RECOMMENDATION(S):

Approve and authorize the County Administrator, or designee, to apply for and accept a grant in an amount not to exceed $1,000 from the California Arts Council for a professional development grant for participation in the Americans for the Arts annual conference.

FISCAL IMPACT:

If approved and the grant is awarded, up to $1,000 will be provided to the County to cover expenses associated with commissioner attendance at the Americans for the Arts annual conference in San Francisco. There is no County match required.

BACKGROUND:

The California Arts Council is offering funding opportunities through professional development and consulting grants to assist arts organizations in building their capacity. This funding can be used for professional growth and leadership training opportunities for arts staff, commissioners, and administrators. The grant proposal would cover registration fees and travel expenses for two commissioners and possibly the arts managing director. Attendees of the conference will be able to bring back information gathered on issues of equity, accessibility, and community building and explore the role of the arts in creating and sustaining healthy, vibrant, equitable communities.