Love this article in the Times about executive compensation for major cultural organizations:

For years chief executives at many major cultural organizations in New York City enjoyed salary growth that was buoyed by a booming economy and rivaled that seen in corporate America. Compensation increases of 25 percent to 50 percent over five years were not unusual, and in some cases packages nearly doubled.

Reynold Levy’s annual compensation to run Lincoln Center topped $1 million. Carnegie Hall began paying Clive Gillinson more than $800,000. Glenn D. Lowry, director of the Museum of Modern Art, earned $2.7 million in the year that ended in June 2008, including several one-time bonuses and the cost of his apartment in the tower beside the museum.

Most arts institutions have entire budgets SMALLER than one of these guys’ salaries!! I’m not saying that they’re not worth it but…. come on! I mean, wow. Rough times when you have to give up part of your multimillion dollar salary.