Summary

Unanimous support for funding mechanism for cultural programs

Story

King County’s quality of life is bolstered by the numerous arts, heritage and science programs throughout the region. The King County Council today acknowledged the importance of these organizations by giving its unanimous support on a motion calling on the Washington state Legislature to back the creation of cultural access funds to help sustain and increase access to the arts.

“King County is known nationally for having a vibrant arts and cultural sector that generates significant economic activity, provides a high quality of life for residents, inspires learning opportunities for youth, and attracts tourists,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips, a co-sponsor of the Motion. “Through support of our arts, heritage, and science organizations, we recognize the important role that these cultural experiences have for our community.”

“We have a legacy opportunity to provide families and children more access to local arts, science and heritage activities regardless of income, social status or education,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “This legislation we support in Olympia will give counties the ability to ask the voters to establish cultural arts program funding to meet this important need.”

Cultural access funds are publicly funded programs established to expand access to cultural organizations. Several examples of how the funds could be used include supporting reduced or free admissions to arts, heritage and science organizations; creation of new or expanded programming for families and individuals; and funding transportation for public school students to attend or participate in cultural organizations. Cultural access funds have been implemented in several states, including Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.

As stated in King County’s 2015 State Legislative Agenda, fostering a vibrant arts community is a “critical asset” for both County residents and visitors. The state Legislature is still considering a bill that would allow counties to establish cultural access programs with the potential to raise substantial funds for arts, heritage and science organizations.

“Culture and arts are a vibrant and important part of our community,” said Councilmember Joe McDermott. “This legislation means that more people in our state will have the opportunity to experience and appreciate the music, dance, song, and theater that make our region so unique.”

“In communities where economic resources might limit access to the vibrant cultural array of resources in King County, cultural access funds can play an important role in opening doors,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett.

The adopted motion acknowledges the importance of arts, heritage and science organizations and expresses support for passage of state legislation that would enable local governments to create cultural access funds.  

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at https://mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov and type in 2015-0068.

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