Council pulls funding for African-American museum

06:13 PM CDT on Wednesday, September 15, 2004

From 11 News Staff Reports

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Houston has a district crowded with museums. But how Houstonians pay for their museums is up for debate.

Last year, the City of Houston budgeted $2 million for an African-American museum, which would have been much larger than the privately funded Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. But this year, some council members objected.

"We're opening a door now to really receive grant applications," said Councilmember Pam Holm

Mayor Bill White backed the museum. "I think it's worthy of having a hearing," said Mayor White.

The council seemed evenly divided.

But in the end, the council's decision was unanimous.

They kept the African-American museum in the city's long-range plans, but they also pulled its $2 million appropriation from the city's budget. And now, in an amendment backed by the mayor, the city has to come up with a policy outlining the

criteria groups have to follow to qualify for the money.

Those proposed museums would have to be built mainly with private funds.

The mayor's staff would have to formally review each request and report to city council.

"In this country in general, arts and cultural institutions have been funded principally by the private sector, but there has been an element of public sector support," said Mayor White.

But now there are rules to follow before museums get city money.

The move also shot down another proposal to spend $2 million on an Asian Center.