Latest Advocacy News

Legislative committees have begun the complex process of examining the Governor’s proposed budget for the next biennium. Every state agency is scheduled for one or more hearings.  On Wednesday, February 9, additional cuts to the Nevada Arts Council were included in the report by Michael Fischer, Acting Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA)., who presented an overview of recommended changes to the Nevada Arts Council (NAC) and DCA.
Click here for a description of those changes.

Following Dr. Fischer’s sobering report, various committee members expressed considerable concern over matters ranging from cuts to the arts to decreased library services in rural communities. Assemblywoman April Mastroluca (D-Henderson) focused on the proposed 10% cut to the NAC and its effect on artists and their ability to “bring culture to all communities.” Equal concern was voiced by Assemblywoman and Committee Chair Debbie Smith (D-Sparks) who said she is “concerned about diluting the impact of culture we have in our state.”  She also requested additional information regarding NAC funding and how, in the face of diminishing funding for arts education in K-12, the Council fills that void.

Clarity and passion were the hallmarks of public testimony from three advocates for Nevada’s arts industry. Scott Faulkner (Executive Director of the Reno Chamber Orchestra) commented on the RCO’s stature in the community, its operation as a small business, and the essential funding it receives from the NAC.  The Executive Director of the Holland Project, Brittany Curtis, explained the importance of creative communities in the lives of young people—and how NAC funding has helped propel Holland toward that goal since its inception five years ago. Julia Arger, an NAC Board member, described in broad but effective terms, the indispensable nature of public funding through the NAC and its impact on everything from education to healing arts to the business community and economic development. All three urged the committee members to hold the line at further cuts to the NAC, saying that 2009’s 43% cut was the equivalent of NAC’s shared sacrifice. Any further cut will require additional major cuts to NAC grants and services in every community in the state. Click here to read testimonies offered by these three advocates. What’s next?  Artists will join other representatives from arts organizations, businesses and other advocates on March 2 for brief but crucial meetings with legislators in their offices.  It coincides with the Governor’s Arts Awards that evening and a one day Oasis convening in Reno the next day—click on these links to sign up now!