Sacramento City Council Tuesday approved the investment of $10 million in Sacramento’s creative economy to address the impact of the pandemic on the sector.
Funding for the program would come from the Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding for the arts and creative economy, which was approved as part of the Mayor’s ARP spending framework.
“The $10 million in federal relief spending approved by the Council shows once again that Sacramento values its creative economy and understands the role that artists, cultural institutions and performance venues play in building our reputation, attracting visitors and creating opportunities for our young people,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “Providing a financial cushion for artists who have been buffeted by the pandemic will allow them to put their talents to work without fear.”
The $10 million dollars was approved to go towards bolstering several aspects of the Sacramento creative economy, including:
- establishing a Guaranteed Basic Income for artists
- supporting arts and cultural nonprofits
- financial and technical assistance for creative-based businesses
- a grant to Visit Sacramento to support signature events
- youth workforce programing and;
- an arts journalist grant program
“The city of Sacramento’s Creative Economy is a key driver of educational, economic and community benefit,” said the City’s Creative Economy Manager Megan Van Voorhis. “These funds are critical to addressing the impact of the pandemic on this sector and ensuring ongoing access to creative projects and programs throughout the city. I look forward to working with the creative community to implement and provide this assistance.”
The Office of Arts & Culture built out the programmatic framework with input from the City’s Arts Culture and Creative Economy Commission (ACCE) and was designed to align with the goals of the Creative Edge cultural plan.
The $10 million is in addition to the $20 million of CARES Act funds previously allocated to the creative economy, which helped more than 500 Sacramento-based arts and culture organizations, individual artists and creative businesses.
More details on eligibility and applications dates will be rolled out over the next few months. Stay up to date with the Office of Arts and Culture by signing up for email updates.
Photo credit: Trust Your Struggle (Artists: Shaun Burner and Franceska Gamez)
Life in a Basket, 2021, North 12th Street, Sacramento