Commission on the Arts tells JFAC grants reached 38 counties and represents $2.7 billion in statewide economic activity

Boise — The Idaho Commission on the Arts presented its budget to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Feb. 6, saying grants reached 38 of the state’s 44 counties last year and reporting the arts have a $2.7 billion annual economic impact in Idaho.

Kellen McGurkin, Legislative Services budget analyst, told the committee the commission distributed about $880,000 in grants during the last fiscal year, largely to schools, school districts and nonprofit arts organizations. The grants supported 215 awards across 38 counties, the analyst said.

Director Laura Curry told the committee the arts are “business in Idaho,” noting the commission provides grants, business training for artists and awards that recognize excellence. She said approximately 22,000 people work in arts-and-culture positions statewide and stressed the multiplier effect when visitors attend performances or festivals and spend on hotels, dining and retail.

The commission requested a modest ongoing general-fund increase of $18,400 to provide four additional arts-and-education grants and increase the portion of available NEA grant funds for which the commission will supply state matches. The commission also reported it will not rely on its small miscellaneous revenue fund for grant matches in FY2026 and expects that fund’s balance to decline.

McGurkin noted the agency’s funding is roughly split between general and federal (NEA) funds and that one-time ARPA and donated funds in prior years produced temporary bumps in grant capacity. The commission’s staff said creative-donation matches used in prior years are not a recurring source and that the agency will focus its dedicated fund for smaller administrative costs.

Ending — Curry closed by inviting members to request county- or program-specific data and reiterated the agency’s view that arts funding supports both economic activity and educational opportunities in Idaho.