Backup — original pdf

Backup

Cultural Arts Funding Review Process Update ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT APRIL 18, 2022 Concerns of Inequitable Distribution* Problem: we are trying to address 50 years of inequitable distribution of funding through the Cultural Funding programs due to the historical policies, practices, and (in)accessibility of our programs. *Data shows leadership/staff demographics FY15-FY 21 only. We recognize this is only one indicator. Impetus to Revise the Guidelines 2017: Cultural Funding Program Responsiveness Working Group 2018: Funding cuts for the first time (11%) COA Equity Statement: Strategic Direction 2023 Cultural Funding Review Goal The desired goal is to sustain and grow Austin’s cultural infrastructure so that all may share in the economic and employment benefits of the heritage preservation and creative sectors, as well as upholding the City’s commitment to racial equity per the City of Austin’s Equity Office standards and goals. Cultural Funding Review Process Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 4.5 Launch + Listen Record + Analyze Equity Audit 9 1 0 2 • 1 town hall • 2 workshops • 39 listening sessions • 540 participants • 1,160 engagement hours • Feedback compiled and synthesized • Organized into specific themes and directions for further discussion • Staff assessment of programs • Equity trainings for staff and commissions • Heritage Tourism and Music and Entertainment added • Process audit with ODD • MJR Recommendations Program Development • 1500+ hours of staff planning • 2 public presentations • Feedback: comment box, 1:1 meetings, Q+A, direct communications, Commission meetings 2 0 2 2 Program Refinement • 1 presentation • Regular VOOH and 3 guided discussions • Arts Commission chats • Feedback collection including survey • Feedback will be used to refine the program before official launch • Evaluation is ongoing! Feedback informed every aspect of program development including program priorities, application scoring, rubrics, and process improvements. Guided by Community Engagement Large Events 6 community events 1,002 attendees Facilitated Conversations 5 facilitated conversations 61 attendees Multiple Public Presentations 4 Guided Conversations with in-meeting Menti surveys 1:1 Meetings with staff/consultant Virtual Open Office Hours 2-4 times per month Small Group Listening Sessions Newsletters every month 10 listening sessions 213 attendees Virtual Comment Box Holistic Funding Ecosystem Nexus • Nurture new and emerging applicants by funding creative public projects developed through community activation and/or collaboration Elevate • Creative and administrative expenses of cultural producers that amplify equity and prioritize inclusive programming. Thrive • Focused investment to sustain and grow arts organizations that are deeply rooted in, and reflective of Austin’s diverse cultures. Reflecting the Vibrancy of Austin Nexus Elevate Thrive • $5,000 • 40-50 awards/cycle • 2 cycles/ year • Project Funding • New/Emerging • Who can apply: • Small Organizations (<$150k Budget) • Individual Artists • Groups/ Collectives • $7,500 - $50,000 • Up to 100 awards • 1-year contract • Flexible Funding operational expenses • Who can apply: • $70,000 - $120,000 • 30-45 awards • 2-year contract • Flexible Funding • Cohort Option • Displacement risk/ • creative, administrative, and • Operational/ Capital • Arts Organizations (any budget Marginalized/Underfunded size) • Individual Artists • Arts/Culture Groups/Collectives • Who can apply: • 501(c) Arts Organizations • 5+ Years in Austin • Average award <$100k Pilot Programs Solutions OPEN TO EVERYONE NO MATCHING FUNDS AWARD NOT BASED ON EXISTING BUDGET COMPETITIVE PROCESS TRANSITION PLAN Milestones since September 2021 Data Transparency Impact Analysis Arts Commission Working Group Additional Engagement • Website updated with Dashboard, meeting recordings, survey results, reports, definitions, and other resources • COA Open Data Portal with all Cultural Funding History by organization • Staff has reviewed existing contractors and potential funding levels in the new program structure by organization • New/Competitive programs will be higher awards than an across the board cut for all existing contractors • Formed with Community Members • Involve people who had not been involved • Cultural contractors and non-cultural contractors • BIPOC, LGBTQIA, Disabled, Women • Comment Box re- opened • Virtual Open Office Hours twice a month • Monthly newsletter • Direct staff conversations • Feedback session 4/19/22 - 5/10/22 Target Concern: HOT Funds Why are you moving from Projections to Actuals? ◦ Limited HOT funds ◦ Err on the side of caution ◦ Have wanted to make this change for years Target Concern: Review Panels How are you fixing the Panel Review process? ◦ Department-wide recruitment starting soon! ◦ Formalized training ◦ Detailed scoring rubric to reduce subjectivity ◦ Fewer Narrative questions Target Concern: Fiscal Sponsorship Why are you getting rid of Fiscal Sponsorship? ◦ We are not! ◦ It is optional for increased flexibility. ◦ Applicant can decide what is best for them. Target Concern: Nexus Collaboration Why are you requiring community collaboration? ◦ We are not! ◦ It is optional for increased flexibility. ◦ Applicant can decide what is best for them. Target Concern: Thrive Cohort Why does Thrive have more deliverables? ◦ It does not! ◦ All cohort events/activities are optional. ◦ Applicant can decide what is best for them. ◦ No Final Report at the end of Year 1 ◦ "Interim Report" is a conversation with contract manager Target Concern: CFP Management How are you fixing internal issues? ◦ Stagger Program Schedule ◦ Fewer total contracts ◦ Limit Pre-Contract Materials ◦ Automate Contracting Processes Pilot Guidelines will Achieve Goal GOAL: Sustain and grow Austin’s cultural infrastructure so that all may share in the economic and employment benefits of the heritage preservation and creative sectors, as well as upholding the City’s commitment to racial equity. Prioritizing equity Community-driven and centered process Encourages new talent, supports established cultural producers, and invests in the development of diverse cultural institutions Open to all contributing to the vibrancy of Austin's diverse cultural ecosystem Next steps 1-2 Months AAC + Community Big Picture Framework 3+ meetings 1-2 Months Arts Commission: Review & Voting Council Memo/Briefing 6 Weeks Application live Workshops Technical Assistance Working Group Approval Launch Guidelines Pre-Launch Contracting We are here! 3 Weeks AAC Guidelines Presentation (4/18) Revised Drafts Public (4/19) Feedback Form (4/19 - 5/10) Alignment with MED/HTD 1-2 Months Website/Portal Integration Community Navigators Panel Recruit/Equity Training 2 Months Evaluation/ Panels Council Approval Contracting Public Feedback Open! April 19th – May 10th Read the Guidelines • Draft Nexus link • Draft Elevate link • Draft Thrive link • Draft Program Details link Take the Survey • Feedback Form Link