Speaking of the Arts
Check out this poorly-formatted list from ABC News. It shows state arts funding for 2003 and 2004. Given Governor Schwarzneggar’s ouevre, it is hardly surprising that they’re cutting their funding by 90% (to a mere $1.9 million), the highest cuts across the nation. The nation as a whole (thanks no doubt to the Bush administration, terrorism paranoia and invading Iraq) is down 23%. Mind you, all the states combined only contribute $272 million to the arts. That’s less than a dollar a person. I wanted to compare this with Canada, which probably isn’t much better, but couldn’t easily find the relavent provincial funding stats.
I’d like to see a chart that shows arts funding over time, indicating Democratic and Repulican terms in power. I’ll bet it’s a roller coaster ride. I guess all of those California artists will be emigrating to Mississippi, one of the few states with an increase.
