Recommendation 20250428-006: Allocate Municipal Funding for Grants that Benefit Inclusive Arts Programs Supporting Neurodivergent Communities — original pdf

Recommendation

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20250428-006): Recommendation to Allocate Municipal Funding for Grants that Benefit Inclusive Arts Programs Supporting Autistic and Neurodivergent Communities Motioned by: Commissioner Bryant Seconded by: Vice Chair Zeidan WHEREAS, the City of Austin upholds a commitment to equity, inclusivity, and cultural enrichment for all residents, including neurodivergent individuals and youth on the autism spectrum; and WHEREAS, inclusive arts programs provide essential spaces for personal growth, social development, and creative expression for neurodivergent individuals, particularly youth who often face barriers to participation in traditional educational and extracurricular settings; and WHEREAS, organizations currently doing this work include past City of Austin cultural funding recipient American Artists Project, whose Variations program offers choir-based musical engagement specifically for youth on the autism spectrum, creating a safe, supportive space for developing social and artistic skills; and WHEREAS, nonprofits providing inclusive programming for neurodivergent individuals are increasingly underfunded, and many are experiencing significant cuts in federal and state support due to shifting political priorities and reduced allocations to the arts, education, and disability services sectors; and WHEREAS, the national political climate has become increasingly hostile toward neurodivergent individuals, with public rhetoric from influential figures reinforcing damaging stereotypes and promoting exclusion, undermining the rights and dignity of autistic people; and WHEREAS, local governments—including the City of Austin—have a responsibility to counter these trends by affirmatively investing in inclusive, community-building programs that celebrate diversity, encourage belonging, and promote the well-being of all residents; and WHEREAS, while the City of Austin currently funds cultural arts through programs like Thrive, Elevate, and Nexus, there is a need for targeted and accessible opportunities specifically supporting arts programs that center neurodivergent and autistic individuals; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends that the City Council allocate new or expanded funding up to $120,000 to support inclusive arts and cultural programming that serves neurodivergent and autistic individuals; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council establish open calls for grants and contracts to support nonprofits and community-based organizations that provide accessible, identity-affirming, and culturally relevant arts programming for neurodivergent populations; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council consider adjustments or additions to existing Cultural Arts Funding Programs to include dedicated resources or scoring criteria for programs centering individuals on the autism spectrum and related communities; BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City of Austin reaffirm its leadership in fostering a compassionate, inclusive city by supporting organizations that uplift marginalized voices through the arts and ensure all residents can fully participate in the cultural life of the community. Date of Approval: April 28, 2025 Record of the vote: Approved on a 9-0 vote. For: Chair Duhon, Vice Chair Zeidan, Commissioners Aslam, Bryant, Clemmons, Davis, Khawar, Kirsh Pozen, Weigel Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioners Krueger, Oliva Martínez Attest: _____________________________________________ (Human Rights Commission Staff Liaison)