Pennsylvania Creative Industries (formerly Pennsylvania Arts Council) held their monthly meeting on March 26. It was attended by nearly 50 people, including many citizens with careers in the arts, and lasted four hours due to public comment. There was an overwhelming sense that attendees were upset by what seems to be a recent shift in priorities--namely the elimination of the flex fund, requirements around fiscal sponsorship, and the outsourcing of financial grant management to Bridgeway Capital. There was concern about more support going to for-profit arts businesses and less support for independent, smaller, and non-profit organizations.
The council did not respond to any of the public commentary, with only one comment indicating that they will continue to support arts in education. The recent and proposed changes will have direct implications for artists, teaching artists, and community programming. The council moved ahead with votes with one exception and that was with regards to the changes in the flex fund. The memo was tabled for the time being. The full minutes of this meeting will be approved and made publically available next month.
- Monica Cameron Frichtel |