Investment in arts well worth spot in budgets

Government at all levels finds itself squeezed more tightly between a rock and a hard place — between demands from a taxed-out electorate to use public money more efficiently and calls to keep providing services that are valuable and essential.

In this year's round of local budget making, the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council seems to have been squeezed out. Proposed city and county budgets eliminate each group's $34,000 for the CAC, although city officials say they will help fund the council if a surplus at the end of the year allows. These cuts would leave the CAC with only its anticipated $34,000 from the Tax Increment Financing district.

Those annual $34,000 amounts were matching funds for a three-year grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Because that federal grant expired a year ago, it is not surprising that the CAC now falls under re-examination, again raising the issue of government's role in supporting the arts.

Generous individuals

In Abilene, it's a widely known secret that a handful of generous patrons have personally financed more cultural activities here than federal, state and local governments put together. For that, Abilenians must be mindful and grateful.

The question is, Should we continually rely on such private generosity for events that contribute to the public good? Or should the public itself help pay for activities it benefits from?

Projects supported by the Cultural Affairs Council — such as the popular monthly downtown Artwalk and the Young Audiences program in our schools — are open to all segments of the local community, not just a select few. Even if the expenses don't produce a direct return that shows on the bottom line, they still enhance the quality of life here and make Abilene a little nicer place to call home.

Government cannot be expected to be the exclusive provider of culture for a community the way it is required to furnish police and fire protection. Private patronage will remain a major element of funding for the arts.

But government does have a role to play in the cultural life of the public it serves, insofar as the public gains from the opportunities that are offered. The relatively few dollars earmarked for the arts in local governmental budgets make a big difference in the variety and scope of cultural opportunities for all citizens. It is an investment well worth the cost.