The arts are not just a conduit for creativity and expression; they are a robust economic engine driving growth and prosperity. Arts Services Inc. (ASI) has illuminated this truth with undeniable clarity through their recent impact report title Arts & Economic Prosperity 6. In 2022 alone, nonprofit Arts & Culture organizations in Western New York were responsible for generating a staggering $381.4 million in economic activity, supporting over 8,000 jobs, and contributing $121 million in tax revenues across local, state, and federal levels.

Yet, this flourishing landscape faces a threat—a proposed budget cut that seeks to halve the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Aid to Localities funding. Such a reduction would not merely diminish numbers on a ledger; it would stifle the creativity, craft, and expression that define us as Western New Yorkers. It would undermine the livelihoods of thousands, from the stage crews that set the scene to the restaurant staff who thrive on the business the arts generate.

Join us in urging Governor Hochul to fully restore NYSCA funding within the FY 2024-25 state budget. Let us ensure that the arts continue to enrich our state’s diverse tapestry and remain a cornerstone of our economy. The time to act is now!

You can review the complete FY 2025 Executive Budget with Agency Appropriations here.

The Complaint

  • PART 1: We urgently call on Governor Hochul to reconsider the drastic reduction in the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) funding. The proposed Executive Budget for FY 2024-25 slashes NYSCA’s aid to localities by nearly half, a move that could severely hinder the arts sector’s ability to thrive. This proposed cut—from almost $100 million in the previous fiscal year to a mere $50 million—represents not just a financial setback but a retreat from our state’s commitment to cultural enrichment and community vitality.

  • PART 2: In 2023, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) provided financial support to more than 210 arts and cultural nonprofits in Western New York (WNY) through its ‘Aid to Localities’ budget. This funding encompasses direct grants, re-grants, and technical assistance. A reduction in these funds would have a significant and direct effect on the operational capabilities of the recipient organizations, potentially hindering their contributions to the cultural landscape of the region.

Timeline

The State’s fiscal year begins April 1 and ends on March 31. New York State’s budget process uses an executive budget model. Under this system, Governor Hochul is responsible for developing and preparing a budget proposal, which the Legislature modifies and enacts into law.

  1. Agency Budget Preparation (June 2023 – October 2023)
  2. Budget Division Review (October 2023 – December 2023)
  3. The Governor’s Decisions (November 2023 – January 2024)
  4. Legislative Action (January 2024 – March 2024)
  5. Budget Execution (April 2024 – March 2025)

What can you do?

  • Send a letter to your State Representatives urging them to call upon Governor Hochul to restore NYSCA’s funding to its FY 2023-24 levels to ensure the arts continue to enrich New York’s diverse tapestry. (A sample letter is linked below).
  • Send a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, requesting that she fully restore funding to the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) within the FY 2024-25 state budget. (A sample letter is linked below).
  • Join Jen Swan-Kilpatrick (ED of ASI and Vice President of ArtsNYS) and other arts & culture representatives from across the state for an Arts Rally on the steps of The New York State Capitol Building in Albany on March 19th at 11:30am. Detailed event flyer here.
  • Review the New York State Senate Staff Analysis of the Executive Budget here.