What does this measure?

The amount of money (in 2009 dollars) granted by the New York State Council on the Arts for arts expenditures in counties, expressed as a rate per resident. Grants are issued to local organizations, schools and governments.

Why is this important?

Consistent funding of the arts allows a region to develop its own vibrant cultural identity. Arts attractions bring tourism and income to a region, as well as promote regional pride.

How is our region performing?

State funding for the arts has fallen in the last several years in both the region and the state. In 2009, our region received $1.96 per resident in state funding for the arts, down 23% compared to the $2.64 per resident received in 2001. Orleans leads the region by receiving $2.65 per resident, followed by Livingston with $2.15 and Ontario with $2.07. For the past two years Wayne County has received no state funding for the arts, while Monroe received $1.87 making it the only other county in the region to receive less than $2 per resident.

Notes about the data

The New York State Council on the Arts is required by the state to provide a minimum of 40 cents per resident for each county in the state.