Arts funding update from Baton Rouge: no details but $ 2 million out of hoped-for $ 3.2 million was retained

Spiral Design 1, Susan Breeland
Originally uploaded by trudeau

From Laura Larkin at the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge:

The Louisiana Legislature finished its session yesterday, and some arts funding was retained in the state budget.

On Wednesday evening the Governor returned the budget to the Legislature with the arts vetoed. The Legislature worked Thursday to return the arts funding. Of our original $3.2 million hoped for, $2 million was included by the end of the day. This is all thanks to your amazing support, your thousands of letters and e-mails to Legislators. Louisiana citizens stood up and spoke out!

Thank you!

We haven't heard yet how the $2 million will be divided among various art granting programs, and will let you know as soon as we hear anything.

Keep advocating!

Laura Larkin
Grants & Community Development Director
Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge
427 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 344-8558

Thanks to Susan Breeland for news and the graceful illustration.