The Government Administration and Elections Committee approved a bill (SB 148)  with new language that SUSPENDS  rather than terminates the state’s percent for art program.  The new bill calls for a two year suspension of the requirement that the State Bond Commission allocate one per cent of the state building project cost for the purchase of artwork.

National Association of State Arts Agencies’ Report on State Arts Funding FY11 http://www.nasaa-arts.org/Research/Funding/State-Budget-Center/FY11PressRelease.pdf

State arts agencies across the country are facing funding challenges, some struggling to survive amid unprecedented state budget deficits. Read more here.

Over 1300 arts advocates signed the following petition submitted to Governor Dannel Malloy on February 15, 2011 Dear Governor Malloy, As mayor of Stamford, you experienced firsthand what a thriving arts community means for the economic well-being of a city — and your support made the difference. We urge you as governor to do the…

Proposed Bill would Eliminate State’s % for Art Program In late January, Senator Doyle of the 9th District proposed Bill 148 An Act Eliminating the Requirement for the Purchase of Artwork for State Building Projects The bill recommends that the general statutes be amended to repeal the requirement that the State Bond Commission allocate from…

Connecticut Arts Alliance Platform Click here to read the platform

Final FY11 State Budget The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism (CCT) was significantly impacted during this Legislative Session. While the original 2010-2011 appropriated Budget for CCT was $18,090,778, the final Budget approved in May reflects a decrease of $1.4 million to $16,690, 361. The Commission’s two grant pools were both reduced for FY11. Basic…

Creative Economy House Bill 5028 Important Legislation which was introduced by State Rep. Roberta Willis, D-64 to foster and enhance the impact of a creative economy in Connecticut was unanimously approved in the state House last week. House Bill 5028, “An Act Concerning Developing The Creative Economy” calls for a task force that would study…

Connecticut Arts Advocacy Day in Hartford Click here for details Frank Rizzo’s comments At our press conference, we heard from business, arts and education leaders. Here are some excerpts: Sacha Brooks, participant in Breakdancing Shakespeare at Hartford Stage Principal Erik Brown of Walsh Elementary School in Waterbury

Read testimony of CAA board members at the February 17th hearing of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Conservation and Development: Kate Bolduc Cynthia Clair Ryan Odinak Richard Scaldini