The Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission is considering starting up a grant program to worthy nonprofit organizations that promote art projects in the city.
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The Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission is considering starting a grant program for worthy nonprofit organizations that promote art projects in the city.
“If you were to set it up you’d have a nice list of folks wanting to do something here,” commissioners heard from Seth Dyson, the director of the Surprise Human Services and Community Vitality Department.
Commissioners are considering a $10,000 grant program to start, using an application process that resembles the city’s community outreach program.
“If they don’t have a complete application, you’ll never see them,” Mr. Dyson told commissioners.
Organizations would be able to apply for reimbursements for eligible programs for costs they’ve already incurred.
The commission previously approved grant applications from art organizations as recently as fiscal year 2012.
“Truthfully, I was really disappointed in it,” Commissioner Kathie L. Morgan said. “I thought we did a great job as a commission setting up a structure and a process, but I was disappointed that the artists groups — they like the art part but not the business part. We knew the need was there but I don’t think they demonstrated through the quality of how they completed the application.”
Ms. Morgan said they had trouble getting follow-up facts when they asked for additional information.
“If you have 15 applications but none of them meet your criteria, you don’t spend the money and you can use it on a public art piece instead that year,” Mr. Dyson said. “It’s totally at your discretion.”
Commission Chair Margaret Lieu said the group should consider operational grants instead of grants for programs and events.
“I don’t think we’re going to be seeing events for a while,” Ms. Lieu said.
Former NAU Lumberjack who loves going to concerts (or I did), watching sports (or I did) and hanging out with friends (oh, never mind). I also enjoy backgammon, surfing and men who are not afraid to cry.
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