Item 06 - ACME-Creative Reset_Funding Program Enhancements_Art Commission_DRAFT.pdf — original pdf

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Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Program Guidelines - what’s new? Presented by Morgan Messick Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Art Commission Meeting | July 21, 2025 What’s new for ACME Funding Programs? Unified Funding Goals & Improved User Experience Familiar grant programs, with enhanced eligibility, transparency, and processes to build community trust A new guideline format creates one set of funding program guidelines vs. individual guidelines with ACME priorities elevated, creating alignment across all funding programs Application improvements include streamlined intake processes and eligibility screenings before applications open Funding priorities are clearly defined to focus on creative space, arts nonprofit, and artist resiliency Enhanced transparency and accessibility will be a focus as we move through our application process See the full “What’s New?” draft document at publicinput.com/thecreativereset Eligibility, Scoring, Evaluation & Grant Awards Eligibility groups like applicants together to create more alignment in the competitive categories (e.g. nonprofits with space compete as a category, nonprofits without space compete as a separate category, etc.) Universal Appeals process adopted across ACME programs Strengthened policies to prevent conflicts-of-interest and double dipping of grant funds, ensuring equitable distribution of funds to more individuals and organizations Award amounts have changed across programs, reflecting community and commission feedback See the full “What’s New?” draft document at publicinput.com/thecreativereset Measuring Program Impacts Category  What the City Measures  Metrics  Reach & Engagement  Community reach and public participation  Attendance counts, demographic data  Promotion  Visibility and marketing efforts  Event flyers, social media screenshots, VisitAustin.org listings, marketing plan analytics  Impact  Access  Expression  Resiliency  Economic and cultural benefits for the creative workforce  Number of jobs supported, amount of funding distributed  Accessibility and inclusion for audiences and participants  Diverse locations, ADA features, free/low-cost tickets/creative space, multilingual options  Support for authentic artistic and cultural expression  Artist reflections, new work created, creative risks taken  Organizational growth, adaptability, or long- term community benefit beyond City funding  New partnerships, diversified revenue, business training and professional development     Cultural Funding Applicant Eligibility Thrive Elevate Nexus 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Arts Organization by time of Application submission (Federal designation only) At least five years operating in the City of Austin or its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (see definition) Annual operating budget of $60,000 or higher Nonprofit Arts Organization that are either: Federally designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; or Registered as a nonprofit corporation with the Texas Secretary of State and operating as a nonprofit with a clear public mission. Arts Groups Two years minimum operating in the City of Austin/ETJ Individual Artist / Arts Group with: At least one year experience/operation (see definition) - up to $5K Two or more years of experience - $20K Thrive Grant Applications open every two years; 24-month grant agreement term Applicant Maximum Total Award Annual Award Cap Nonprofit Arts Organization with Creative Space Non-Profit Arts Organization without Creative / Cultural Space Up to $250,000 total over 2 years Up to $125,000 per year  Up to $160,000 total over 2 years Up to $80,000 per year Grant Awards are for a two-year term and are based on an organization’s most recent three-year average of operating expenses (see definition), with an award capped at 50% of the organizations operating budget. Scoring Criteria Thrive Grant Category  Criteria  Available Points  Creative Work   Ability to Deliver   Public Connection  Bonus Points  Programming is high-quality and culturally significant  Activities reflect traditions, practices, or stories relevant to Austin  Creative work is led by experienced and community-connected contributors   Organization has clear plans ad goals for long-term success  Staff and board are experienced and aligned with mission  Financial systems show stability and adaptability over time  Programs serve both residents and visitors  Organizations help support creative jobs and partnerships  Organization contributes to Austin’s identity as a creative city  No previous fiscal year Thrive Funding  Rescinded Federal Grants from the current fiscal year   (National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute of Museum and Library Services)  Up to 25  Up to 50  Up to 25  Up to 10  Elevate Grant Applications open on a year; 12-month grant agreement term Applicant Award Amount Nonprofit Arts Organization with operating budget greater than $300,000 Nonprofit Arts Organization with operating budget of $50,001 to $299,000 Up to 50% of Operating Budget; Award capped at $80K Up to 50% of Operating Budget; Award capped at $60K Arts Groups with an operating budget with operating budget of $50,001 to $299,000 Up to 50% of Operating Budget; Award capped at $40K  Nonprofit Arts Organization with operating budget under $50,000 Arts Group with operating budget under $50,000 $30,000  Grant Awards are for a one-year term and are based on an organization’s most recent two-year average of operating expenses, with an award cap as outlined above. Scoring Criteria Elevate Grant Category  Criteria  Available Points  Creative Work   Ability to Deliver   Public Connection  Bonus Points  Programs are artistically strong and thoughtfully curated  Artistic direction is informed by lived experience or cultural knowledge Work reflects current voices, stories, or creative practices  Organization has the staffing and systems to execute plans  Strong track record of managing similar work  Budget and logistics are realistic and responsible  Programs are open, welcoming, and actively promoted Audiences and participants are thoughtfully engaged Activities strengthen Austin’s cultural life and visibility No previous fiscal year Elevate Funding  Rescinded Federal Grants from the current fiscal year   (National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute of Museum and Library Services)  Up to 50 Up to 25 Up to 25  Up to 10  Nexus Grant Applications open twice a year; 12-month grant agreement term Applicant Award Amount Individual Artists/Arts Groups (Min 2 years Experience) Individual Artists/Arts Groups (Min 1 year Experience) $20,000 $2,500 OR $5,000 Grant Awards are for a one-year term and are based on the amount the awardee selects in their application that most appropriately matches their needs.   Scoring Criteria Nexus Grant Category  Criteria  Available Points  Creative Work   Ability to Deliver   Public Connection  Idea is original, engaging, and personally meaningful  Artistic voice is clearly expressed Concept reflects a cultural connection or creative exploration  Application shows preparation and clear path to completion Timeline and budget are realistic Partnerships or support systems help strengthen delivery  Project is made for a specific audience or place Public presentation is accessible and intentional Outcome will provide a lasting benefit or experience for the community Up to 40 Up to 20 Up to 40 Bonus Points  No previous fiscal year Nexus Funding  Up to 10  Our Goals to Support the Ecosystem Realigning our Funding Programs Access for All - Bridge legacy organizations and emerging creatives Enhance Transparency - Demonstrate accountability measures and transparency tools that close the gap between community concerns and the funding process Be of Service - Offer more support and resources Final Thoughts Community feedback wrapped up Sunday, July 20. We will be working to finalize a draft that is responsive to the variety of feedback received, with updated program designs, more transparent processes, and intentional support structures. As we move towards a launch in the fall of 2025, we will roll out finalized guidelines, questions, information on technical assistance, application workshops, and other support! Call to Action Please provide thoughts and questions today, to help shape the final program guidelines We hope to have your support moving forward as we brief City Leadership on our updates and enhancements QUESTIONS?