New York (State). Commission on Cultural Resources

The Commission on Cultural Resources was created to study the current and long range needs of cultural institutions in New York State following an emergency appropriation of $18 million to assist faltering institutions. Senater Willam T. Conklin was chairman. Proceedings took place at the initiative of (and were partly conducted by) Robert J. Maurer, Executive Director of the Commission. The commission subsequently recommended a permanent program of state support and warned of an impending cultural depression if state and private funds were not continued.

FUNCTIONS. This temporary commission was established in 1970 (Chapter 987) to evaluate the role of government in relation to the ongoing functioning of the arts; to research solutions to financial problems of preserving and developing cultural heritage activities; and to formulate long-range recommendations to ensure that cultural institutions continue to flourish and enrich the quality of life of all citizens.

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY. Created by Chapter 987 of the Laws of 1970, the commission consisted of 11 state citizens: three appointed by the temporary president of the senate; three appointed by the speaker of the assembly; and five appointed by the governor. The commission was chaired by Senator William T. Conklin.

In March 1971 the legislature appropriated $18 million as an emergency aid to cultural institutions. The funds, received from the New York State Council on the Arts, supported institutions engaged in the arts and humanities, libraries, education, and recreation. Financial information provided by applicants was analyzed by the Council on the Arts to put future policy making into perspective. The commission's work focused on the defintion of "art" and what New York equates to "Cultural Opportunities."

Chapter 591 of the Laws of 1972 appropriated expenses to extend the commission's existence and the making of reports, including a final report due to the legislature no later than March 1, 1973.

Six reports were produced by the commission on issues concerning fiscal needs of cultural institutions; arts education; community perception about the arts; arts and technology; the arts in light of the state's economy; and reviewing the role of state agencies in cultural resource awareness.

Through the Cultural Resources Development Planning Survey, the commission identified the need for active participation by all state agencies in arts and cultural resource development and provided guidelines for a recommended state policy to support arts and cultural resources. As a result of this study, 56 state agencies identified an awareness of how their functions contribute to the arts and cultural resources in their mandates and support increased interest in these resources. The study resulted in 18 commission-initiated bills proposed during the 1973 legislative session for support and economic development, historic resources and cultural property, facilities and architectural design (and use), public education, and natural environmental concerns.

The commisison completed its mission in June 1973.

Created by Chapter 987 of the Laws of 1970, the commission consisted of 11 state citizens: three appointed by the temporary president of the senate; three appointed by the speaker of the assembly; and five appointed by the governor. The commission was chaired by Senator William T. Conklin.

In March 1971 the legislature appropriated $18 million as an emergency aid to cultural institutions. The funds, received from the New York State Council on the Arts, supported institutions engaged in the arts and humanities, libraries, education, and recreation. Financial information provided by applicants was analyzed by the Council on the Arts to put future policy making into perspective. The commission's work focused on the defintion of "art" and what New York equates to "Cultural Opportunities."

Chapter 591 of the Laws of 1972 appropriated expenses to extend the commission's existence and the making of reports, including a final report due to the legislature no later than March 1, 1973.

Six reports were produced by the commission on issues concerning fiscal needs of cultural institutions; arts education; community perception about the arts; arts and technology; the arts in light of the state's economy; and reviewing the role of state agencies in cultural resource awareness.

Through the Cultural Resources Development Planning Survey, the commission identified the need for active participation by all state agencies in arts and cultural resource development and provided guidelines for a recommended state policy to support arts and cultural resources. As a result of this study, 56 state agencies identified an awareness of how their functions contribute to the arts and cultural resources in their mandates and support increased interest in these resources. The study resulted in 18 commission-initiated bills proposed during the 1973 legislative session for support and economic development, historic resources and cultural property, facilities and architectural design (and use), public education, and natural environmental concerns.

The commisison completed its mission in June 1973.