Parrish Art Museum Funding Approved for 2017–2018
Continuing a four-decade show of support, Southampton School District voters approved another year of funding for the Parrish Art Museum on Saturday. The $339,569 levy, based on the tax rate for 2017–2018, passed on June 3 with 129 in favor (79%) and 34 opposed out of a total 163 votes, according to the district clerk. Each homeowner in the district will pay $1.43 towards the appropriation for the museum for every $100,000 of assessed value—or $7.15 for a home assessed at $500,000. This represents a 2.7% reduction in the tax rate from 2016–2017.
“We are deeply grateful for this recognition of the vital role the Parrish Art Museum plays on the East End of Long Island,” museum director Terrie Sultan said in an announcement about the successful vote. “The Museum is very proud of our connections and collaborations with so many in our community schools and organizations. This funding enables us to continue to contribute in a meaningful way year round through educational outreach, exhibitions, concerts, lectures, films and classes.”
In recognition of the funds received though the tax levy, the Parrish Art Museum initiated its Resident Benefits program in 2014, providing residents and employees of the Southampton Union Free School District 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. All residents of both districts are eligible to enroll in Resident Benefits, and nearly 1,500 have enrolled since its inception in 2014.
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 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 screenings; and presenting masterworks from the museum’s permanent collection, as well as five changing exhibitions each year.
To find out more about what the Parrish Art Museum, located at 279 Montauk Highway in Water Mill, offers the community, and what’s on view now, call 631-283-2118 or visit parrishart.org.