Title
Public Art Small Grants Pilot Program
Body
To: Public Art Commission
From: Lois Butler, Economic Development Manager
Date: September 25, 2019
RE: Public Art Small Grants Pilot Program
BACKGROUND
At a public working session on April 15, 2019, the Public Art Commission (PAC) identified the creation of a Public Art Small Grants pilot program as a top priority for future public art funding. At a subsequent meeting on May 29, 2019, the PAC gave direction to staff regarding the key elements of the program; these points are summarized below:
Overall Guidelines
• The grants can be for cultural art or physical art.
• The applicant does not need non-profit status.
• Organizations outside Alameda may apply and Alameda residents/organizations will receive a preference.
• Events and artwork must be located in Alameda, free to the public and in an accessible location.
• The budget for this grant cycle is $20,000.
• Grant award categories should be:
o $250-500
o $501-$750
o $751-$1,000
o $1,000-$1,500
o $1,500-$2,000
• The application period should be for two months (January 1-February 29, 2020). It should be preceded by an up to two-month advertising period for the Public Art Small Grants Program. Awards will be granted by April 30, 2020, and funds should be eligible for use from May 1, 2020 until April 30, 2021.
• The materials should include text that encourages smaller organizations and individuals to apply for $250 to $500 grants.
• It is important to keep the grant materials and award process clear and simple to coincide with the smaller grant award amount.
• The marketing program for Public Art Small Grant applications would be very important and should include a public mailing list and social media campaign.
• Emphasize this is a pilot program to test various aspects of implementation, and there will be a fair amount of leeway in the implementation during this pilot year.
• Guidelines, criteria and application should include best practices from the City of Alameda, Alameda Municipal Power (AMP), the City of Emeryville and other jurisdictions with simple and clear applications.
Application Process
• The introduction and guidelines should be limited to one to two pages. The application should be limited to one to two pages.
• The form should be downloadable so it may be printed and filled out.
• Include standard language that says this is a sponsorship grant and the individual/organization is responsible for all permits, fees, hold harmless agreements, insurance, business licenses and W-9 Forms.
• Guidelines and questions should be included to determine if the grant is a stand-alone, seed or a part of other grants.
• Include questions on:
o How the funds will be used;
o How the event enhances the profile of the City;
o How Alameda will be recognized in the event/installation; and
o How social media will be used to market the event.
Evaluation and Award
• The award of grants would be determined by a subcommittee, comprised of two Commission members and a staff member, and would come back to the PAC for approval.
• Evaluation criteria should be based on artistic merit, community access, cultural representation, and building community support.
• Require a photograph and short event or physical art summary within a month of completion, to include the award amount, the date(s) of the event, what the money was used for, and how many people attended (if applicable).
DISCUSSION
Staff drafted the Public Art Small Grants Pilot Program Description (Exhibit 1) and Grant Application (Exhibit 2) based on the PAC direction summarized above, and a review of similar programs, including those of Alameda Municipal Power and the City of Emeryville.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed Public Art Small Grants program would be considered a ministerial project and would be exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines section 15268 Ministerial Projects. Each individual grant application would be similar to the issuance of a business license, which is a ministerial action and exempt under this same provision.
RECOMMENDATION
Review the attached Public Art Small Grants Pilot Program Description and Application and provide further direction and/or approval.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amanda Gehrke
Development Manager
Exhibits:
1. Public Art Small Grants Pilot Program Description
2. Public Art Small Grants Program Application