Title
Recommendation to Establish a Small Grants Program for Cultural Arts
Body
BACKGROUND
On April 15, 2019, the “Public Art Commission (PAC) held a Public Art Program Prioritization Working Session” to prioritize future public art initiatives. PAC requested that staff return with research on other cultural and visual arts small grant programs for discussion by the PAC. PAC indicated that it would like the program implemented as soon as possible.
DISCUSSION
In August of last year, the Economic Development and Community Service Division worked with a part-time planner to research small grants programs. The memorandum is attached.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff agrees with and recommends the following from memorandum:
• Have a downloadable application - don’t have a portal.
• Start program when the budget has reached $15,000, with minimum of $500 and maximum of $2,000 for the grants.
• Have an annual program.
• Have a cap of 20 grants per year.
• Have a fixed deadline.
• Have an application period of two months.
• Limit application to two pages with a max two page budget.
• Require recognition of the City of Alameda in promotional materials and/or signage.
• Call the new process a pilot for ease of modification of the procedure.
Staff further recommends the following:
• Require each recipient to provide a summary email within one month following the event.
• Have a subcommittee of the PAC and one member of the public review the applications and award the grants. One City staff member would facilitate the meetings and would not be a voting member.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lois Butler
Economic Development Manager
Exhibit:
1. Cultural Arts Small Grants Application Memorandum