By: d-mars.com
News Provider
The City of Houston has recently announced that it has awarded a total of $5 million dollars to local arts organizations as part of the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The grants, ranging from $8,500 to $100,000, can be used to support artist contracts, marketing, and staff expenses incurred between July 1, 2021, through the end of this calendar year.
The funding will benefit 62 organizations of all sizes that offer arts programming, education, or awareness for audiences and stakeholders across the Bayou City. Notable recipients include Apollo Chamber Players, Art League of Houston, Classical Theatre Company, Dance Source Houston, and Main Street Theater Houston, among others.
The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) collaborated with Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) to efficiently distribute federal funds within the creative economy. Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed his appreciation for the diversity of Houston’s artists, arts nonprofits, and cultural centers, stating that the cultural sector is not only an economic driver but also the soul of the city. The open application process received 115 applications, totaling more than $10 million in requested funding between June 1 through July 10, 2023.
“The City of Houston is vibrant and renowned because of the diversity of our artists, arts nonprofits, and cultural centers rooted in deep traditions,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a press release announcing the grant awards. “The cultural sector is not just one of our defining features and economic drivers, it is the soul of our city. This funding will help restore our arts ecosystem and reinvigorate our travel and tourism industry.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the creative industries in Houston, resulting in $1.6 billion in cumulative losses and a loss of more than 42,000 creative jobs. Todd Stein, M-AAA’s president and CEO, emphasized the importance of supporting arts and cultural organizations to strengthen the economy and sense of community. Those interested in learning more about the grant process and awarding can visit M-AAA’s website.
