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Registered voters in the Southampton School District on Saturday, June 4, approved a tax levy for the Parrish Art Museum. Approximately 79 percent of the 149 voters who cast their ballot supported the museum’s request for $326,509 in funding, the same amount it has asked for the previous eight years. The funding directly supports the Parrish’s exhibition and program expenses. Based on the 2015-2016 tax rate, the amount translates to $7.37 per year for a home with an assessed value of $500,000. Of the 149 votes, 118 supported the measure, while 31 opposed it.
“We are deeply grateful for the community’s validation of the vital role the Parrish Art Museum plays on the East End of Long Island,” said Director Terrie Sultan. “The museum continues to look for new ways to invite and welcome the community to be a part of the exciting work we do. This funding enables us to further expand the program of exhibitions, concerts, lectures, talks, films, and classes we offer year round.”
In recognition of the funds received though the tax levy, the Museum initiated its Resident Benefits program in 2014 that provides residents of the school district with free admission to the museum and many of its programs. The program also includes residents of the Tuckahoe Common School District and its employees. Tuckahoe also supports the museum through a tax levy.
Funds approved by the vote help to support the Museum’s initiatives and outreach efforts, which include collaborating with local teachers to create on- and off-site programs; offering free admission on Wednesdays year-round, free admission every day to students and children under 18, and reduced admission to seniors; providing art classes, workshops and tours for children, teens and families; producing more than 100 public programs each year, including music, talks, and film; and presenting masterworks from the museum’s collection as well as five changing exhibitions each year.
