Arts Services Initiative of WNY's Candidate Survey 2019

DEADLINE: Please submit your response no later than Monday, September 23, 2019 by 5PM.
Erie County is widely viewed as being in the midst of a renaissance, while it is also noted that for many citizens and neighborhoods significant challenges remain. As both a key contributor to the former, and a key resource for the latter, arts and culture plays a significant and unique role in the County’s health and future. Numerous studies and reports have shown:
  • The not for profit cultural sector and its audience in Western New York has an annual economic impact of $352.1 million dollars (Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Report*);
  • This sector generates $40.3 million in local and state tax revenue (Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Report*);
  • There are over 1,683 arts-related businesses located in total in Erie County (2017 Creative Industries Report, Americans for the Arts);
  • With the reduction of in-school visual and performing arts classes, there is greater demand for arts and cultural engagement for youth out of school and in the community;
  • Arts education helps children develop higher level skills such as critical thinking and problem solving;
  • The arts have a positive impact on the development of local communities and social networks;
  • The arts contribute to innovation within a community;
  • Arts and culture is a key component of Visit Buffalo Niagara’s tourism efforts and a frequent lead mention in national and international stories about the community; and
  • Cultural amenities are utilized in the attraction and retention of new economy businesses and knowledge workers to the region.
Erie County has served, and continues to serve, as a leading supporter of the cultural sector in numerous ways. As is clearly shown above, this support benefits the people of Erie County, those visiting the area, businesses located here, and government itself. Our Erie County Legislature plays a key role in government and decision making, and therefore we ask candidates for the Legislative District seats their thoughts on these issues. 

*A complete and detailed Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 Report can be found at www.asiwny.org/arts-economic-prosperity-report

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* 1. Name

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* 2. Office Sought

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* 3. Current Occupation & Employer

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* 4. Cultural agencies currently receive $6.9M total from the County (funding is spread across 99 total organizations). Would you support continued, and steadily increased funding for arts and culture through the County Arts Funding process?  

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* 5. In 2019, there were 25 newly funded arts and cultural organizations (out of 99 in total) in the County Arts Funding process. Every year new organizations in our County become eligible to apply for funding (due to how many years they have been a nonprofit, or other qualifying requirements). Therefore, this increases the need for overall increased County support.

Would you maintain the current County art funding levels ($6.9M total) and maintain a historic annual increase of 5% each budget year so that arts organizations in the entire County can provide accessible arts programs for all of its residents?

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