Local arts policies are everywhere and come in all shapes and
sizes. There are dedicated arts policies in the smallest rural counties and
largest metropolises all over the country. Some have been on the books more
than 50 years and many communities have more than one policy.
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It is common practice in local government
to set aside money for arts organizations. In many communities, funding the Arts is a public priority
because the Arts are seen to increase quality of life, educational opportunities, and cultural tourism.
Ordinarily policies dedicate funds through legislation for arts organizations, but policies will vary
from one community to the next in how money is collected and how the community is impacted.
The arts are rarely the sole beneficiaries of these funding strategies. A single policy will be created to benefit not only the arts, but museums, libraries, zoos, convention centers, visitor’s bureaus, and athletic stadiums.
Each policy contains common language on how the tax is applied, what it is applied to, how the money is collected, and much more. These policy components usually form the sections of the written policy.
A crash course in civics
Before you begin this process it may be helpful to briefly refresh yourself
on how local government works. Local governments include cities, counties
and special taxing districts, and their abilities to pass legislation that
created dedicated funding for the arts may be controlled by the state government.
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Understanding the components of a policy
Each policy contains common language on how the tax is applied, what it is applied to, how the money is collected, and much more. These policy components usually form the sections of the written policy.
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What is a good policy
The simple answer is anything that provides consistent revenue for arts organizations,
but not all policies are equal. Each city is different, and each policy is different,
but similarities exist and it is important to know what goes in a general tax policy
and how this will effect funding for the Arts.
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Types of policies
Each policy type exists in many locations throughout the United States to accomplish different goals.
Each city is different, but similar cities tend to enact similar policies.
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How to find policies
There are many resources both on the web and elsewhere that can help you determine what policies are on the books in your city or county
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