October 28, 2003

Good News from Americans for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is set to receive $122.5 million in 2004, an increase of $6.8 million over its 2003 funding level of $115.7 million. The funding level was ratified by a House-Senate conference committee that met last night to reconcile their differences over the 2004 Interior Appropriations bill. While details are still scarce, it appears that $5 million of the new funding will be for grants to arts organizations, while $1.8 million will cover increased administrative expenses. NEA funding was one of the points of contention: the House had approved $127.5 million while the Senate had approved only $117.5 million. The conference committee's compromise bill now goes back to both chambers for a final vote.

NEH is set to receive $137 million, an increase of $12.1 million over 2003. $10 million of the increase will be directed towards the "We the People" initiative on American history and civics.

It is, of course, excellent news that both agencies will receive increases, especially with the federal budget under such constraint and the total environment of public and private support for the arts in a slump. Having said that, we were hoping for even larger increases based on House approved levels -- $11.8 million for NEA and $17.1 million for NEH - but the conference committee cut back those figures by $5 million for each agency.

Updates will be forthcoming as they are received.

Judith K. Weiner
Executive Director
Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations
631-298-1234 fax 631-298-1101
www.thealliancenys.org

The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has a 28-year history as New York's primary service association for community based arts and cultural organizations. The Alliance provides leadership and vision, and delivers services, resources and tools that strengthen community cultural organizations. The Alliance monitors, informs and mobilizes the field on statewide and national issues affecting the arts and assists local arts agencies in building community support and developing effective grassroots public policy.

245 Love Lane, P.O. Box 96
Mattituck, NY 11952-0096
Phone (631) 298-1234 / Fax (631) 298-1101