Title
National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Projects (Ordinance S-50657)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for, accept, and if awarded, enter into an agreement for up to $150,000 in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for Arts Projects (Local Arts Agency) funding. The grant funds would be used by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 to continue the City's Artists to Work program. Further, authorize the City Treasurer to accept and the City Controller to disburse the funds for purposes of this ordinance.
Report
Summary
The NEA Grants for Arts Project (Local Arts Agency) program is a flexible funding category developed to recognize and assist the cultural programming and achievements of the nation's local arts agencies. The Office of Arts and Culture is the designated local arts agency for the City of Phoenix.
If awarded, the grant funds will be used to continue the Artists to Work Program in FY 2024-25. The American Rescue Plan Act initially funded this program, and funds expire in December 2024. The NEA funds will enable the department to provide grant funds to individual artists to support creating and presenting original, new, or in-process artistic work by practicing Phoenix artists. These artists will receive professional development and mentorship to build partnerships and project sustainability after the grant period.
Financial Impact
The NEA Grants for Arts Projects (Local Arts Agency) program requires a one-to-one match by applicants. The Office of Arts and Culture's FY 2024-25 General Fund appropriation will be used to match the grant award.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee reviewed and approved this item at its Feb. 14, 2024 meeting with a 4-0 vote.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Office of Arts and Culture.