You may have seen the news that the proposed level funding to the arts and cultural sector through Mass Cultural Council’s 2018 fiscal year budget was vetoed in July, which would result in $1.85 million cut to public funding for culture in Massachusetts – if it stands. The House and Senate have the opportunity to override the veto and restore the funding, and bring the state’s investment in arts and culture back to $14 million for FY18.
If there is no override, what would a decrease of $1.85 million mean? For artists, it would mean close to a $60,000 cut in funding for Artist Fellowships, which would likely result in a decreased individual grant amount. Plus, the decrease would mean cuts to all Mass Cultural Council programs that support artists directly or indirectly, including the Local Cultural Councils, STARS Residencies, and grants to cultural nonprofits that employ, present, and support artists.
So, what can you do? You can help by contacting your State Representative and Senator this week. Let them know that you support an override of the veto to Mass Cultural Council’s budget (line item 0640-0300).
You can look up your legislator’s contact information, or you can use MASSCreative’s advocacy platform.
If you have friends and colleagues who support the arts, please consider sharing this call to action.
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