On Monday, April 23rd, Mayor Villaraigosa released his 2008/09 budget. Filled with across the board cuts in all major services, some as much as 175%, he is only proposing a 6.1% cut in the Department of Cultural Affairs. We think this is a good sign, all things considered - especially since there were murmurs that the cut was going to be much more.
But, the 6.1% proposed cut is not sealed. All Departments, including DCA must first defend its budget before the Budget Hearing Committee on May 1st. Once the Budget and Finance Committee signs off, it will then go to the full City Council for approval.
In addition to sending a letter to the Mayor and City Council. Arts for LA is inviting key members of the arts community to speak about the importance of a strong arts and cultural ecology in the City at the May 1st budget hearing.
Having a well informed, articulate, robust showing of professional arts folks has the potential to not only secure a nominal reduction, it could start shifting perceptions from our public officials about the important public value the arts play in our communities.
In addition to ensuring that the 6.1% reduction sticks, DCA Execuive Director, Olga Garay is putting forth a few key pilot initiatives in under resourced disciplines and geographical areas (South LA, San Fernando Valley, Murals and Dance). This and the impending Cultural Master Plan is the ideal moment for a strong display of support for the Department.
Unfortunately, there is not a specific time in which DCA's budget will be reviewed. However, the order of the agenda gives us a good sense that it will most likely occur after lunch (between 1-4pm).
To prepare, Arts for LA will circulate talking-points and hold a two-carbon copy teleconferences on Tuesday, April 29 @ 9:30am and Wednesday April 30 @ 12:00pm. I ask that you plan on joining just one of the calls.
Click here to sign up to provide public comment
Click here to download the Budget Summary
Click here to read the City's Budget and Finance Committees May 1st Agenda
Click here to read the letter Arts for LA sent to the Mayor and City Council
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