State funding for the arts pays off many times over
It’s an investment in New York’s financial, cultural and mental health — and takes a stand for freedom of thought.
From racist restrictions on education to anti-LGBTQ+ bans on performing artists, there is an alarming rise in laws across the country targeting free speech, free thought and freedom of expression. New York needs to take this moment, and these actions, very seriously. In addition to speaking out, strengthening our laws, and protecting targeted communities, our response must include an active, passionate and sustained support of the artistic freedom of expression for which our state is known.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has championed arts in the past. But this year, her executive budget’s arts funding was 80 percent less than last year’s. Now is the time to increase our investment in this critical sector, and we call on the Legislature and the governor to consider the power and importance of public funding of arts and culture.
Culture’s benefits are present in cities and towns of every size across New York. To highlight just a few examples among many: The Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn brings together kids, teens and elders for classes, discussions and exhibitions of art and world-renowned quilting, providing an invaluable space to connect. And along with Auburn’s theaters and music venues, the center draws visitors and dollars to the city. The Broadway hit “Hamilton” looks at our country’s history through a lens that at long last includes immigrants and Black Americans. It also brings millions of dollars into New York’s economy every year. And popular “drag story hours” let children and families rejoice in the myriad ways of being human.
The truth is that culture is powerful. It inspires thought and discussion; it brings us together. And it gets us back in our streets and public spaces. That is not only key to healthy communities, but key to our economy.
The importance of culture to our economy and mental health is not just wishful thinking; it’s seen in the data. The creative economy comprised more than 7 percent of New York’s gross state product pre-pandemic, generating $120 billion in economic activity. Of the $54 billion tourists spent in New York City, 12 percent went to arts activities and the remaining 88 percent went to restaurants, hotels, shopping and local transportation. If we don’t fund the culture that brings visitors, local economies will suffer.
Arts strengthen our communities in other ways, too. Studies show that neighborhoods with strong cultural assets are safer and have better mental health, improved education outcomes and stronger civic engagement. And don’t forget the arts’ healing power, especially as our communities see a surge in mental health struggles: Kids having trouble re-entering a structured school environment, for example, find outlet in dance classes that get them moving, in theater classes where they tell their stories, and in music classes which teach them mastery and bring them joy.
It’s important to note the impact of public funding in delivering the benefits of art: “Hamilton” began life in nonprofit theater, which depends on public as well as private support, and Schweinfurth recently received transformative funding from the New York State Council on the Arts. Both of these investments will pay off many times over.
From a commitment to freedom of expression, learning, and the mental health of our citizenry to an equitable economic vitality in every community, funding the arts is an investment in what makes our state great.