Question: What is the current funding for the annual arts grants program, how long has it been at this level, and how much additional funding would be needed to at least get to a level that accounts for inflation? (Councilman Canek Aguirre)
Response:
The current budget for the community arts grants program is $174,000 and is awarded to approximately 20-25 non-profit organizations each year through a competitive process to provide arts programs throughout Alexandria. The grant program budget has been at this level since FY 2013. The Commission for the Arts calculated that the current level, adjusted for inflation, would be $243,600. The proposed budget increases the arts grant funding by $71,000, from $174,000 to $245,000.