City Council’s commitment to reach $25 per capita arts funding by 2017 is being challenged in the City Manager’s recommended budget, launched this morning.
The staff budget recommends $0 increase to arts grants, precluding Council’s approved plan for a $2 million increase in 2017. Council’s commitment to reach the $25 per capita funding target was first approved back in 2003.
There is still time and opportunity to ensure that City Council upholds its commitment. At just 0.02% of the City’s $10.5 billion operating budget, the $2 million increase is easily justified. Investing in the arts is good for the economy with every $1 in city arts grants leveraging over $20 in ticket sales, donations and support from other levels of government.
Action:
- Call or email your City Councillor thanking them for Council’s arts funding commitment and requesting that it be upheld for 2017. For more information including a sample email click here and scroll to Email your City Councillor. To find your Councillor’s contact information click here.
- Register to speak at the Budget hearings being held January 5, 9 and 10 at City Hall and Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York, East York and York Civic Centres. Click here for information on making a deputation to Budget Commitee.
It is extremely important that your Councillor hear from you. We continue to be confident that Toronto’s Mayor and City Councillors understand the benefits arts funding bring to the city. Making Toronto an important international business and tourist destination as well as contributing to the livability of the city for Torontonians of all ages and backgrounds gives arts funding a unique importance in budget deliberations.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me any time if you have questions or would like additional information. [email protected]; 416-392-6802 x211.
Thank you.
Susan Wright
Deputy Director