Arts Advocacy Update IV

Here are links and assorted commentary following the receipt of my weekly email blast from the Cultural Policy Listserv.

But first, I implore all of you to read -- or at least glance at the main points of -- this very compelling new study from Americans for the Arts. VERY IMPORTANT STUFF ABOUT NEW YORK.

And now...

Bill would cut movie studio tax credit
The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA), 6/13/2007
"Building a movie studio in Louisiana is about to get far less lucrative for projects not already under way, if a bill before the Legislature becomes law. House Bill 936, awaiting a vote on the House floor as soon as today, would keep a 40 percent tax credit in place for movie studio construction. But future projects would be capped at $25 million in total tax credits. . . . The changes were proposed by the state’s Department of Economic Development after concerns were raised by the Division of Administration. The state’s financial officers found a potential $1.5 billion loss in tax revenue if the uncapped 40 percent tax credit stayed in place."
Never mind that your state lost half a million people because of a hurricane and your economy is in the crapper.

Conn. lawmakers build on success of tax credit for film industry
Newsday - AP, 6/17/2007
"State officials believe a new tax credit program, which kicked in on July 1, 2006, is fueling the burgeoning interest for filming movies in Connecticut. And they hope a new bill will lure digital media and sound recording industries while encouraging everything from a sound studio to post-production facilities to build a permanent home in the state. . . .
Louisana, please meet Connecticut. Connecticut, please meet...oh, you know.

Rockefeller Foundation launches arts fund
Crain's New York Business, 6/13/2007
"The Rockefeller Foundation announced a new fund on Wednesday to support and promote cultural innovation in the city. The New York City Cultural Innovation Fund will issue awards annually from a $2.5 million pool, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. The fund will support initiatives that premier artistic works, engage in cultural issues, partner community-based organizations with the private sector, and that address limitations on the city's cultural expansion."
That sound you hear is the Off-Off-Broadway community screaming, "Gimme! Gimme! I want! I want!"

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