Clive Gillinson has been executive and artistic director of Carnegie Hall since 2005, expanding the storied performing arts center into a major force in U.S. arts education as well. Like many institutions, Carnegie has taken “a huge hit” financially, though its shift to digital has broadened its footprint, says Gillinson. Nonetheless, after being dark for 18 months, it will reopen in fall—gradually—and the plan is for 90 Carnegie Hall presentations in the 2021-22 season, rather than the usual 150 or so, across its three halls.
But it’s only a plan. “Just like everything has changed weekly for the last 16 months, it will continue to change,” Gillinson says. He points to the two big unknowns that lie ahead for Carnegie. Will audiences come back? Equally important, how will rental income—comprising almost two thirds of the annual (pre-pandemic) $100-plus million budget—be impacted, especially with proof of vaccination required for entry. Says Gillinson, “We’re in such a different world now.”
