Editorial from the Lawrence Journal-World
January 31, 2013
Any hope that Kansans had for a renewed effort to preserve a state
arts agency have been dashed by drastic reductions in the state arts
budget proposed earlier this month by Gov. Sam Brownback.
Two years ago, the governor used his line-item veto to eliminate all
funding for the Kansas Arts Commission, which had a long record of
successfully supporting arts activities across the state, especially in
smaller communities. The state lost the leadership provided by the
commission staff and all of the funding supplied by the state, along
with about $1.2 million that came from the National Endowment for the
Arts and the Mid-American Arts Alliance, which no longer would allocate
funds to Kansas because it didn’t have a state-supported arts agency.
For the current fiscal year, under pressure from Kansas residents and
legislators, Brownback approved a budget that included $700,000 for the
new Creative Arts Industries Commission, which was placed under the
Kansas Department of Commerce and reportedly would combine the
operations of the Kansas Arts Commission and Kansas Film Commission.
Although arts advocates tried to be optimistic about the new
commission, they probably aren’t surprised by how that effort has turned
out. Peter Jasso, the former head of the Kansas Film Commission was put
in charge of the new agency. In October, he reported to members of the
Legislative Budget Committee that the new commission had more or less
ensured its own failure by not distributing any of the $700,000 to state
arts groups. Jasso said he was waiting for a new strategic plan, which
he said would be completed this month. He also told legislators that
only about $150,000 of the $700,000 would go to administrative costs,
and the rest would be used for grants across the state.
If the commission spends $150,000 a year on administrative costs,
there won’t be much left over for grants if the state approves
Brownback’s current budget recommendation of just $200,000 a year for
the entire Creative Arts Industries Commission. When he abolished the
Kansas Arts Commission, Brownback also created a new Kansas Arts
Foundation that he said would raise private funds to replace the lost
state funding. The foundation also has been a tremendous failure. In
September, that group said it had raised nearly $105,000 but allocated
nothing to local arts groups.
If you go to the Creative Arts Industries Commission website, you
will find links for people who want to shoot a movie in Kansas or access
a “Kansas film database.” You will find information about how to
purchase a vehicle license plate to support the arts and a request for
proposals for some public art in Manhattan. You’ll also find information
about an artist-in-residence position at Glacier National Park
(apparently for artists who are ready to give up on Kansas). That’s it.
Although the governor has maintained token funding in his current
budget, it seems unlikely that such a small amount, coupled with the
lack of a viable arts organization, will allow the state to restore
much, if any, of the federal funding it lost.
When Brownback took office, he said he didn’t think that supporting
the arts was an appropriate use of public money. Barring drastic action
by Kansas residents or legislators, the governor appears on his way to
accomplishing that goal in Kansas.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
New arts commission "highly dysfuntional"
Democrats skeptical of Kansas arts funding endeavor
Brownback emphasis on art business development
The Legislature's top House and Senate Democrats expressed doubt
Friday about the texture and appeal of Gov. Sam Brownback's overhaul
of Kansas government's financial contribution to the arts.
"The administration has pretty much dropped the ball on the whole issue," said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka.
His peer in the House, Lawrence Democratic Rep. Paul Davis, described the current incarnation of a state arts program as "highly dysfunctional."
In the aftermath of Brownback's defunding in 2011 of the Kansas Arts Commission and the uncertain financial impact of a private arts foundation launched to supplant KAC, lawmakers last year went a different direction by appropriating $700,000 to a new arts-promotion entity within the Kansas Department of Commerce.
The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, formally added to the government's roster seven months ago, has yet to issue an arts grant of any kind.
A request submitted by the commerce department to the National Endowment for the Arts for matching funding for Kansas is pending, and no decision is expected on federal assistance until July. Brownback's elimination of KAC triggered withdrawal of $1.2 million in grants to Kansas by the NEA and the Mid-America Arts Alliance.
