Update on the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The Hawaii Arts Alliance recently issued an update on where programs, funds and staffing currently stand at the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to inform organizations working in the field before the opening session of the Legislature on Jan. 20.

Programs and Budgets:

1. Artists in the Schools program – Funds have been released and the 83 school residencies are being scheduled. Hawaii Community Foundation has provided matching funds directly to the nonprofit arts organizations working with 42 AITS schools. In addition, SFCA funds have been released for the individual Teaching Artists working with the other 41 AITS schools and the residencies have been able to begin this month. If you have any questions regarding this program, please call Vivien Lee, (808) 586-0768.

2. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds – Federal stimulus funds are now being processed. Statewide, 22 arts organizations statewide received between $7,500 and $25,000 to support jobs in the arts. For any questions on this distribution, call Estelle Enoki, (808) 586-0303, or Charles Madeiros, (808) 586-0302.

3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – TANF grants are now being awarded. For questions on these grants, call Charles Medeiros, (808) 586-0302.

4. Biennium Grants – These funds are on hold indefinitely, awaiting the SFCA's fiscal year 2010 budget.

5. SFCA recognition programs – All are deferred due to lack of funds.

SFCA Staffing:

As of Dec. 1, the agency would lose eight positions. The date of implementation was not yet determined. The SFCA must dramatically and effectively reorganize to cover its core functions. The agency is currently involved in team building efforts to further its ability to conduct programs with fewer staff and staff members in different positions.

2010 Legislation:

The opening day of the Hawaii Legislature is Jan. 20. Marla Musick, Arts Alliance communications director, encourages nonprofits to stay tuned for arts policy news and calls to action for this session.

"We all know the state's funding needs are many and we need your voice from the field to help support what resources and actions will develop around the arts," she said. Contact the Arts Alliance at (808) 533-2787 or visit their web site.