DEPARTMENT: Department of Arts & Culture
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Debbie Racca-Sittre
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All Council Districts
SUBJECT: Arts Agency Funding FY19 Recommendations
SUMMARY:
This item provides an overview of the FY19 Arts Agency Funding Process to include adopted arts funding guidelines, application process eligibility and requirements, funding priorities, the review panel process, and FY19 funding recommendations from the San Antonio Arts Commission. The Arts Agency Funding programs are supported by the Hotel Occupational Tax (HOT) to promote and engage residents and visitors to experience San Antonio's rich arts and culture environment.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
One of the functions of the Department of Arts & Culture is the distribution of funds to local non-profit arts organizations to enrich the quality of life in San Antonio for residents and visitors. The funds distributed through the Arts Agency Funding process are from the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). By state law, up to 15% of the local HOT collections can be utilized to fund arts and cultural activities. As required by the Esperanza Consent Decree that was approved by City Council on October 18, 2001, the distribution of all arts funding must adhere to the Guidelines adopted by City Council
In 2017, the Department of Arts & Culture led a public process to develop Arts Agency Funding Guidelines that are focused on funding allocations being distributed equitably. The Arts Agency Funding Guidelines were adopted by City Council in February 2018. Grant funding programs, in priority order, include: Festivals, Artist Re-Granting, Culturally Specific Support, Capacity Building and Base Operational Support. These grants are aimed to support a diverse portfolio of art organizations working across the City of San Antonio in the production of on-going, sustainable, high quality artistic activities.
The San Antonio Arts Commission (SAAC), appointed by the Mayor and City Council, o...
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