Statement from Arts4NH on the Senate Finance Committee's Decision to Defund and Eliminate the NH State Council on the Arts

Arts4NH is deeply disheartened by the Senate Finance Committee's recommendation to defund and eliminate the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts (NHSCA). This decision threatens to dismantle a vital institution that has supported New Hampshire's cultural fabric since 1965.

The NHSCA has been instrumental in fostering artistic expression, education, and economic development across New Hampshire. In fiscal year 2024 alone, it awarded $1.5 million in grants to 180 recipients in over 60 communities, bolstering local economies and enriching lives . The arts sector contributes approximately $3.4 billion to our state's economy and supports 21,000 jobs, underscoring its significance beyond cultural enrichment .

Eliminating the NHSCA would not only sever a critical funding source for artists and organizations but also diminish New Hampshire's appeal as a vibrant, culturally rich state. The ripple effects would be felt in education, tourism, and community cohesion.

We urge the full Senate and Governor Ayotte to reconsider this course of action. Preserving the NHSCA is not merely about maintaining funding; it's about affirming our commitment to the arts as a cornerstone of New Hampshire's identity and prosperity.

Arts4NH stands ready to collaborate with policymakers, artists, and citizens to ensure that the arts continue to thrive in New Hampshire.