Decibel Pauses Rebuild Sustainable financial model
New York, NY – February 3, 2025 – Decibel, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to bringing innovative performances to the community, has announced the temporary pause of its programming for the next couple of months. This difficult decision comes as a result of rising production costs, consistently low ticket sales, and the ongoing challenges of operating in a remote venue with limited foot traffic.
For years, Decibel has relied heavily on ticket sales to fund its events. However, this model has proven unsustainable, as revenue from ticket sales has consistently fallen short of expectations. Compounding the issue, the organization does not sell food or liquor—a potential source of supplemental income—which has made it even more challenging to offset rising costs.
“This was not an easy decision, but it is a necessary one,” said Charles Carlini, Executive Director of Decibel. “Without the arrival of pending sponsorships and grants, we simply cannot continue to operate in a financially sustainable way. Pausing our programming allows us to focus on rebuilding a stronger foundation for the future.”
During this hiatus, Decibel will shift its focus to securing grants and sponsorships to create a more stable and diversified funding model. This strategic shift aims to reduce reliance on ticket sales and ensure the organization can continue to deliver high-quality programming without the constant financial strain.
“We are deeply grateful to our community, artists, and supporters for their understanding and patience during this time,” added Carlini. “This pause is not the end—it’s a step toward a more sustainable future. We are committed to returning stronger and better equipped to serve our mission.”
Decibel will provide updates on its progress and plans for future programming in the coming months. In the meantime, the organization encourages supporters to stay connected through its website and social media channels.
