Commission to Cut Funding in Response to Governor’s Directive:
Art Works Conference Sacrificed to Protect Grants
On August 19, 2014, as a response to the current state budget crisis, Governor McAuliffe directed every state agency to cut 5% from its FY15 budget and 7% from its FY16 budget based on current budget figures.
At the Virginia Commission for the Arts, that will mean reductions of over $195,000 for FY15 and over $273,000 for FY16. The Governor has directed agencies to submit their reductions plans to his office by September 19th.
The Commission awards approximately 85% of all grant funds at the start of each fiscal year. As a result, we have little flexibility in dealing with budget cuts that are announced once the fiscal year is under way. The Executive Committee met last week and has directed staff to submit a proposal for the Governor’s approval that minimizes to the fullest extent possible cuts and disruptions to our grantees and their programs.
The Commission will do its best to honor all grants that have already been awarded. However, effective immediately, the Commission will need to take the following actions:
- The four 2014-2015 Artist Fellowships in Sculpture will not be awarded.
- Technical and Organizational Development Assistance grant requests submitted after September 2nd will be eliminated.
- There will be no Wait List funds for the Performing Arts Touring Assistance Program.
- The Art Works for Virginia Conference on January 27-28, 2015 is cancelled.
- Second payments for General Operating Support grants will be proportionately reduced.
At this time, Local Government Challenge Grants, Artist in Education Residency Grants and Project Grants will not be affected.
Budget cuts are never easy. For the Commission for the Arts, the impacts will be immediate and consequential. As the budget situation develops, the Commission will announce the impact of the cuts on all of grant programs for the current and next fiscal year. This information will be available on our website and will be communicated through email and special mailings.
Please check the Commission website on a regular basis.
About the Virginia Commission for the Arts:
The Virginia Commission for the Arts supports the arts through funding from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Commission distributes grant awards to artists, arts and other not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, educators and local governments and provides technical assistance in arts management.
For additional eligibility information and other Commission requirements contact the Virginia Commission for the Arts – 223 Governor Street, in Richmond, VA 23219, (804) 225-3132, or visit our website.
