On February 13, 2025, arts leaders from throughout Delaware provided public comment at the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) in Legislative Hall, a way that advocates can help influence funding priorities and emphasize the importance of investment in our sector. The meeting starts with a presentation from the Secretary of State, Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez.  

 

  • What is the Joint Finance Committee? The JFC is responsible for writing the annual appropriations (operating budget) and grant-in-aid acts, consists of six members of the Senate Finance Committee and six members of the House Appropriations Committee, and will draft the final bills in May and June for introduction to the General Assembly. 

 

In previous years, DAA invited representatives to speak at these public hearings to advocate for, and ultimately successfully receive, two consecutive $1M budget increase for the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA). This year, arts leaders requested an additional $1M budget increase for the DDOA in order to keep up with inflation, an influx of new eligible grantees, and to help the office provide new professional services and training to artists and art organizations.  

Read the public comments below from those who participated in this year’s Joint Finance Committee Hearing: 

  • Neil Kirschling, Executive Director of the Delaware Arts Alliance 

“On behalf of those members, I am here to ask that you increase spending authority for the Delaware Division of the Arts by $1M. This would accomplish two goals:

1. Cover increased costs of grant programs (to account for inflation and new grantees that will be matriculated into annual grants – and request this be explored as a door opener) and

2. Provide new essential workforce development, professional training, and technical assistance to the entire sector

“This past year, following two years of research and stakeholder engagement, the DAA released the CREATE Plan – a recovery and growth plan for Delaware’s creative economy. We are the first state in the country to release this sort of plan that firmly positions the arts in economic development conversations.

“Why/What the CREATE Plan found to support this ask…”

Read Neil’s Full Public Comment Here 

  • Arreon Harley-Emerson, CEO and Artistic Director and Rachel Clark, Executive Director at Elevate Vocal Arts 

“Arreon: Our work aligns with the CREATE plan, ensuring artists and educators can build here in Delaware. But the reality is – we have more demand than we can meet. We are severely understaffed and missing opportunities to innovate, like developing a vocal recording program where artists create vocal tracks for commercial use.  

“Rachel: This need is urgent. The University of Delaware has one of the largest gaming development programs in the country, yet there is no dedicated program for vocal artists to provide voice tracks. This is a lost economic opportunity for Delaware.  

“Arreon: Meanwhile, the shortage of music educators continues. We partner with the Department of Education to place artists in schools, but with more funding we could serve more students and schools.  

“Rachel: Our apprenticeship program already creates career pathways, and with additional investment we could expand programs like the Delaware Academy of Vocal Arts, providing career and technical education for high school students just like programs in STEM and the culinary arts.” 

Read Arreon & Rachel’s Full Public Comment Here 

 

“DDOA welcomed me into the arts scene when I received the DDOA Fellowship award in 2022. These funds provided long lasting opportunities such as networking with creative individuals and organizations, strengthening professional development, and, above all, allowing each and every talented artisan a chance to share their story. I’ve personally seen my art career flourish through this fellowship and always inform this opportunity to fellow artists. Seeing and hearing the stories from new fellows year after year has made an immense impact in this state and beyond. Delaware artisans need to be heard and recognized.  

“As for the Biggs Museum, state funding continues our substantial efforts in strengthening our education and programming resources, collections and exhibitions, and general operating needs. We are undergoing a reinstallation phase in the galleries and designing exciting new programs and programming spaces. Without these funds we wouldn’t be able to expand our galleries, programs, and historic and contemporary collections into an immersive experience for the community. Advocating for the arts in Delaware is a goal that is sought out by both artistic organizations and individuals respectively.” 

Read Kiara’s Full Public Comment Here 

 

“Since our founding, we’ve generated $2.2 million of revenue for Delaware’s economy, subcontracted 88 Delawareans through our programming, employed 36, and created over 230 community events, resulting in $1.5 million in artist sales. Our programming has reached over 250,000 community members and tourists, all stemming from one artist’s vision. 

“Over the years, the support from the Delaware Division of the Arts has been crucial to our success. In fact, of the $2.2 million we’ve generated, roughly 12% has come from DDOA’s grant support. As we strive to scale our workforce development programs statewide, this funding is essential. If we were to lose DDOA funding, that would eliminate over $100,000 of anticipated grant funding of our planned $750,000 budget, not to mention the instrumental relationships and mentorship this division supports us with.” 

Read Leah’s Full Public Comment Here 

 

“DiAE is committed to workforce development for artists. Our programs provide independently contracted teaching artists with professional development, 1:1 coaching, and paid teaching opportunities, strengthening their ability to make a living in Delaware. By investing in our teaching artists, we help them build sustainable careers and contribute to Delaware’s cultural and economic landscape.  

“Supporting the arts is not just about enrichment—it is about investing in Delaware’s creative economy and ensuring that the next generation has the skills and opportunities to succeed.” 

Read A.T.’s Full Public Comment Here 

 

Additional calls to action will be available soon to enhance our advocacy efforts.

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Joint Finance Committee Timeline

Month  Action 
February  Joint Finance Committee (JFC): Committee members consider the Governor’s recommended operating budget and hold hearings to discuss budget items with agencies and advocates. 
February – March  The finance team meets with the Governor to draft budget reset. 
March  Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) with the Governor releases reset of the proposed operating, capital, and one-time bill. 
March-April  Bond Bill Committee Hearings: Committee members consider Governor Carney’s recommended capital budget and hold hearings to discuss budget items with agencies and advocates. 
May  Mark-up: JFC reviews budget proposals. 
June  The General Assembly passes the budget and bond bills, and the Governor signs the bills by June 30.  

The new fiscal year begins July 1 
Categories: Advocacy, Creative Economy