* 1999-00 through 2001-02 reflect enacted appropriations.
* 2002-03 and 2003-04 reflect Executive recommended appropriations.

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is responsible for stimulating the performing and fine arts in New York State. The Council works to expand and encourage cultural resources and promote interest in the arts in the State. The Council is also responsible for administering grants to local not-for-profit arts organizations.

The Council's budget is included in the Education, Labor and Family Assistance appropriation bill.

State Operations

The Executive recommends total General Fund appropriations of $5,100,000 for the Administration Program, a reduction of $196,000 from State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2002-03 levels. This reflects the elimination of four Full Time Equivalents (FTE) positions through attrition.

The Executive proposes to maintain a Fiduciary Fund appropriation of $400,000 that provides the Council with authorization to spend revenues it receives from arts license plates, as well as gifts and donations.

The Executive proposes maintaining a General Fund appropriation of $567,000 for the Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation Program, reflecting no change from SFY 2002-03 funding levels.

The Executive proposes maintaining the General Fund appropriation of $1,610,500 for the New York State Theatre Institute, reflecting no change from SFY 2002-03 funding levels.

The Executive recommends a new Fiduciary Fund appropriation of $12,000,000 for the proposed New York Institute for Cultural Education Program, to be supported by an existing State surcharge imposed by county clerks for filing, recording and certifying records. Revenues generated from this surcharge are currently used to support the operations of the State Library, State Museum, and State Archives. These assets are proposed to be transferred to the New York Institute for Cultural Education and thus these revenues will continue to serve as a source of support for these operations.

Aid to Localities

The Executive recommends a General Fund appropriation of $37,400,000 in the Administration Program, reflecting a reduction of $6,600,000 or 15 percent from SFY 2002-03 levels. The Executive's recommended appropriation authorizes:

• State assistance for nonprofit cultural organizations offering services to the general public including but not limited to orchestras, dance companies, museums and theatre groups;

• Up to $3,000,000 for State/local partnerships including activities related to the decentralization program;

• Up to $5,000,000 for nonprofit cultural organizations and botanical gardens, zoos and aquariums offering programs of arts related education for elementary and secondary school pupils; and

• Up to $1,100,000 for capital grants pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law.

The Executive proposes the creation of a new public benefit corporation, the New York Institute of Cultural Education (NYICE) with the central mission of enriching the State's cultural resources. NYICE would administer programs for the preservation, development and promotion of New York's cultural resources, including the State Museum, the State Library and the State Archives. These programs are currently administered by the State Education Department (SED). In addition, 400 staff would be transferred from the State Education Department to NYICE.

The Executive recommends a Fiduciary Fund appropriation of $12,000,000 for the services and expenses of NYICE. This Fund would be supported by an existing State surcharge imposed on the filing, recording and certifying of records by county clerks. In addition, NYICE would have the authority to impose fees. These programs are proposed to be transferred effective October 1, 2003, when NYICE would assume responsibility for these programs. NYICE would be governed by a 15 member board, with eight appointed by the Governor, two each by the Senate and Assembly Majorities and one each by the Senate and Assembly Minorities, and one by the Board of Regents, to serve five year terms.