Ideas from elsewhere: Arts and Culture

Baltimore: Make it free

"Free Fall Baltimore" is a five-year-old effort by that city's arts office to increase audiences by encouraging arts organizations to offer free events in October. Grants are provided from the city as incentives. Last year, 180,000 people attended 300 events, reports the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts. (Along the same lines, several Philadelphia venues are participating in the www.freenightoftheater.net program, offering free tickets for single performances.)

Denver and the Pittsburgh region: Share the wealth

Nearly 20 years ago, Denver created a seven-county taxing district that last year generated $40 million for its cultural groups, zoo and museums. Closer to home, Allegheny County has a similar regional fund. Both the Denver Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and the Allegheny County Regional Asset District provide general operating support, generating funds from a dedicated regional sales tax.

Pittsburgh: Supporting cast

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council "uses funding provided by a local corporate foundation for tuition grants to senior and middle-management arts administrators to take leadership courses."

Charlotte: Rubbing shoulders

Corporate support and an annual workplace campaign in recent years has enabled the Charlotte, N.C., Arts and Science Council to place artists in businesses through its Artist in the Workplace program. ASC says the program "places creative individuals in the workplace to share ideas, spark creativity, strengthen a connection to the arts."