Buffalo has benefited from a vibrant, innovative arts and cultural sector, which strengthens community ties, supports well-being, and makes our city more livable. In 2022 alone, the nonprofit arts and culture sector in Western New York generated $352 million in economic activity and supported over 4,000 jobs. Yet public funding has dropped sharply from over $1 million a year to a low of $6,500 in 2021-2022. From 2019 to 2025, only 7.7% of the City’s allocated arts budget was actually distributed. 

This brief outlines how Buffalo can recommit to steady, substantial arts funding, ensure fair and transparent grant distribution, and support frontline arts organizations that contribute directly to community safety, equity, and opportunity.