Councilmember Evans secures dedicated funds for the Commission on the Arts and Humanities
With support from Councilmember David Grosso, dedicated funding will help the arts economy for years to come
For Immediate Release: May 15, 2018
CONTACT: Joe Florio, Director of Communications
Councilmember Evans secures dedicated funds for the Commission on the Arts and Humanities
With support from Councilmember David Grosso, dedicated funding will help the arts economy for years to come
Washington, D.C. – Councilmembers Jack Evans (Ward 2) and David Grosso (At-Large) announce for the first time in the District that the Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) will receive dedicated funding. Following the first vote from the Council’s Committee of the Whole and legislative session to approve the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget, 0.3 percent of the retail sales tax revenue will go to CAH.
About $30 million is guaranteed every year for CAH which will help fund the many grant programs, community forums, and events they host throughout the District. According to CAH officials in a recent Committee on Finance and Revenue performance oversight hearing, if the commission were to fund every grant application they receive, it would take about $44 million.
“I’m thrilled that dedicated funding for the Arts and Humanities in the District is now a reality,” said Councilmember Evans. “I have been a champion for expanding and funding arts programs since I joined the Council in the early 1990s and this yearly revenue will make a difference to ensure more grants are funded. My three kids have taken part in D.C. programs throughout their childhood and I want the Commission to reach more residents in every community in D.C.”
“The arts, humanities, and creative economy have been major drivers of cultural and economic growth in the District of Columbia. The dedicated funding included in the budget will provide strong, stable investments that will continue to grow our thriving artistic and creative sectors for the foreseeable future,” said Councilmember Grosso. “I truly appreciate Councilmember Evans’ partnership on this effort. Without it, and his persistent commitment to the arts, humanities, and creative economy, this would not have been possible.”
The initial version of the bill was introduced by Councilmembers Evans, Cheh, R. White, Grosso, Nadeau, and Todd. Councilmembers Allen and Bonds were added as co-sponsors. Oversight of the Committee on the Arts and Humanities falls under the Committee on Finance and Revenue which Councilmember Evans chairs.
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