City Considers Additional Arts Funding

April 27 - The city of Wichita is looking at a new plan that would funnel hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to local museums and arts organizations. Some worry the plan would divert funds that should go to public safety.

The plan could nearly double the amount of money the city spends on arts and cultural organizations. Mayor Carlos Mayans and city council member Sharon Fearey both support the plan.

The city currently spends $1.9 million a year on seven organizations, including Cowtown and the Wichita Art Museum. The new proposal would and an extra $867,000 in 2007 and disperse additional money over the next three years.

Some say the money should be used for public safety. Activist Jim Gulick has been fighting for a new fire station in south Wichita for months. He was told there wasn't enough money in the budget. Gulick says the primary function of the government is to protect the citizens. He says art can't do that.

Others believe the money could be used to hire more police and school resource officers and help with street maintenance. Council member Jim Skelton is worried about the plan. Skelton says he's not against the extra arts funding, but he says the council should wait until budget time to dedicate funds.