Funding for Montana’s key arts organizations hangs in uncertainty due to confusion over whether budget subcommittee meetings last month required applicants to testify. The Montana Arts Council had advised that attending was optional. However, Rep. John Fitzpatrick, R-Anaconda, chair of the subcommittee, called for funding cuts to groups that did not appear, stating the legislative process was disregarded by the Council.
Rep. Fitzpatrick criticized the grant system, describing it as an “entitlement program” benefiting the same organizations while effort on their part has diminished. He remarked, “They have completely destroyed the concept of merit,” during a hearing on House Bill 9. This bill is central to deciding the grants’ future, with organizations like Helena’s Grandstreet Theatre and the Emerson Center for Arts & Culture now potentially losing state arts funding according to a document listing affected entities.
Fitzpatrick noted discomfort among subcommittee members about many groups’ non-attendance in January, which led to a unanimous decision to cut funding for those absent and reduce it for those who only submitted written comments. An Arts Council list initially approved by Gov. Greg Gianforte proposed $954,000 in grants, funded by Montana’s coal trust. However, the subcommittee’s amendment eliminated funding for 17 organizations and reduced it for 10 others.
The cuts could be overturned by the full House Appropriations Committee. Fitzpatrick emphasized, “It’s not a very heavy lift to sit on a Zoom call for 15 minutes and give a presentation.” Other lawmakers, like Sen. Ellie Boldman, D-Missoula, and Sen. Paul Tuss, D-Havre, agreed, highlighting the importance of questioning recipients to justify cultural spending. Arts Council materials had stated testifying was optional, with the chair strongly encouraging participation.
Helena Symphony, facing a grant cut from $12,500 to $2,000 for submitting only written testimony, has historically received state funds. Director Allan R. Scott mentioned state support aids fundraising efforts by demonstrating governmental endorsement. Scott expressed willingness to testify but noted lawmakers’ distractions during past sessions.
Scott hopes Fitzpatrick will reconsider the funding cuts, criticizing the process as unfairly revised. “This is saying — hey, we want you to kiss the ring of the chair in order to get your money,” Scott remarked.
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