DC government funding for the arts has declined over 65% from Fy09 to Fy12, and private funding is down as well. Notably, the Meyer Foundation decided in Fy12 to stop making grants to the arts in the District. Additionally, the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs funding program for DC arts organizations with budgets over one million dollars was cut by congress from 9.5 million in Fy09 down to 1 million for Fy12. What will all of these cuts mean for the District of Columbia, its residents, youth, and tourists? Join D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ director Lionell Thomas, Busboys & Poets founder and IPS boardmember Andy Shallal, and Ward 2 councilmember Jack Evans for a panel discussion on “Arts Funding in DC” moderated by Robert Bettmann of the DC Advocates for the Arts.

The panel will be taking questions from attendees. Bring your love of the arts, bring your friends, and bring your questions. Presented by the DC Advocates for the Arts in partnership with Busboys & Poets and the Institute for Policy Studies.

• Panel discussion: 6:00-7:00 pm
• Artsup Happy Hour: 7:00-8:00 pm

To learn more about arts funding and arts advocacy in the District click here.