If you’re a patron of the arts in Fulton County, you probably received an email this week about a potential funding cut that has arts groups concerned about their future. A proposal has been made to cut funding to the Fulton County Arts & Culture department by 100 percent.
Arts organizations are encouraging supporters to attend the Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. to voice opposition. The meeting will be held at the Fulton County Govt. Complex, 141 Pryor St. Those who want to speak, should arrive by 9:30 a.m. to get on the sign-up sheet.
According to recent media reports, Fulton County is facing a possible $115 million deficit and is looking for any and all ways to cut the budget. Fulton is the single largest public funder of the arts in the state.
Some of the organizations that would be affected by the cut include Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Film Festival, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance Theatre, Center for Puppetry Arts, High Museum of Art, Shakespeare Tavern, WonderRoot, Young Audiences and many more.
This is awful! 100%?? People should speak out. If you can’t attend the meeting, send letters, emails, or calls to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners! The arts are not “frills”! They are a vital link to our humanity and must be supported.