(Boston, MA) Governor Deval Patrick today released a proposed state budget for the coming fiscal year that calls for $9.2 million for arts and cultural funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC).
The Governor’s fiscal year 2013 recommendation for the MCC represents level funding for the agency. The release of the Governor’s budget is the first step in the annual state budget process. The House and Senate will release their own budget recommendations in April and May, respectively. The two chambers must then agree on a budget before sending it back to the Governor for final approval before the new fiscal year begins July 1.
“We thank Governor Patrick for supporting the cultural sector amid continued constraints on state finances,” said Anita Walker, MCC Executive Director. “MCC programs support tens of thousands of jobs in Massachusetts and are an essential part of a quality education for our youth. We will continue to work with our state legislators to assure adequate support for this work .”
Separately, MCC is seeking a $500,000 supplemental appropriation this fiscal year to support growing demand from schools to bring artists and other creative educators into classrooms through its STARS Residencies. A recent supplemental budget passed by the Legislature did not include funding for that program.
See MCC’s Advocacy Action Center for the latest data on the nonprofit cultural sector’s contributions to the Massachusetts economy and quality of life.
About the Massachusetts Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency that promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences, to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The Council pursues this mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. With state funding, an annual state partnership grant from the National Endowment from the Arts, and funds from Bank of America, MCC’s total fiscal year 2012 budget is $10.8 million.
