A New Tax?

19 Apr A New Tax?

Posted at 08:45h in Musings by

Is the Government the best organization to be doing our arts funding. Did anybody notice the downsizing of the Arts Council budget, other than a few art bureaucrats? Do we really need a new tax in California? Discuss amongst yourselves.

Via AJ:

A New California Arts Tax? A member of the California state assembly proposes a dedicated tax to support the arts. "The bill calls for imposing a 1% surcharge on arts and entertainment admissions — a dime for a $10 movie ticket, about 53 cents for admission to Disneyland or a buck for a $100 seat at the opera or a top arena-rock band. That would raise at least $23 million in annual guaranteed funding for the California Arts Council, the state’s main arm for fostering nonprofit arts organizations through annual grants. From a peak of more than $30 million four years ago, the Arts Council has seen its annual funding cut to just more than $3 million." Los Angeles Times 04/16/05

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suzanne@saltfineart.com
1 Comment
  • Marshall
    Posted at 10:31h, 19 April

    I’d say this would be a good step forward in restoring funding to the CAC. Their grants have been a big part of the picture for non-profit arts organisations over the years, and we really miss them. Right now all they can really do is give token grants that provide legitimacy to organisations, or fund a few key projects. Restoring their funding would allow them to do more, especially in the area of operational funds, where meaningful grants can be quite large.
    It’s a small tax, and it’s targeted at the more commercially successful elements at the arts industry. I’d rather see an increase in the sales tax, to an even 10% statewide, and see the arts get properly funded along with the many, many other underfunded priorities that need attention, but this would be a good start.