Arts advocates call for $20 million in funding statewide

A new initiative unveiled in Albany is trying to keep the arts alive in New York state.

Leaders of Alive Downtowns – an organization representing the arts in 13 upstate cities – met Friday with local mayors and state lawmakers.

They’re asking that $20 million be included in the upcoming state budget to support arts centers statewide, which they say are critical to the economic vitality of our communities.

The organization employs over 1,000 people and has an economic impact more than $350 million per year. 

Members say they’re looking for some of the same support from the state that is already being provided to other venues, like New York’s zoos and aquariums.