georgina Lambert

Testimony on HB 1320: Establishing a Study Committee for the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts I oppose HB 1320, as its underpinnings suggest a reactive approach rather than a proactive solution to the pressing funding needs of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. While studying past and present funding sources is valuable, this bill does not offer a concrete pathway to secure the necessary financial support for the arts in our communities. Instead, it risks deferring urgent action by focusing on analysis rather than implementing tangible funding solutions that can directly benefit artists and cultural programs. Moreover, the lack of oversight and actionable outcomes in this bill raises significant concerns. Establishing a study committee with limited membership and compensation may lead to a superficial examination of funding sources without the necessary inclusivity that reflects the diverse voices within our arts community. Without a more comprehensive approach that includes artists, cultural leaders, and community representatives, this study risks missing critical insights that could inform meaningful funding strategies. Additionally, any study on the arts must incorporate an inclusive intersectional framework. The arts are a vital means of expression for marginalized communities, and their voices should be prioritized in this analysis. Failing to include diverse perspectives not only undermines the potential findings of this study but also perpetuates existing disparities in arts funding. We should focus on direct investments and actionable policies that empower all communities to thrive artistically, rather than prolonging the conversation without commitment or resources to address the immediate challenges faced by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.