LOOKING AHEAD: ARTS ADVOCACY IN 2010
LOOKING AHEAD: ARTS ADVOCACY IN 2010
Nevada’s uncertain economy provides clarity on one point: the need for 24/7 advocacy on behalf of the state’s arts and creative industries.
In June of 2009, the legislature adjourned after a tumultuous session in which the Nevada Arts Council (NAC) was dealt a 43% reduction in state support. This deep and disproportionate cut to one of Nevada’s smallest state agencies had an equally substantial—and negative—impact on all areas of NAC grants, programs and services.
In mid-December, the Governor’s office directed state agencies, under duress of a downward spiraling economy and possibility of a special legislative session, to prepare yet another round of budget cut scenarios—up to 10%. The financial pictures in Las Vegas and Reno were equally bleak, with city councils considering across the board cuts in all levels of city services. Of course, this included arts and culture programs, staff and facilities.
Thus began a remarkable simultaneous advocacy effort to encourage state and city officials to once again consider the critical nature of Nevada’s creative industries, comprised of small and large businesses employing tax-paying citizens who provide essential services and creative solutions for Nevada’s economy--from cultural tourism to essential arts education programs for all Nevadans.
Advocates spoke, and spoke loudly.
On the state level:
· Advocates turned out in force during Interim Finance Committee (IFC) sessions held prior to the Special Session. Testimony was offered in person and through email, delivered by advocates in both rural and urban communities.
· Still more advocates converged on Carson City during the Special Session, providing compelling written statements that were distributed to all legislators.
· The message was the same: the 43% cut imposed on the NAC during the regular session was, quite simply, enough. Additional cuts would severely cripple the Council’s ability to serve the state.
· An additional 10% cut would also jeopardize the match necessary for federal funding through the National Endowment for the Arts.
· Advocates spoke convincingly to Nevada’s arts industry and its role in sustaining the economy, inviting cultural tourism and providing frontline educational opportunities for Nevada’s youth—all for 1/3 of one percent of the state budget or 3 cents for every 100 dollars of state general funds spent.
What happened? State lawmakers listened and reacted by not cutting the NAC any further in FY11--one of a few instances where no additional cuts were made. Advocates should take great pride in knowing their voices were heard and respected.
On the local level:
· Las Vegas City Council members hosted a series of 11 Town Hall meetings from January-March, 2010, asking citizens for their opinions regarding that city’s budget and projected cuts. At stake were serious reductions in personnel who administer arts and culture programs and the closing of facilities.
· Bolstered by individual voices and the organized strength of the Nevada Arts Advocates and the Metro Arts Council of Southern Nevada, citizens turned out as never before to support the arts in Las Vegas.
· Hundreds of students, parents, artists and patrons attended these Town Hall gatherings, strongly defending the essential services provided by such facilities as the Reed Whipple Cultural Center.
· Reno City Council members continued to hear from local residents who strongly supported the work of the Reno Arts and Culture Commission and the City’s Cultural Project Grants program. These seasoned advocates represented individual artists and arts organizations who have repeatedly attended Reno City Council meetings when asked.
What happened? The words of Patrick Gaffey, Clark County’s Cultural Coordinator, best tell the story as published in the Las Vegas Sun:
“….Gaffey says he's seeing a new spirit of arts advocacy and elected officials who are listening, referring to recent town hall meetings and legislative sessions.”It's times like these you start to find out how much support you have," Gaffey says. "I think we're going to see a different political climate in regard to the arts."
Patrick also told his colleagues…” in the last couple of months we showed what we can do. Our appearance at East Las Vegas did more than save arts programming there. It startled city officials. Over the series of meetings, through all the voices they heard, it is clear that the big surprise was the strength and passion of the arts constituency.”
While the apparent saving of certain arts facilities in Las Vegas brings cause for celebration, it is unfortunate that some long-time arts administrators for both Las Vegas and Reno have lost their jobs, along with many other municipal workers.
At the time of this writing, FY11 budgets for both Las Vegas and Reno are still being finalized and will be voted upon in May. Final decisions on facilities, grants and quite possibly additional personnel will be made during that month.
But one result remains clear: the strength and persuasive, passionate effectiveness of arts advocates throughout the state is demonstrable.
What’s in the future? Quite frankly, more of the same. The voices of Nevada’s arts advocates will most certainly be called upon as the Silver State’s economic challenges continue. Without additional sources of revenue, the 2011 legislature will encounter a shortfall projected at least three times the $800 million shortfall addressed by the special session.
· On the state level, the Governor’s Office has established the Nevada Priorities of Government Working Group. Charged with ranking state services on a high, medium or low level of importance, this group will complete its task by November.
· A similar legislative effort is underway, called the Subcommittee on Spending Efficiency and Accountability. This group is scheduled to submit their report to the Interim Finance Committee in September.
· Meanwhile, state agencies have once again been asked to prepare budget scenarios with cuts ranging up to 10% for the next biennium. It is clear that this level of reduction will not cover the projected shortfall. It is entirely possible that entire state agencies may be targeted for elimination or substantial reductions.
· County commissions and city councils will most likely continue to struggle with further reductions in revenues, and will once again address reductions in services to citizens.
Please watch your email for action alerts in the coming weeks and months. The strength and influence of Nevada’s advocates can no longer be questioned, and those same voices will be asked again to respectfully engage lawmakers and policymakers—at all levels of government-- on the essential nature of Nevada’s creative industries.
A final note – Members of Nevada’s arts industry are known for thanking the state’s elected officials. Please continue doing so, by acknowledging legislators and city council officials for their sincere efforts to help Nevada find solutions to the continuing financial crisis. And these same elected officials should be on your invitation list for events, open houses, etc. so that they may see, firsthand, that the arts are working in urban neighborhoods, suburbs and rural communities.
