donations? Or was it more a self-funded vanity project?