Friday, July 5, 2024
Funding and resources for arts and culture are experiencing inconsistency across the nation. While we celebrate wins like King County Council (WA) approving a historic $782 million Doors Open levy for access to science, heritage, and the arts in King County, Cuyahoga County (OH) officials unanimously approving putting a tax levy on the ballot in November which, if passed by voters, could mean an estimate of $160,000,000 generated over a decade to support some 400 diverse cultural nonprofits, and together the Charlotte City Council and Charlotte-Mecklenburg County approving a record $21M combined in FY25 arts and culture funding, we must acknowledge reduced budgets for arts and culture in states like Arizona, California and Florida. Grassroots activation led to some progress, but not all communities were able to secure full and comprehensive funding for the critical arts organizations, creatives and culture bearers.
Americans for the Arts knows the depth of strength and strategy in the field to overcome these obstacles. This isn’t the first time the arts and culture sector has faced significant challenges, and it won’t be the last. When creatives put their minds to something we can get it done. Americans for the Arts also recognizes that cross sector alliances are vital to achieving success. We must keep building on the momentum of wins, like those in Charlotte, Cuyahoga, and King County, and continue to make the case for the cultural, social, educational, and economic value of the arts. The arts impact everyone and your voice is important in advocating for them.
Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund have a variety of resources that you can use to make sure your elected officials know about the importance of the arts. Get involved by sharing your regional economic and social impact data with decision makers, posting on social media, and keeping up to date on the latest arts and culture news. Check out the resources below to learn more.
Resources:
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Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 Study - Advocate for economic power of the arts
