Yet many inside and outside the city have expressed surprise that a city the size of Amarillo has been able to support a symphony, a ballet, an opera, and a major theatre. Of course, local arts need private support because there is political argument against public funding nationally and from the state. In fact, the state of Texas ranks last in per capita funding for the arts. The state is creating a Cultural Endowment Fund, which ultimately will be used to support the arts, thereby eliminating the need for the use of taxes for such endeavors. Also, there has been political pressure to end Congressional funding for the National Endowment Of The Arts.
Cities can use up to one cent of the seven cents usually collected to help the local art scene.
Different cities use varying amounts. A stipulation for the use of this money is that the funding supports tourism, putting heads in beds . Many say yes. The Musical Drama, Texas , would be an exception to this idea.