The economic downturn and how the Kalamazoo arts community can survive it will be the topic at a meeting Friday, sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.? Arts organizations and individual artists will gather in downtown Kalamazoo for an "Arts in Crisis" event.?

Upjohn Institute economist George Erickcek will deliver a presentation on the state of the economy and its impact on arts funding.? Norman Hamaan, Jr. is president of the Arts Council Board.? He says he hopes the event and its results will be positive for the local arts scene. The "Arts in Crisis" meeting begins Friday afternoon at 2:00 at Wellspring Theatre in the downtown Kalamazoo Epic Center.