FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2008
Contact: Gregory Liakos,
Communications Director 617-727-3668 x343 or
Rob Watson, Communications Coordinator 617-727-3668 x268
Governor's Budget Recommends $12.4 Million for Massachusetts Cultural Council, $7 Million for Cultural Facilities Fund
(Boston, MA) Governor Deval Patrick released his budget recommendations for the coming fiscal year today. The proposal calls for appropriations of $12.4 million to the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and $7 million to the Cultural Facilities Fund.
The Governor's fiscal year 2009 recommendation for the MCC is about $100,000 more than the agency's fiscal year 2008 appropriation of $12.3 million.
The recommendation for the Cultural Facilities Fund - a partnership
of MassDevelopment and the MCC - is $2 million more than the FY08
appropriation of $5 million that was approved by the Legislature
and Governor last July. A supplemental appropriation in October
added $7 million more, however, bringing the total Cultural Facilities
Fund appropriation for the current year to $12 million.
"Governor Patrick clearly understands the enormous impact of the arts, sciences and humanities in our creative economy, our schools, and in communities across the state," said MCC Executive Director Anita Walker. "We are very grateful for his leadership and support."
The release of the Governor's budget is only the first step in the annual state budget process. The House and Senate are expected to release their own budget recommendations in April and May, respectively. The two chambers must then agree on a budget before sending it to the Governor for final approval.
About the Massachusetts Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and intepretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.
The MCC is committed to building a central place for arts and culture in the everyday lives of communities across the Commonwealth. The Council pursues this mission through a combination of grants, services and advocacy for cultural organizations, schools, communities and artists.
