PRINTER'S NO. 2018
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
400
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY WHEATLEY, THOMAS, BOYLE, READSHAW AND McCLINTON,
JUNE 14, 2017
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, JUNE 14, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct a study of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Council
on the Arts' funding formula and how resources are allocated
for this Commonwealth's African-American, Latin, Asian-
American and Native American, newer and rural artistic
organizations.
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth's numerous art organizations are
key actors in the economic, educational and social prosperity of
Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth's art organizations provide
valuable instructive and cultural experiences to citizens of all
ages; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth's art organizations have a
significant economic impact and provide for tourism dollars; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth's art organizations tackle a
variety of art forms from fine art to extremely abstract art;
and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth funds its art organizations through
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts which
utilizes a weighted funding formula to allocate those funds; and
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WHEREAS, It is recognized by council members on the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts that the
current funding formula advantages arts organizations that are
older, that have larger budgets and that tend to be
predominantly white in staff, board and audience while
disadvantaging organizations that are newer, with smaller
budgets and that are disproportionately staffed and governed by
members of the African-American, Latin, Asian-American and
Native American communities; and
WHEREAS, A new funding formula is proposed that is weighted
to provide greater opportunities for multicultural arts
organizations, arts organizations formed after the year 2000 or
arts organizations with an annual budget under $200,000;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
conduct a study of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Council on
the Arts' current funding formula as well as alternative funding
formulas that are weighted to provide greater opportunities for
newer, multicultural, rural and LGBT arts organizations; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the study include an analysis of the current
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts' funding in the
annual Commonwealth budget; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
provide recommendations necessary or desirable to improve the
funding equity of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Council on
the Arts' funding formula; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
report to the House of Representatives the result of its study
and recommendations regarding the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
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Council on the Arts' funding formula and file the report with
the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives no later than
180 days after the adoption of this resolution.
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