New Hampshire Lawmakers Move to Slash State Arts Council Funding
Legislators rejected a $1 funding proposal but still plan deep cuts that could jeopardize federal grants and local arts programs.
The New York Times reports that lawmakers in New Hampshire are advancing a state budget that would cut funding for the State Council on the Arts to $150,000 annually, down from $1.4 million last year. The council supports theaters, museums, festivals, and community arts organizations throughout the state.
An earlier proposal from State Senator Tim Lang would have reduced the council’s budget to just $1. Following public criticism, the figure was raised to $150,000, alongside a new tax credit program encouraging private donations. If passed, the cuts would leave New Hampshire with the smallest state arts agency in the country and risk nearly $1 million in federal matching grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The council awarded over $1.5 million in grants last fiscal year, funding accessibility upgrades, technical improvements, and infrastructure projects at cultural institutions statewide. Some organizations have already lost federal grants due to uncertainty over state matching funds.
Governor Kelly Ayotte had originally proposed $1 million annually for the council in her $16 billion budget, but House Republicans pushed for significant spending reductions following a drop in revenue projections. The budget is expected to come to a vote in both chambers this week. While the governor can veto the full budget, she cannot veto specific line items.
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Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella Wilcox Main Stage, Prescott Park Arts Festival (6/19-8/09) |
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ThunderBeard Claremont Opera House (11/07-11/07) |
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“1776” (1972) – part of the America 250 Cultural Fair – Sat, July 4, 6pm The Park Theatre (7/04-7/04) |
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Bands in the Bowl FREE Summer Concert Series Potash Bowl Ampitheater (7/10-8/14) |
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Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express The Barnstormers Theatre (8/06-8/15) |
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Shear Madness The Barnstormers Theatre (8/20-8/29) |
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Couch to Mic: All Stars Players Ring (7/09-7/09) |
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ArtsCinema Series: I, Claude Monet The Park Theatre (7/08-7/08) |
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Viva Las Elvis Claremont Opera House (9/19-9/19) |
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Gunhild Carling at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club (7/26-7/26) |