Bill > SB1577

This bill establishes a new Performing Arts Grants Program within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to support and promote performing arts in Hawaii. The legislation expands the foundation's existing responsibilities to include coordinating, planning, promoting, marketing, and executing performing arts events, which are defined as arts performed before an audience, such as dance, singing, musical performances, and theatre. The bill amends several sections of Hawaii Revised Statutes to broaden the definition of "arts" to explicitly include performing arts and allows the Works of Art Special Fund to be used for performing arts event coordination and execution. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to provide grants under the new program, with the foundation required to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the grants awarded and the outcomes of supported performing arts events. The purpose of the bill is to recognize performing arts as a critical medium for creative expression and to provide Hawaii's residents with engaging, educational, and meaningful artistic experiences.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1577&year=2026