2011
Legislative Agenda

1. INCREASE COMPETITIVE ARTS GRANT BUDGET TO $1.25 MILLION

This paves the way for the Commission on the Arts to:

• Increase the level of funding available to West Virginia arts organizations for their programs; State funds going to West Virginia arts organizations from the competitive arts grants program are matched dollar-for-dollar by the organization receiving the money. All grants in this program are peer-reviewed and all organizations receiving funds are subject to close scrutiny through final reports and evaluations;;
• Reinstate the minimum grant allocations to West Virginia's major arts institutions;
• Increase the level of matching funds to leverage additional support to the West Virginia Commission on the Arts from the National Endowment for the Arts;
• Increase funding to "mid-level" arts organizations;
• Increase the level of support offered to rural arts initiatives;
• Increase the level of funding for Arts in Education projects;
• Strengthen the Peer Assistance Network programs.

2. SUPPORT A PERCENTAGE INCREASE TO THE CULTURAL FACILITIES AND CAPITAL RESOURCE MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM AND THE ELIMINATION OF THE INSTITUTIONAL CAP.

This program provides financial support for acquisition of real property, renovations to existing facilities and capital equipment that provides infrastructure for arts organizations (primary purpose) and history museums (secondary opportunity). Applicants may request a minimum of $2500 and a maximum of $500,000 per annual request. Applications may request up to 50% of eligible expenses for acquisition of real property, renovation of existing property, and purchase of durable equipment.

3. SUPPORT THE CREATION OF A LEGISLATIVE ARTS CAUCUS

This concept, introduced by Commissioner Reid-Smith, would form a caucus of state delegates and senators who are committed to supporting the arts in West Virginia.