Delaware ranked third in nation for Legislative support for arts agencies

Delaware Arts Alliance (DAA) shared the findings of The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA)’s State Arts Agency Fiscal Year 2016 Legislative Appropriations Preview report. The report shows that Delaware is third in the nation for the Per Capita State Arts Agency Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016.

DAA Executive Director Dr. Guillermina Gonzalez shared her thoughts on Delaware’s ranking as the third state in the nation with the highest legislative appropriations for the arts, “We are fortunate to live in a state where our administration and legislators are committed to the arts and can see their great impact on Delaware’s economy and culture. Arts advocacy efforts, by organizations like DAA as well as individuals, help ensure that arts organizations will continue to thrive.”

The calculations by NASAA show how each state arts agency’s appropriation must be used to serve the entire population of its state, making per capita funding an important metric for measuring the health of arts appropriations. The final report of appropriations will be released in January 2016.

DAA is committed to advocating for the arts locally and federally. In Delaware, DAA advocates to the Joint Finance Committee each year for increased funding for the arts and the keeping the arts in schools’ curriculum. Federally, DAA participates in National Arts Advocacy Day (organized by Americans for the Arts), which impacts funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. DAA’s arts advocacy efforts federally and locally help bring 80% (state funding) and 20% (federal funding) of the State Arts Budget handled by the Delaware Division of the Arts. The Division of the Arts’ activities strengthens the arts sector in the State.

NASAA is a membership organization that serves the nation’s state arts agencies. NASAA helps state arts agencies fulfill their many citizen service roles by providing knowledge services, representation and leadership programs that strengthen the state arts agency community. NASAA also serves as a clearinghouse for data and research about public funding and the arts. For more information on the report, please visit www.nasaa-arts.org.

The Delaware Arts Alliance is the unifying voice for the arts and arts education throughout the state, advocating for the central role of the arts in advancing dynamic communities and a creative citizenry. DAA firmly believe that a strong creative culture enhances education, the economy, and civic life. Since its founding in 2009, the Alliance has made presentations to the Joint Finance Committee of the Delaware legislature, hosted speaking events, and organized advocacy programs throughout the state. For more information, please visit www.delawareartsalliance.org.