How has the recession affected you?

Back in April, The New York Times used its Arts Beat blog to post this question to its artist readers: “What effect is the economy having on your life and work?” Hundreds responded providing an interesting look into the lives of our community during these troubling times. In reading through several of the comments, a curious note is that some claim the recession is easiest for artists, who are used to economic woes, while others claim artists feel the most pain since the arts are usually the first to receive funding cuts.

Since then, the Times has done an expansive piece on ‘Artists and the Recession,’ which included an article entitled, “Tight Times Loosen Creativity,” by Robin Pogrebin. The article highlights the experience of artists being liberated to create any art they desire, as the restraints of specific commissions are no longer present (for better or worse).

Dance Theater Workshop would love to know how the recession has affected our readers, dancers, choreographers, and supporters. Do you think artists are better or worse off in a recession in comparison to others? Have you been liberated to do more of what you want to do during this time? How has the recession affected you and the art you create or experience?