Norwich - Acknowledging that there won't be money in the city budget for arts organizations for the second straight year, one alderman is suggesting that the city find other ways to support the arts.

William Nash has placed a resolution on tonight's council agenda asking that City Manager Alan Bergren "explore any and all means to lend support from the city for the arts community beyond the scope of the local budgetary process."

Norwich had provided regular direct funding to the Norwich Arts Council, Spirit of Broadway Theater and cultural programs such as Taste of Italy and the July 4 fireworks festival until last year's budget.

Nash said Monday the city still cares but cannot allocate tax money for the organizations in the coming budget.

Bergren said the city may be able to help with in-kind services such as help in grant writing and letters of support for grant applications.

"The statement is to let the arts community know that they are valued and integral part of the community," Bergren said.

Peter Leibert, president of the Norwich Arts Council, welcomed the council resolution and offer of support. Leibert said the city could help with grant-writing and cleaning snow from the sidewalks at the arts center at 60 Broadway and the Church Street handicapped entrance to the Donald Oat Theater publicizing events and encouraging attendance.

Leibert said the organization also needs a computer dedicated to financial accounting.

Leibert also suggested a member of the City Council or other city official could sit on the NAC board of directors and serve as a liaison to improve communication with the city. For example, the board was not aware of the resolution on tonight's City Council agenda, he said.

Bergren agreed that the community at large needs to support arts programs.

Nash, chairman of the Sachem Fund Committee that recommends distribution of the grants provided by the city and the Mohegan Tribe, said that fund, too, is depleted. The spring round of Sachem Fund grants has about $126,000 - far short of the $400,000 per year anticipated when the fund was created in 2007.

c.bessette@theday.com