The new commission's advisory board met for the first time Thursday, and the 11 members elected Lana Gordon, secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor and a former Topeka House member, as chairwoman of the group.
Linda Browning Weis, who is a Manhattan member of the commission's board, said there was consensus to make available about $550,000 in state funding to assist arts industries. Approximately $150,000 would be used as incentives to attract new or expanding businesses and $400,000 to aid community projects tied to economic development in the arts.
"We are setting up opportunities for people to create jobs," Weis said.
Dan Lara, spokesman for the commerce department, said examples of commission grants might be a package in support of a city attempting to form a commercial arts district. He said another possibility was appropriation of incentives to attract a special-effects movie company to the state.
Meanwhile, Brownback requested the Legislature cut state contributions to the new commission to $200,000 in the fiscal year starting July 1 and in the subsequent fiscal year.
Lara said it was premature to determine whether a reduction in state funding recommended by Brownback would jeopardize prospects of securing matching grants from NEA and other external funding sources.
"It's clearly inadequate," said Davis, "in terms of getting support from the National Endowment for the Arts and Mid-America Arts Alliance."
Hensley said advocates of public arts funding should make their opinions known in the Statehouse as legislators consider budget adjustments.
"The arts community, I think, needs to come to the Legislature and advocate for themselves," he said.
"The administration has pretty much dropped the ball on the whole issue," said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka.
His peer in the House, Lawrence Democratic Rep. Paul Davis, described the current incarnation of a state arts program as "highly dysfunctional."
In the aftermath of Brownback's defunding in 2011 of the Kansas Arts Commission and the uncertain financial impact of a private arts foundation launched to supplant KAC, lawmakers last year went a different direction by appropriating $700,000 to a new arts-promotion entity within the Kansas Department of Commerce.
The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, formally added to the government's roster seven months ago, has yet to issue an arts grant of any kind.
A request submitted by the commerce department to the National Endowment for the Arts for matching funding for Kansas is pending, and no decision is expected on federal assistance until July. Brownback's elimination of KAC triggered withdrawal of $1.2 million in grants to Kansas by the NEA and the Mid-America Arts Alliance.
The new commission's advisory board met for the first time Thursday, and the 11 members elected Lana Gordon, secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor and a former Topeka House member, as chairwoman of the group.
Linda Browning Weis, who is a Manhattan member of the commission's board, said there was consensus to make available about $550,000 in state funding to assist arts industries. Approximately $150,000 would be used as incentives to attract new or expanding businesses and $400,000 to aid community projects tied to economic development in the arts.
"We are setting up opportunities for people to create jobs," Weis said.
Dan Lara, spokesman for the commerce department, said examples of commission grants might be a package in support of a city attempting to form a commercial arts district. He said another possibility was appropriation of incentives to attract a special-effects movie company to the state.
Meanwhile, Brownback requested the Legislature cut state contributions to the new commission to $200,000 in the fiscal year starting July 1 and in the subsequent fiscal year.
Lara said it was premature to determine whether a reduction in state funding recommended by Brownback would jeopardize prospects of securing matching grants from NEA and other external funding sources.
"It's clearly inadequate," said Davis, "in terms of getting support from the National Endowment for the Arts and Mid-America Arts Alliance."
Hensley said advocates of public arts funding should make their opinions known in the Statehouse as legislators consider budget adjustments.
"The arts community, I think, needs to come to the Legislature and advocate for themselves," he said.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Kansas Creative Arts Industries questioned by commissioners
It looks like the new Kansas Arts Commission is more shaky than we realized. Art non-profits and artists need to demand an accounting for the $700,000 allocated this year. As the saying goes - If we don't use it, we may lose it ... maybe forever.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/jan/24/questions-abound-new-arts-group-starts-work/
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/jan/24/questions-abound-new-arts-group-starts-work/
Thursday, October 11, 2012
State panel grills new arts director
Read the Topeka Capital - Journal article here.
http://cjonline.com/news/2012-10-10/state-panel-grills-new-arts-director-unused-funds
http://cjonline.com/news/2012-10-10/state-panel-grills-new-arts-director-unused-funds
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Letter from the Secretary of Commerce
Below is the form letter many received from Secretary of Commerce Pat George, in response to concerns about where Kansas's $700,000 budget for the Creative Arts Industries Commission is being (or not being) spent. Judge for yourself about whether this is an adequate response.
