Brownback's Budget Restores Some Arts Funding

Governor Sam Brownback’s budget proposal would reinstate some funding for arts programs, but would do away with the Kansas Arts Commission. The Kansas Film Commission and Arts Commission would be combined to become the Kansas Creative Industries Commission.

The governor’s budget would provide $200,000 to the new organization. State Budget Director Steve Anderson says that money would be available for arts programs that create economic development.

"And what we will ask for now is for them to provide an economic impact statement that shows that return, and we're willing to make that investment if, in fact, those numbers are good," Anderson said.

Last year, Governor Brownback vetoed funding for the Arts Commission, saying he wanted private dollars, not taxpayer money, to fund the arts. That cost the state more than $1 million in federal matching funds for arts programs.