2019 Governor’s Recommendations

John W. Bateman

SAAC Executive Director

Support for the arts may never be more critical than when resources dry up like a Mississippi creek in August. Gov. Phil Bryant recently released his 2019 budget recommendations. Did you notice what happened in the arts? The legislature develops its own budget, which means the Governor’s is indeed a “recommendation.” Still, this doesn’t mean we should ignore the discussions.

Take a look at some of these noted cuts:

• Department of Education, General Education Programs: -$10 million (6% cut)
• ​Mississippi Public Broadcasting: -$1.2 million (25% cut)
• Mississippi Arts Commission: -$239,000 (15% cut)

These are, indeed, simply recommendations. It’s worth noting, however, when assets important to a community may not share the same level of support from the Governor’s Office.

In a time of austerity, how do we respond? How do we ensure the organizations and programs we value have what they need to weather the storm and make it to the next sunny day? What arts assets do you find important in Starkville? Where can we collaborate, fill in gaps, and create valuable partnerships in a time of need? Quite significantly, when and where does private funding come into play, particularly for programs that improve access to art and art-education opportunities?

Fortunately, in the Starkville area, there are a number of nonprofit arts organizations. On this #GivingTuesday, consider who you might support, whether literary arts, visual arts, or the performing arts:

Magnolia Independent Film Festival
MSU College of Art, Architecture, and Design
Starkville Community Theatre
Starkville Public Library
Starkville Strings School
Starkville Symphony

Want to support Starkville Area Arts Council on #GivingTuesday? We have something potentially even more spectacular than memberships: help us compete for matching funds in the Newman’s Own Giving Challenge, by donating here.

Where would we use these #GivingTuesday funds? Public art. Art education programs. Murals. Workshops. Under 40 art shows. Artist awards. Help us make it happen. If not SAAC, then one of our partner organizations above. Let's show 'em what we've got.