On Friday, July 26, 2024, the Board of Directors made an announcement that Pocono Arts Council will be closing September 30, 2024. The letter and further details can be found below.
Dear Friends,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce Pocono Arts Council will shut its doors September 30, 2024.
After much reflection, the Board of Directors believes dissolution to be in the best interest of the organization as it has been unable to support itself financially for many years. Acknowledging Pocono Arts Council’s long history, we recognize the weight of this decision and assure you we did not come to it lightly. Please know our remaining assets will be distributed in support of the arts in Monroe County. Details will be forthcoming.
We understand this announcement will raise questions and encourage you to review the information on our website or reach out to Executive Director, Darice Pauselius, via email at .
Thank you for all you have done to support us over the years. We take comfort in knowing that Pocono Arts Council’s legacy will live on through you.
Respectfully,
Board of Directors
Pocono Arts Council
Additional Information
This page will be updated as information becomes available. Thank you for your patience.
Updated: September 5, 2024
Why was this decision made? What were the contributing factors?
After careful review of Pocono Arts Council’s years in service, current and projected expenses, and the changing climate of philanthropy nationwide, we recognized that the organization as it currently functions is not sustainable.
Our income has remained stagnate for over a decade and expenses continue to steadily increase. The capacity of our board to increase fundraising, as well as the giving potential of the local community, is limited. While many have suggested more events and programs to increase revenue, we cannot ignore the resources required to provide these activities.
Would [money, volunteers, time, etc.] change the decision? How can I help?
We appreciate this question but without a solid foundation of significant and sustained financial support along with active participation, it is not feasible. While we are a nonprofit, there are substantial expenses that need to be met to simply exist. We do not feel it is responsible to continue expending those baseline expenses for the level of programming we provide.
A major factor in the decision-making process was our desire to provide meaningful support to our community. It was decided that our assets would better serve our mission through financial support rather than events and gatherings – recognizing there are many wonderful arts organizations that support artistic expression, cultural community building, and arts education in the region.
What will happen to Pocono Arts Council’s financial assets?
We are working with legal counsel to prepare a distribution of financial assets in support of the arts in Monroe County as required by our Articles of Incorporation.
As some of you know, Pocono Arts Council received a generous bequest from the late Myra Kyle. Most of these funds are invested, but we have had to use a portion of them to cover regular and unexpected expenses over the last few years. This is one of the major factors in the board’s decision to dissolve and preserve as much money as possible.
For transparency, we’d like to share an overview of the bequest…
In early 2022, Pocono Arts Council received a total of $490,000 from the Estate of Myra Kyle. The Board took great care with these funds an ultimately decided to:
- Pay off the remainder of the $65,000 SBA Loan that was taken out during the height of the COVID pandemic.
- Created three (3) $25,000 CDs (a total $75,000) to support financial shortfalls as Pocono Arts Council attempted to regain its footing.
- Invested the remaining $350,000 in an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Portfolio
These financial decisions were designed to help us rebuild after many years of financial struggle further impacted by the pandemic. However, the continued trend of increasing expenses and decreasing income meant a serious review of the organization’s health.
It’s also important to mention here that Pocono Arts Council was the long-time regional granting partner of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA). If you’re unfamiliar with this program, funds were distributed to us from the PCA and granted to area arts and culture activities. The PCA funds were considered income earmarked for redistribution, which means they were not ours to use apart from a small percentage to support the administration of the grants.
When the PCA redistricted, we became part of Region 5, and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation was selected to be regional granting partner. This meant we lost a significant portion of our revenue ($100K+).
The loss in income impacted our total revenue numbers and as of this year, we no longer meet the revenue requirements for the $26,000 AOAP Grant which we had been accustomed to receiving.
All these factors required an acknowledgement that Pocono Arts Council is not a sustainable organization.
Following our announcement to dissolve, we received multiple requests and proposals for partnership and funding. Because it’s the Board of Director’s fiduciary responsibility to allocate this money in the most responsible way possible, it is their intention to invest the remaining assets with the Community Foundation of Monroe County in the form of endowed funds. We are working with CFMC’s Executive Director, Samantha Holbert, to iron out details, but can share a rough idea of what is being drafted:
- Suzanne Anderson Arts & Music Scholarship Fund – Approximately $50,000 would go toward this fund as a continuation of our current program made possible by a gift from the late Suzanne Anderson.
