Bipartisanship & the arts
While it may feel like politicians from each side of the aisle do not agree on much these days, look again. It did not generate large headlines, but New Hampshire’s political leaders recently agreed to significantly increase funding for the arts in the Granite State.
In February, Governor Chris Sununu proposed a 126% increase to the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts’ grants program, increasing the amount available for nonprofit arts organizations, schools, healthcare facilities and community arts activities from $233,000 to $505,000. The budget proposal was met with support from Democrat leaders in both the House and Senate, and survived the budget process unchanged.
Arts4NH, the state’s arts advocacy organization, is proud to have been part of that process. We are grateful for the Governor’s vision and leadership and the legislature’s understanding that investing in the arts is important for New Hampshire’s quality of life and economy. Now, our state no longer languishes near the bottom nationally in terms of state funds invested in the arts per capita.
These funds will allow the state to invest in some issues we face, including arts education, behavioral health, substance misuse and community and economic development. The arts have been an economic development engine in New Hampshire for centuries — they built our tourism economy in the 19th century, helped protect our economy in the 1930s and are redefining community development today.
Our theaters, music festivals, writer and artist colonies, juried craft fairs, music schools and community arts centers enrich our communities and help them thrive.
Going forward, Arts4NH will work to ensure that the arts play a bigger role in public education and health care, advocate for tourism promotion that includes more information about our state’s many cultural offerings, and strive to unite our creative communities with political leaders.
This is an ambitious agenda, but the success around the state budget shows that it can be done. We invite the public to join our effort. Visit https://arts4nh.org to learn more!
Mary McLaughlin
Bedford, NH
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