The 2023 legislative session came to a close last week on June 30th, 

The Delaware Arts Alliance set the following goals for the 2023 legislative session:  

1. Increased funding for the arts in the FY24 budget 
2. Increased legislator engagement in the Arts and Culture Caucus 
3. Increased participation of DAA members in advocacy activities 

These goals lay the groundwork for delivering a statewide vision, policy agenda, and data in support of the creative economy in 2024.  We are excited to report that we achieved all three goals! Here are the headlines for DAA-led advocacy campaigns and projects: 

First increase in state arts funding in nearly a decade  

Outcome: The FY24 state operating budget bill (House Bill 195) includes a $1M increase for the Delaware Division of the Arts for grants made to the arts community.  

Significance: This $1M is…

• The first since 2014! 
• Ongoing funding in the base budget as opposed to a one-time supplement 
• 25% increase to existing DDOA grant funds 
• 50% of our $2M “ask” to keep up with inflation since 2014 
• 100% going out into the community 

Act now!  

1. Read here for more information and our suggested talking points to thank your state senator, state representative, Governor Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long, and Secretary of State Bullock. Find your elected officials here -including email addresses 
2. Share our infographics with your network celebrating this success!

Learn more: DAA Executive Director Neil Kirschling’s testimony to the Joint Finance Committee. 

Arts and Culture Caucus membership doubles:  

Outcome: Legislators heard from DAA staff and a panel of creative economy stakeholders to understand our sector’s needs in preparation for the shared policy agenda under development now 

Significance: DAA members sending invitations contributed to 10 different legislators attending over 2 meetings (representing all three counties, both parties, both chambers) is the highest engagement yet.  

Learn more: Summary of the final meeting and  “Creative Economy and Cultural Tourism Recovery and Growth Plan” overview 

Proposal dropped for “ticket tax” on Wilmington events 

Outcome: Officials from the Office of the Mayor in the City of Wilmington confirmed they would not pursue a proposed revenue measure of placing a $1 fee on all ticketed events.  

Significance: DAA coordinated outreach to the Office of the Mayor and city council members to ask questions and raise concerns, contributing to this outcome 

Learn more: News coverage of the Wilmington City budget 

 

We appreciate the support of DAA members, enabling us to represent the arts community in Delaware’s policymaking spaces. The Delaware Arts Alliance serves as the unified voice for the arts, coordinating advocacy efforts with your valuable input. Stay tuned for updates on our work supporting other partners’ policy endeavors. Again, we encourage you to thank your elected officials! Suggested talking points here and Find your elected officials here.