Advocacy
Support State Arts Agencies and Libraries!
Facing significant budget shortfalls, many states around the country are considering the elimination of funding for arts organizations this year and next. In Arizona, New Jersey, and Missouri state legislators are planning to eliminate their entire arts budgets. California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Virginia have all seen significant cuts in their arts and cultural programs budgets. And in Florida, Governor Jeb Bush has proposed the elimination of the Florida State Library, which would result in historical and archaeological materials being distributed to other state agencies that have no record of expertise in these fields.Should you happen to reside in any of the states listed above, it is very important that you contact your elected state officials and governors immediately to let them know that you consider continued state support for your local arts agencies and libraries to be a priority now and in the future. Points to include in your letters are:
- Arts and cultural agencies will lose matching funds from private donors and the federal government as a result of state cuts.
- The [state name] arts agency awards funds in every county of the state through an open process of competitive applications, based on merit.
- State arts and cultural agencies fund valuable programs and services for children and families.
- State support for the arts increases tourism to the state, bringing much-needed revenue to local businesses and communities.
A good source of information on state arts funding can be found on the website of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA). The NASAA website also includes links to your local and state arts agencies.
DON'T DELAY - PLEASE ACT NOW IN ORDER TO SAVE ARTS AND CULTURE IN OUR STATES!