MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL PLAN

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has announced the Financial Plan for fiscal year 2006. The plan includes a six percent reduction for all agencies, except for the Department of Education. For the Department of Cultural Affairs, the six percent reduction is applied against a baseline of $106.9 million and would result in an Expense Budget of $100.6 million. This baseline excludes one-time additions to the current budget, which totals $122.8 million. The Mayor also announced a reduction in the current budget. Credit goes to Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin who met the three percent target for 2005 so that cultural organizations were spared reductions. The Financial Plan also proposes a capital appropriation of $143 million.

GOVERNOR PATAKI PROPOSES NYSCA BUDGET

In his Executive Budget for fiscal year 2006, Governor George E. Pataki proposed an appropriation for the New York State Council on the Arts of $38.1 million, an increase of $270,000 over the current year budget. For more information, visit www.budget.state.ny.us.

PRESIDENT PROPOSES LEVEL FUNDING FOR NEA AND NEH

President George W. Bush requested a $121.3 million appropriation for the National Endowment for the Arts and $138.1 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities--neither an increase nor a decrease. The President also requested a funding boost of $4.2 million--a 12 percent increase--for the Office of Museum Services, bringing the total budget to $38.9 million. For more information visit www.gpoaccess.gov

TOURISM NUMBERS ON THE RISE

NYC & Company reports that 39.6 million tourists visited New York City in 2004, the highest level since September 11, 2001. This includes an increase of 10 percent of international visitors to a total of 5.3 million--still 1.6 million less than the record level of 6.9 million in 2000. The continuing lag in international visitors, who are more likely to attend cultural events, is widely believed to affect attendance at a number of organizations. For more information, visit www.nycvisit.com

NEW CHAIRMAN OF CITY COUNCIL CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. of City Council District 47 in Brooklyn has been appointed the new Chairman of the Cultural Affairs, Libraries & International Intergroup Relations Committee. Commenting on his new appointment, Councilman Recchia said, "New York's vibrant cultural life is a crucial part of what makes New York a great city. It is a privilege and an honor to serve as the new Chairman of the Cultural Affairs Committee. I look forward to working with cultural institutions throughout the city to make sure that we in government are doing everything we can to support the work of large and small groups alike." For more information, visit www.nyccouncil.info

FREE ENTRANCE TO ALL STATE MUSEUMS IN SWEDEN

A royal decree established free entrance to all state museums and exhibitions from now on. Pursuant to this, the Swedish Parliament decided that all citizens have the right of culture regardless of their residence or social background. The government will support these museums to compensate the income generated by admission fees. For more information, click here

CREATIVE CAPITAL GRANTS

Thirteen New York City artists are among the 41 recipients of the 2005 Creative Capital grants in film, video and the visual arts. For more information, visit www.creative-capital.org

CALENDAR

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
The National Park Service is soliciting public comments until February 15 on three alternative uses for Governor's Island--military museum, performance and visual arts center or harbor center. Supporters of the arts are encouraged to submit comments on the National Park Service Web site, www.governorsislandnationalmonument.org. For additional planning updates, visit www.govisland.com.

ARTS ADVOCACY DAY IN WASHINGTON D.C. MARCH 14-15
Arts Advocacy Day will be held on March 14-15. Sponsored by Americans for the Arts, this is an annual gathering of cultural leaders to educate members of Congress about the importance of federal support for the arts. For more information and to register, visit www.artsusa.org

ARTS DAY IN ALBANY MARCH 22
Arts Day in Albany will be held on March 22 in the Legislative Office Building. The event provides an opportunity for individuals to advocate for funding for the New York State Council on the Arts. To register, visit www.thealliancenys.org.