[Archived] City of Alexandria Commission for the Arts to Hold Public Hearing on FY20 Arts Grants

For Immediate Release: November 2, 2018

The City of Alexandria Commission for the Arts will hold a public hearing to receive a recommendation from staff on the FY20 Arts Grant on Wednesday, November 14, 7 p.m., at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Following the public hearing, the Commission will continue with its regular monthly meeting. 

Since 1985 the City of Alexandria has been offering an Arts Grant and has awarded over $4.5 million to local arts organizations and artists. As noted in the Arts and Culture Master Plan “Since 1985, the Arts Grant Program has awarded grants to 61 different organizations and 30 individual artists. Of the 61 organizations, 28% (17) have received funding for 15 or more years; 15% (9) between 10 and 15 years; 22% (14) between 3 and 9 years; and 35% (21) received program funding only once or, in a few instances, twice.”

In accordance with other grants offered by the City of Alexandria, beginning in FY20 the Arts Grant program will offer a "Program Grant" and an "Emerging Organization Grant" and will no longer offer an "Operating Grant". This shift will enable the Office of the Arts to better track and measure outcomes of grant organizations and emphasizing the community impact of the grant organizations.

Information on the grant funding levels and criteria may be found by visiting the website.

Individuals unable to attend the public hearing may send written comment to Diane Ruggiero at diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov or RPCA / Diane Ruggiero, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria VA 22314 through Monday, November 12.

For additional information, contact Diane Ruggiero, Deputy Director, Office of the Arts, diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5590.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, email diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5590, Virginia Relay 711.