Five Bucks For Four Bridges?

[CMF Newsman]

The nationally recognized 4 Bridges Arts Festival, which returns to the First Tennessee Pavilion next month, is making a change that has some people worried about the long-term viability of the popular event. Even after coming off a record year with more than 25,000 people attending, the festival has decided to charge a $5 admission fee for everyone age 18 and over.

“There are numerous arts festivals that have been charging admission fees for many years. Five dollars is a modest fee for an event that gives so much back to the community, and that also provides attendees with great entertainment and a unique cultural experience,” said Jerry Dale McFadden, 4 Bridges Arts Festival Artistic Director.

Festival officials explain that the admission fee is in essence a donation to the nonprofit Association of Visual Artists (AVA) since 4 Bridges is the organization’s only fundraising event all year. The decision to charge admission was made by AVA’s board of directors after it reviewed every available option and outcome. Corporate sponsorships were down this year due to current economic conditions.

However, there is a troubling trend in Chattanooga history surrounding events that have tried to charge admission after being free for years. The Chattanooga Market, also at the Pavilion, nearly folded after attendance dropped precipitously when a parking fee was tried. Even the largest event of the year, the Riverbend Festival, has had to deal with backlash over very modest increases on pin prices. That said, 4 Bridges organizers are confident that they will be able to maintain a quality festival in spite of the admission charge.

chattanoogapulse.com/news/pulse-beats/1-pulse-beats/648-five-bucks-for-four-bridges

[Babs]

Five dollars isn't bad, but it's the principle of it. The park is free anyway. True, the booth's have to pay some rent, but the stuff is usually upscale and they probably make some money off it, unless the rent is huge. We usually don't got to the Four Bridges, but always go to the Market. I have dropped many a pretty penny there for all season's gifts.
Grid-I'm only going to say this once this time. You will have to read it carefully the first time!

[gridbug]

It sounds a risky choice these days to start charging admission, especially in a town notorious for shunning paying for events. I wish them luck.

I'm already waiting for the Market myself.

[tinkerbellybutton]

Artists and vendors often look for events in which there is an admission charge. There's a magic balance beteween having very high foot traffic but also drawing in people with a willingess to PAY for things.

I mean, looking at the purty art is nice. but those people are there to sell, not just hear how nice their work is but can't be afforded.

And five bucks really is nothing. It's a token gesture.

[TNBear]

In light of the economy today, I think this is a direct shot to the foot for 4 Bridges. Although they think they are qualifying the attendees, they are ignoring the fact that many people end up making impulse buys and they may well not come to a show with an admission cost. I know I won't. Five bucks WAS indeed nothing, today it is a couple of days meals, at least the way we shop.

[Kordax]

AVA's board of directors

W. Keith Sanford, Vice President
Melissa Hefferlin, Secretary
Cynthia Nesson, Treasurer
Evan Allison
Jim Aplin
Paul Campbell, III
Suzanne Corrington
D. Michael Costello
Catharine Daniels
Sally Faulkner
Linda Friberg
Cheryl Godwin
Paula Henderson
David Hudson
Charlotte Landis
Mike Slocumb
Kim White
Lillie Wills
Peggy Wood-Townsend
John C. Wood

[fftspam]

Four Bridges is NOT Chattanooga Market.

Tnbear: I would venture that you were never the target audience for this event to begin with if you are in a situation which you will NOT attend because you need the 5 bucks for a couple of days of meals.

and, What do "we" shop for when you only have 5 bucks for a couple of days of meals? I am sorry that you are in such a position.


Kordax: don't see the point of your list.

[dvc]

Two years ago five bucks was nothing.After last year I learned different.I know now why my Grandparents were so frugal.

[tinkerbellybutton]

All the same,you have to understand that the people who put up their pretty artwork at Four Bridges are there to SELL their pretty artwork. They want to attract an audience with more than a little expendable money in their pocket.

There's plenty of free stuff to do in Chattanooga. I don't think you should suffer under the illusion that artists can pay their bills on compliments and smiles. So pay the five bucks or go do something free.

[Walker, Texas Ranger]

The problem with Four Bridges charging a fee is not so much the fee itself but the reason behind it - with the withdrawal of corporate support due to the economy, AVA was faced with a decision to either charge admission or cancel the festival outright.