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Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins

Charlotte Talks: After Voters Said No To Tax Hike, What's Next For Arts Funding?

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JEFF CRAVOTTA FOR WFAE

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020

Finding a solution to the crisis faced by Charlotte’s arts sector: Arts and Science Council President Jeep Bryant and others explain what’s at stake and make their cases for the latest solution.

In the lead up to a vote on a sales tax increase to fund arts, parks and education, voters were warned of a looming crisis in Charlotte’s art sector if that referendum didn’t pass. Well, it didn’t pass and now, those warnings are becoming a reality.

ASC President Jeep Bryant in Charlotte Talks' Spirit Square studio.
Credit Chris Miller/WFAE

Once one of the nation’s most successful arts fundraisers, the Arts & Science Council’s traditional funding model no longer works. It simply doesn’t have the money to fund arts groups at a healthy level.

Now, the ASC has approached the city and county for a combined $12 million. And they still face skepticism. The ASC’s president and others share what’s at stake and detail this latest solution.

Guests

Jeep Bryant, president of the Arts & Science Council

Chip Decker, executive director of Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte

Hannah Hasan, local writer and spoken-word artist, performer, storyteller

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Erin Keever is Senior Producer of WFAE's Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins. She has been with the show since joining the station in 2006. She's a native Charlottean.