Boston arts advocates demand council restore $1 million cut to cultural office

BOSTON -- April 30, 2026, Boston's Ways and Means Committee draws more than 150 arts advocates opposing a proposed $1 million cut to the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. Chair Ben Weber convened the April 30 budget hearing covering FY27 operating budgets for licensing, tourism, and arts, with newly appointed Chief of Arts and Culture Joseph Henry presenting a mission-led strategic plan even as the office faces a roughly 27 percent funding reduction, the largest reported cut of any city department. Speaker after speaker asked the council to reinstate what several described as $1.25 million in proposed grant reductions, with GrubStreet Executive Director Kim Dawson Ohiomova warning that "a one million dollar cut is not a one million dollar savings, it's a three to ten million dollar loss for our local economy." Executive Director of Consumer Affairs and Licensing Kathleen Joyce separately told the council her office's staffing model "has not changed much over the last 25 years" despite processing over 720 special one-day alcohol licenses and managing a surge of World Cup and Sail Boston permitting. The Office of Tourism reported its own $262,000 budget reduction, cutting Open Streets from five events to four. No votes were taken; the next public listening session is May 26 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.