Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8098

Introduced

3/22/24

Refer

3/22/24

Caption

Establishes a Rhode Island creative futures fund in the amount of eighteen million dollars ($18,000,000).

Impact

By establishing this fund, H8098 seeks to address the financial difficulties faced by arts and culture entities that play a crucial role in the state's community and economic landscape. The fund is set to be managed by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, ensuring that designated funds are distributed effectively. Funds are earmarked not only for specific named organizations but also for other eligible nonprofits that can demonstrate economic harm due to the pandemic. This will provide a broader safety net for cultural significance while promoting recovery efforts.

Summary

House Bill H8098 aims to establish the Rhode Island Creative Futures Fund, allocating a total of $18 million to support nonprofit arts and cultural organizations severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund is intended to help these organizations recover economically and regain their operational capacities to pre-pandemic levels. The act has been introduced to the Rhode Island General Assembly and proposes to utilize funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), state appropriations, and potentially public bond initiatives approved by voters.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention surrounding the fund distribution, particularly around the criteria used to allocate funds among applicants. While support for arts organizations is generally viewed positively, concerns might arise regarding equity in funding allocation, especially for organizations that primarily serve minority communities. The bill emphasizes the importance of rectifying disparities that have affected these communities, but implementation details could generate discussion on fairness and transparency in the funding process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6465

Joint Resolution Authorizing Appropriation Of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) To Commerce Rhode Island For Express Purpose Of Providing Base Level Operation Funds For Local Visitor Centers (authorizes The Appropriation Of The Sum Of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) To Commerce Rhode Island For Funding Of Local Visitor Centers.)

RI S0999

Joint Resolution Authorizing Appropriation Of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) To Commerce Rhode Island For Express Purpose Of Providing Base Level Operation Funds For Local Visitor Centers (this Resolution Authorizes The Appropriation Of The Sum Of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) To Commerce Rhode Island For Funding Of Local Visitor Centers.)

RI H5146

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $1,000,000 To The Rhode Island Council For The Humanities For Direct Grant Funding To Community Cultural Organizations Throughout Rhode Island (authorizes The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $1,000,000 To The Rhode Island Council For The Humanities To Continue Efforts To Support Local Cultural Organizations Throughout The State.)

RI S0271

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $1,000,000 To The Rhode Island Council For The Humanities For Direct Grant Funding To Community Cultural Organizations Throughout Rhode Island (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of The Sum Of $1,000,000 To The Rhode Island Council For The Humanities To Continue Efforts To Support Local Cultural Organizations Throughout The State.)