ArtsWestchester: Cutting County Arts Budget Will Hurt Economy

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Calling the elimination of funding to the arts shortsighted, ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam said funding to the arts is one of the few non-profit investments that yields almost immediate financial returns.

“Every dollar the county allocates to ArtsWestchester triggers another $40 in other funds,’’ said Langsam speaking at the first of three county budget hearings in Yonkers. “Put another way, the $330,000 cut to ArtsWestchester could cost the arts in this county some $13.2 million. I say, ‘could’ because I hope the Board of Legislators will do the math and turn this around.”

More than 100 people attended Thursday night’s budget hearing at Yonkers Public School 30 in reaction to the elimination of funds for non-profit organizations in Westchester proposed in County Executive Rob Astorino’s $1.8 billion county budget for 2016. ArtsWestchester supporters dressed in red berets packed the room and held placards in support of the arts.

Langsam said the irony is that flat sales tax revenues are blamed for the cuts, but that cutting funds to the arts only exacerbates the problem because cultural events attract tourism and drive business to local stores and restaurants adding to the sales tax. In addition, funding to the arts creates jobs for small businesses such as photographers, designers, film crew and dance schools who spend in the county.

“The message from Westchester’s cultural community is simple: Don’t shoot the goose that lays the golden eggs because its ripple effect is tremendous.”

ArtsWestchester is celebrating its 50th anniversary and is the largest not-for-profit for artists and cultural organizations in Westchester. It helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester has launched several major initiatives, including implementing increased artist residencies in Westchester schools.

Langsam asked residents to call or e-mail their county legislators and urge them to restore the funds or to attend one of the upcoming county budget hearings to support non-profits. Use this link to send a message.

The budget must be adopted by Dec. 27.

Upcoming hearings:

• Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. -- Horace Greeley High School, 70 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua
• Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. -- 148 Martine Avenue, 8th floor, White Plains