Arts groups urge restoration after committee cuts to cultural grants; staff apologizes for miscommunication

Representative John Fitzpatrick described House Bill 9 as the Cultural and Aesthetic Grant (CNA) program budget for microgrants funded by coal-tax interest. The subcommittee that originally considered the bill reduced awards for applicants that only submitted written testimony and removed funding for groups that did not appear; savings were reallocated to applicants that did appear.

Multiple arts organizations and leaders testified that many small groups did not receive clear guidance from the Arts Council and that reductions have tangible impacts on operations and youth programming. Several speakers — including the executive directors of Preserve Montana, Grand Street Theater and the Danforth Museum of Art — described lost programming, the importance of operational support and how the cutbacks would reduce capacity in small communities.

Arts Council director Chris Holmes acknowledged staff error in communicating whether individual applicants had to appear at the subcommittee and defended the Council’s evaluation process; the Council and the committee debated whether legislative scrutiny of awards is appropriate given statute 22-3-302 (advisory role of the committee). Advocate witnesses urged an amendment to restore original allocations; the sponsor said a technical amendment was posted to correct a drafting error and stressed expectations of accountability for grant applicants.

Ending: No final action; the committee may consider amendments to correct technical errors and to address fairness concerns raised by stakeholders.