Late last week, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer released her budget proposal for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. This budget includes an additional 8% reduction to the Arizona Arts Trust Fund and the Arts Commission’s general fund appropriation has been eliminated, listed at $0.
The State of Arizona’s FY2012 budget will undergo adjustments until its ultimate enactment. Governor Brewer and the State Legislature will negotiate until the Legislature votes to approve a FY2012 budget, which they will send to Governor Brewer for her signature.
After years of painful reductions, the current legislative session may be the most challenging in the history of support for Arizona’s statewide arts industry. Should the current budget proposal be enacted, Arizona’s state arts funding will stand at its lowest level in 22 years, with the lowest general fund appropriation in 42 years.
We are currently hard at work with our statewide partners, investigating options and strategies to protect what remains of public funding for the arts in Arizona.
Here’s how you can help:
- Engage with the Arts Commission, Arizona’s state arts agency. Stay tuned for updates, join us on facebook and sign up for email alerts at www.azarts.gov. We will keep you posted as information becomes available.
- Engage with Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts (AzCA/AzAA), Arizona’s statewide arts advocacy organization. Subscribe to receive updates and instructions for arts advocates. AzCA/AzAA will inform you when there are specific actions to take related to the state arts budget.
The Arts Commission continues its commitment to serve the Arizona arts industry, as it has for the past 44 years, and is moving forward with programs and services. Guides to Grants for organizations and schools are posted, and EGOR – the Electronic Grants Online Resource – will begin accepting FY2012 applications on January 31, 2011.
We understand you may have questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 602-771-6502 or [email protected].
Together, we can imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.
Arizona Commission on the Arts
