Arlington plans to cut back funding for Artisphere

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Arlington County plans scale back the funding it provides for the Artisphere arts center, and officials say the center must become self-sufficient or close its doors.

The Washington Examiner (http://bit.ly/Vz9mmk ) reports Artisphere is expected to receive $1.8 million in the county's 2014 budget. County Manager Barbara Donnellan says at least half of the money is one-time funding. That means the museum needs to raise more of its own money to survive.

Donnellan says she plans to provide no more than $900,000 from the county after next year. Artisphere's annual operating costs have been about $2 million.

Artisphere opened in 2010 in the Newseum's old Arlington site. It hosts art exhibits and performing arts programs.

The county is bracing for a $35 million shortfall in next year's budget.

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Information from: The Washington Examiner, http://www.washingtonexaminer.com