The Arlington County FY2020 budget recommendations have been released and the proposed cuts for the performing arts groups are dire. We have a window of opportunity. We need your help to convince the County Board that their constituents support arts programs, like Encore, that help make Arlington a world class place for families to live.

We only have 3 weeks to make our voices heard.
The proposed cuts eliminate the Scene Shop, Costume Shop and most of the technical support program that gives us access to the theatres. Additionally, there is a 1/3 cut in grants to arts organizations. If this budget goes through as proposed, Encore’s ability to produce shows would be severely impacted and potentially eliminated.

Arlington performing arts are being asked to shoulder a hugely disproportionate amount of the projected budget shortfall. The proposed cuts total approximately $5 million dollars. Cuts to the arts amount to 10% of the total shortfall ($500,000).

However, the Cultural Affairs total budget is only 0.16% of the total county budget. Relatively tiny arts programs are being held accountable for a share of this year’s budget shortfall that is 62.5 times greater than our portion of the county budget. If it was proportional to the overall budget, arts cuts would only be $8,000.

We are being stuck with the bill.