- Pocono Mountain Free Art & Craft Workshops Fund – Approximately $20,000 remains from a distribution from the Pocono Mountains Arts Council to provide free workshops to interested artists and arts organizations with preference given to events in areas serving Pocono Mountain School District.
- Myra Kyle Fund for the Arts – Approximately $300,000 to fund arts programming throughout Monroe County. Specific requirements for grant requests from this fund are being discussed, but they would be available year over year to qualified recipients.
The beauty of these funds is that the public can make additional donations to the endowments, helping them grow while supporting artists and art programming in Monroe County directly and in perpetuity.
It’s important to recognize that the longer the process of dissolution takes, the more costly it will become which means less money is distributed to the community.
Will the public or any government authority have an opportunity to review Pocono Arts Council’s books and records prior to dissolution?
As a registered 501(c)(3), Pocono Arts Council’s tax returns (IRS Form 990), and financial statements (2022, 2023) are publicly available.
In addition, Pocono Arts Council’s financial statements, intentions for distributions, and other governing documents will be reviewed by the state prior to dissolution. None of this is happening in a silo.
What will happen to Pocono Arts Council’s physical assets?
We will be distributing our physical assets to our friends and neighbors at local nonprofit organizations.
What will happen to Pocono Arts Council’s permanent art collection (a.k.a. The Hall of Fame)?
Monroe County Historical Association will be the collections’ new stewards. We are very grateful that they are able to support the exhibition of this special group of work.
Is this because of the recent move to 530 Main Street?
We have received a number of questions related our current home at the historic Victorian house at 530 Main Street. As noted in other FAQs, our difficult financial situation is not new – it was not caused by our location.
We did not purchase the building and are paying less in rent than we ever have. Our current landlord is the Sherman Theater, another nonprofit organization. They have been exceptionally generous, providing us a beautiful space full of natural light, local history, and charm at a discounted rate. In addition, they have been responsive to all issues and concerns we’ve had.
Why did this happen so suddenly?
The Board of Directors has been considering the future of Pocono Arts Council for quite some time. It is not a decision that was taken lightly. During the monthly board meeting held July 16, 2024, the Board voted to dissolve the organization. We announced the decision as soon as deemed appropriate by legal counsel.
September 30, 2024, marks the end of our current fiscal year which started on October 1, 2023. By closing on this date, we hope to preserve as much of our financial assets as possible so they can be made available to support the arts in Monroe County.
Why didn’t the members vote on this matter?
Even though historically, Pocono Arts Council has provided certain rights to members, according to its Articles of Incorporation filed on September 2, 1977, Pocono Arts Council is not a membership organization – it is an organization governed by its Board of Directors.
For purposes of compliance with its formation documents, and to promote efficiency and clarity in its decision-making process, it was decided to keep the decision regarding dissolution within the Board of Directors.
For clarification, according to Pennsylvania law, Articles of Incorporation are the founding documents of a nonprofit and supersede all other documents.
What will happen to [insert program or event]?
The Documentary Film Series currently scheduled through October, and Pocono State Craft Festival taking place August 24-25 at Quiet Valley will proceed as scheduled. Details for both events are on our calendar.
We will be sharing our program and event materials with community partners, giving them the opportunity to continue programming in our absence if in alignment with their missions and resources.
Are there plans to restructure, reopen, or merge with another organization?
No. Pocono Arts Council will be closing permanently September 30, 2024.
I want to take a moment here to note that Pocono Arts Council is one of many arts and culture organizations in the region and encourage you to support the efforts of our friends and neighbors as patrons, donors, volunteers, and advocates.
Where can I find resources and opportunities in the community?
We plan to keep a list of resources available on our website for at least one (1) year. Again, we encourage you to network and support other arts organizations and groups moving forward.
Will the office / gallery be open through September 30, 2024?
Due to the amount of administrative work that needs to be completed before September 30th, we will only be open by appointment. The best way to reach us is via email: .
Who can I talk to? Where can I go for more information?
We will be updating our website as information becomes available. If you have questions or concerns, please email and we will be in touch.