In the Arts: Ex-N.J. Governor Mulls Suit Over Arts Cuts

Former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean said he is considering suing the current governor over a plan to slash state arts spending and eliminate a tax that supports cultural programs, reports The Star-Ledger, of Newark.

Mr. Kean said he is “outraged” by current Gov. Jon Corzine’s proposed budget, which would cut arts funds by 25 percent, to $14.4-million. Under state law an arts budget below $16-million triggers elimination of a hotel-motel tax that supports the arts for which Mr. Kean campaigned in 2003.

In other arts news, a Baltimore public radio station is offering free airtime to promote local arts and cultural institutions, The Baltimore Sun reports. National Public Radio affiliate WYPR will produce and air spots twice daily for the Baltimore Symphony, the Walters Art Museum, and 10 other institutions over the next six months.

Also, The New York Times reports on controversy at the Film Society of Lincoln Center under new executive director Mara Manus, who has cut staff while overseeing a major expansion project.

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