Sign on, contact your reps, and testify on March 12
Support Senator Serrano’s Call for a $200M Investment in the New York State Council on the Arts
Governor Hochul’s New York State Executive Budget for FY25 has been released and announces a more than 60% reduction in arts and culture funding.
This drastic cut in funding will not only adversely affect the arts and culture sector, but will also have a detrimental impact on New York State’s overall wellbeing. It's essential to call for increased funding for arts education, including Senate Bill S285 and Assembly Bill 1502 that would finally codify music and the arts as core subjects in New York schools.
What this means: Governor Hochul’s proposed budget will have devastating consequences to the arts and culture sector. We must support Senator Serrano’s call for a $200M investment in the NYS Council on the Arts which would include:
• $135 million to support thousands of arts organizations in New York State; • $15M in additional funding to be distributed by local arts councils; • $50M for capital project funding, as proposed by Governor Hochul;
What you can do: Join the call for increased arts funding in New York State by writing to your elected officials. Ask them to prioritize funding for arts and culture and to stay firm in their support as negotiations move forward. Ask them to make it a priority to emphasize the importance of supporting Senate Bill S285 and Assembly Bill 1502.
Testify at the NYC Council Cultural Affairs Committee Budget Hearing on March 12
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, artists and organizations across the culture and arts sector will testify at the NYC Council Cultural Affairs Committee Budget Hearing. The City Council budget hearings provide a crucial platform for the public to advocate for the initiatives and programs that matter most to our community.
What this means: You have the opportunity to directly impact decisions related to vital services, social programs, education, and more by testifying at the City Council preliminary budget hearings this month. Your unique perspective in the NYC arts and culture community carries considerable influence in determining how resources are allocated and funding priorities are set for our city.
What you can do: Members of the public can testify in-person at City Hall or virtually via Zoom or phone by registering at least 24 hours in advance. Written testimony must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on March 15, up to 72 hours after the hearing, via the City Council website. Let lawmakers know how they can make impactful investments in arts and culture.
Resources to help you get started on your testimony:
• When preparing your testimony, consider these points:
• Explain how more City funding would help your organization, your clients, or communities you serve. • Personalize your testimony by finding people who have experienced the significant impact of the latest budget cuts first-hand. Ask them to speak on the issue. • Provide solutions or recommendations, and include how the issue-at-stake is being currently addressed by the City law. • Finally, provide supporting evidence. Use data and other examples to demonstrate the critical role arts and culture play in our city.
