AUGUSTA – A bond intended to help arts and cultural organizations with capital projects got its first airing Friday, underscored by a survey that identifies $340 million in needs.
The bond, introduced by Senate President Beth Edmonds, asks for $25 million to begin addressing the “bricks and mortar” needs of Maine’s cultural organizations. The legislation follows Gov. John Baldacci’s pledge to build economic development by encouraging cultural, artistic and innovative enterprises in the nonprofit and for-profit worlds.
“It’s a start,” said Edmonds. “We thought $25 million was a reasonable amount to request. Sometimes you want the moon, but you settle for going across the street.”
Edmonds’ background as a librarian in Freeport gives her an appreciation for the role cultural organizations play in a community. In libraries, patrons seek the classics as well as the latest bestsellers, a mix that keeps the institutions “fresh and vital.”
“I view Maine’s economy in much the same way,” she said in her State House address. “We have traditional industries that, though struggling, deserve our commitment. Maine also has superb growing opportunities for the 21st century. It is this mix that will keep Maine prosperous, while at the same time true to its heritage. For this reason I have submitted a $25 million bond for Maine’s Creative economy.”
The bond request is based on a needs survey sent out to 2,300 organizations, 38 percent of whom responded. Among those questioned were administrators of archives, museums, arts commissions, historical preservation groups and libraries.
The survey showed $17.6 million in capital projects in Androscoggin County, with St. Mary’s Franco-American Heritage Center leading the list with $5.4 million in identified needs. In Franklin County, the $2 million Iron Bridge restoration project in New Sharon represents almost half the county’s $5.5 million identified needs. Of Oxford County’s $3.5 million in needs, $1.2 million comes from the Bethel Historical Society which wants to install climate controls in two historic buildings.
The bond request, called LD 756, needs legislative backing before going to a citizen referendum. If approved, the money would be distributed through the New Century Community Program, a cooperative of seven Maine cultural agencies.
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