5-21-12: Courtesy of YNN. It was a packed meeting Monday, as leaders of Erie County cultural organizations met to learn more about County Executive Mark Poloncarz plan to reinstate funding for their groups. Under former County Executive Chris Collins, many culturals lost the money they’d relied on for years. BUFFALO, NY — It was a packed meeting Monday, as leaders of Erie County cultural organizations met to learn more about County Executive Mark Poloncarz plan to reinstate funding for their groups. Under former County Executive Chris Collins, many culturals lost the money they’d relied on for years. “What’s changing is sort of an open and transparent process, number one. Another thing that’s changing is just a very clear sense that funding for the arts from the public sector is a priority to this administration,” said County Commissioner of Environment and Planning Maria Whyte. The funding is also a priority to the groups who need it to survive. Young Audiences of Western New York brings art programs into schools and after school venues. The group lost its county funding last year, but in years past had gotten $7000, which it turned into about $36000. “We leverage that funding to funders outside of the area,” explained the group’s executive director, Cynnie Gaasch. “So if we’re going to a funder based in New York City or Minneapolis, it’s really helpful to be able to say that our Erie County government thinks we’re worthy of funding.” Applications for cultural funding

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