1000 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66612-1354
Phone: (785) 296-3481
Fax: (785) 296-5055 TTY: 711
admin@kansascommerce.com
KansasCommerce.com
Pat George, Secretary Sam Brownback, Governor
October 2012
Dear Arts Stakeholder:
Thank you for contacting the Department of Commerce to share your concerns about the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. The KCAIC is dedicated to growing the state’s economy through the promotion and expansion of industries engaged in the creative arts and ultimately the creation of jobs in the sector.
In the last three months, Commerce has worked to integrate and consolidate the former Kansas Arts Commission and Kansas Film Commission into this new commission. We also have met with potential industry partners including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Association of State Arts Agencies, and the Mid-America Arts Alliance to discuss the goals of the KCAIC and possible future relationships. We will continue to meet with national and regional organizations in specific disciplines as we look to expand our partnership network.
On Oct. 1, Commerce submitted the KCAIC’s grant application to the NEA for possible funding for Fiscal Year 2014. As you may know, the NEA requires a well-vetted, long-term strategic plan as to how the Department will use matching funds based on the Commission’s mission as defined by the Kansas Legislature. This strategic planning process usually takes one to two years. The Department hopes to complete the strategic planning process by the first quarter 2013. Should the KCAIC’s application be successful, the earliest NEA funding will be available in Kansas is in fall 2013.
If you are interested in learning more about the overall direction the Commission will take in crafting its strategic plan, I encourage you to read the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices report titled, “New Engines of Growth: Five Roles for Arts, Culture and Design,” which outlines strategies for using arts, culture and design as a means for states to enhance economic growth and job creation.
The Commission also is working with the Kansas Department of Revenue to carry forward the former Kansas Arts Commission’s efforts to raise private dollars with the selling of arts license plates. Starting with their 2012 tax returns, Kansans also may support the creative industries through the KCAIC Checkoff Fund on their tax returns.
In addition, I should note there has been much confusion about the difference between the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission and the Kansas Arts Foundation. The Commission is the entity within the Department of Commerce that will oversee the state’s efforts to expand economic activity within the creative industries in Kansas. The Foundation is a private, non-profit entity formed to promote the arts in the state. The Foundation is not affiliated with the State of Kansas. For more information about the Foundation, visit its website.
Thank you again for contacting the Department of Commerce. I welcome your thoughts on how the state can expand economic activity and job creation through the creative industries in Kansas.
Sincerely,
Pat George
Secretary of Commerce
1000 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66612-1354
Phone: (785) 296-3481
Fax: (785) 296-5055 TTY: 711
admin@kansascommerce.com
KansasCommerce.com
Pat George, Secretary Sam Brownback, Governor
October 2012
Dear Arts Stakeholder:
Thank you for contacting the Department of Commerce to share your concerns about the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. The KCAIC is dedicated to growing the state’s economy through the promotion and expansion of industries engaged in the creative arts and ultimately the creation of jobs in the sector.
In the last three months, Commerce has worked to integrate and consolidate the former Kansas Arts Commission and Kansas Film Commission into this new commission. We also have met with potential industry partners including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Association of State Arts Agencies, and the Mid-America Arts Alliance to discuss the goals of the KCAIC and possible future relationships. We will continue to meet with national and regional organizations in specific disciplines as we look to expand our partnership network.
