Dozens Of Philadelphia Arts Organizations Protest Proposed Reduction In Funding

By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Dozens of Philadelphia arts organizations gathered at City Hall Tuesday to protest a funding reduction proposed in Mayor Michael Nutter's budget.

KYW's Pat Loeb reports it's a tiny portion of the city budget but the organizations say it has a big impact.

The Anna Crusis singers are among the organizations that benefit from the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, currently $3 million. That's less than point one percent of the city budget but Mayor Nutter proposes reducing it further, to $2 million. Maud Lyon of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance says that would devastate recipients.

"For many organizations these are the only grants they receive and it makes a huge difference to them. And it makes a huge difference to Philadelphia," said Lyon.

Lyon says, for instance, the Youth Arts Initiative would be eliminated, even as public schools cut art programs. Lee Kimball, a board member of the renaissance music group Pifarro, says even a small cut means whole concerts or programs are cut.

"The arts are really great at doing a lot with a little and I don't think they ever ask for a lot but they do ask for a fair share," said Kimball.

Last year, when Nutter proposed funding of $2 million, City Council added another million and could do so again this year.