Arts Commission Recommendations for American Rescue Plan Funds Allocation for the Arts (Clarification/Expansion of Arts Commission Resolution of March — original pdf

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Arts Commission Recommendations for American Rescue Plan Funds Allocation for the Arts (Clarification/Expansion of Arts Commission Resolution of March 2021) FY 21** (Oct 2020- Sept 2021) FY 22 (Oct 2021- Sept 2022) NOTES Amount Requested: $10 Million Amount Requested: $10 Million Rationale: Original amount Commission requested in March 2021 Resolution; feel that this is a minimum amount to assist the already desperately under-funded Arts Sector Rationale: Original amount AC requested in March 2021 Resolution; feel that this is a minimum amount to assist the already desperately under-funded Arts Sector Use all funds ($10M) for immediate recovery and relief; not for HOT backfill. Use $10M for recovery and relief/survival program funding and for HOT backfill as dictated by need. **Our intent is to get funding out the door ASAP. If emergency funding under ARP cannot be realized in FY 21, then we recommend shifting funding recommendations for FY 21 to FY 22 and recommendations for FY 22 to FY 23. The cultural funding process is under review and it will take time to finalize and launch new programs through a racial equity lens. Specifically, do not use any of the $10M FRP funds to pay off the $4M deficit in FY21 HOT; rather, pay off the deficit utilizing Reserves or General Revenue Funds. Rationale: FY 21 Contracts have been approved by Council; funding was guaranteed through FY 21 prior to passage of the American Rescue Plan. No need to pay for these contracts with new ARP funds. Artists and arts organizations need emergency assistance immediately. Time is of the essence. Continue to prioritize relief and recovery; secondary use for cultural arts backfill. Rationale: Money can be used for both immediate relief through recovery/relief programs as well as to supplement HOT funds for Cultural Arts Programs funding. It is difficult to predict how recovery will unfold so retaining flexibility is a priority. All funds ($10 M) to be allocated through existing relief program “buckets” developed for CARES funding – as refined and expanded to be more inclusive – and to be distributed through a framework that leads with equity and that addresses the needs of all sectors of the creative economy equitably. Continue to fund recovery and relief programs utilizing the $10 M according to buckets/programs established for FY 21 or those newly created, and for backfilling HOT funds for Cultural Arts program funding as needed. Rationale: Money can be used for both funding recovery/relief programs as well as to supplement As we prioritize recovery and sustainability strategies, remain mindful of challenges inherent in slow HOT funding recovery predictions. Continue to allow creatives to access any and all other categories for recovery and relief funding under ARP. Renew and immediately launch the CSAP Austin Creative Space Disaster Relief program to support creative and music venues in need. Fund this program through the general fund or reserves. HOT funds for Cultural Arts Programs. Since the HOT funds available for FY 22, while not carrying over a deficit, will probably not increase enough to fund Cultural Arts at pre-Covid levels, some FRP funds could be used to supplement the amount available. Rationale: While we have specific “buckets” or programs for relief for the Arts to be funded through the $10 M requested, this amount is still not enough to fulfill all the needs of the Arts Sector and thus other categories or programs should not exclude creatives. This was readily seen with the amounts requested vs received under the previous CARES funding; the need greatly surpassed the amounts available to grant. Specific recommendations include expansion of the Creative Worker Relief Grant (with an increased equity lens) and the Non-Profit Relief Grant (with expanded support for creative arts nonprofits) and a re-launch of the Legacy Business program tailored specifically to non-profit legacy businesses Rationale: No need to waste time re-creating the wheel; money can be allocated more quickly through the existing but improved “buckets” In addition to the $10 million dedicated to creative arts assistance, expand other existing recovery/relief funding program “buckets” to allow creatives to apply in any and all other categories such as job creation, small business assistance, rental assistance, food insecurity, etc., as eligible. Rationale: While we have specific “buckets” or programs for relief for the Arts Sector to be funded through the $10 M requested, this amount is still not enough to fulfill the needs of the Arts and thus other categories or programs should not exclude creatives. This was readily seen with the amounts requested vs received under the previous CARES funding; the need greatly surpassed the amounts available to grant. Provide a single, streamlined point of information for all City emergency funding programs that is easily accessible. Simplify application process. Continue to prioritize Equity in all emergency funding distribution. Continue to prioritize Equity in all emergency funding distribution.