On Oct. 1, Commerce submitted the KCAIC’s grant application to the NEA for possible funding for Fiscal Year 2014. As you may know, the NEA requires a well-vetted, long-term strategic plan as to how the Department will use matching funds based on the Commission’s mission as defined by the Kansas Legislature. This strategic planning process usually takes one to two years. The Department hopes to complete the strategic planning process by the first quarter 2013. Should the KCAIC’s application be successful, the earliest NEA funding will be available in Kansas is in fall 2013.
If you are interested in learning more about the overall direction the Commission will take in crafting its strategic plan, I encourage you to read the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices report titled, “New Engines of Growth: Five Roles for Arts, Culture and Design,” which outlines strategies for using arts, culture and design as a means for states to enhance economic growth and job creation.
The Commission also is working with the Kansas Department of Revenue to carry forward the former Kansas Arts Commission’s efforts to raise private dollars with the selling of arts license plates. Starting with their 2012 tax returns, Kansans also may support the creative industries through the KCAIC Checkoff Fund on their tax returns.
In addition, I should note there has been much confusion about the difference between the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission and the Kansas Arts Foundation. The Commission is the entity within the Department of Commerce that will oversee the state’s efforts to expand economic activity within the creative industries in Kansas. The Foundation is a private, non-profit entity formed to promote the arts in the state. The Foundation is not affiliated with the State of Kansas. For more information about the Foundation, visit its website.
Thank you again for contacting the Department of Commerce. I welcome your thoughts on how the state can expand economic activity and job creation through the creative industries in Kansas.
Sincerely,
Pat George
Secretary of Commerce
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Letter to Kansas Secretary of Commerce
To Secretary of Commerce Pat George,
I write this out of frustration and concern. Artists, arts advocates, and legislators fought a difficult battle to have public funding for the arts reinstated this past term, and now it appears that the Department of Commerce cannot or will not account for how those funds have been or will be used.
As an artist, teacher, and taxpayer, I demand that the Department of Commerce account for the $700,000 appropriated for the Kansas Creative Industries Commission. Allowing that a small portion may be used for administration, the majority of these funds must be distributed to non-profit arts agencies across the state. Funding Kansas cultural and creative endeavors is the purpose of these funds, and it is needed desperately.
Art, in all its forms, contains, and is the catalyst for, the stories of our heritage and dreams for a better tomorrow. Stifling the Arts means stifling the song, the poem, and the dance of Kansas. We are better than that. We have $700,000 in the bank to help encourage, inspire and support our creative spirit. Please, make those funds available to non-profit arts agencies now.
Sincerely,
Dave Loewenstein, Lawrence
I write this out of frustration and concern. Artists, arts advocates, and legislators fought a difficult battle to have public funding for the arts reinstated this past term, and now it appears that the Department of Commerce cannot or will not account for how those funds have been or will be used.
As an artist, teacher, and taxpayer, I demand that the Department of Commerce account for the $700,000 appropriated for the Kansas Creative Industries Commission. Allowing that a small portion may be used for administration, the majority of these funds must be distributed to non-profit arts agencies across the state. Funding Kansas cultural and creative endeavors is the purpose of these funds, and it is needed desperately.
Art, in all its forms, contains, and is the catalyst for, the stories of our heritage and dreams for a better tomorrow. Stifling the Arts means stifling the song, the poem, and the dance of Kansas. We are better than that. We have $700,000 in the bank to help encourage, inspire and support our creative spirit. Please, make those funds available to non-profit arts agencies now.
Sincerely,
Dave Loewenstein, Lawrence
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Arts Commission faces tough questions
Today in Topeka, members of the newly formed Arts Commission were asked about how the $700,000 in state arts funding for this fiscal year was being used. Their answers were less than encouraging. Read the Wichita Eagle article here.
http://www.kansas.com/2012/09/25/2503743/new-kansas-arts-commission-plans.html#storylink=cpy
http://www.kansas.com/2012/09/25/2503743/new-kansas-arts-commission-plans.html#storylink=cpy
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