Since 1991, the Arts Division has proposed and managed the Art Grant Program. Similar to last year, the base budget of $25,200 has been augmented by a one-time supplemental in FY19, of $24,800 for a total of $50,000 available for art grant awards. By design of the program, several non-profit organizations are afforded support in delivering exceptional programs and services to Peoria residents in the areas of visual and performing arts. The goal of the program is to assist non-profit organizations and schools with financial support enhancing art-centric events and activities benefitting Peoria residents.

This year’s requests, like previous years, are beneficial in several areas such as:

• providing organizations with financial capacity to participate in city-sponsored events

• enhancing arts programs at Peoria Unified School District schools

• bringing the arts and arts activities to underserved populations

• assisting arts organizations with building a significant presence in Peoria   

Single grant awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 range from $1,200 to $4,700. Individual awards were available up to $5,000.  

In FY19, nineteen applications are recommended for funding out of 26 total applications received. Grant applications with low scores did not receive funding. It is important to note that in FY19, 26 applications were submitted, which is a 62.5% increase since FY17.  Also important to note is the increase in the total amount requested from $38,960 in FY17 to $103,680 in FY19, an increase of $64,900, a 166% increase. 

The grants were assessed in five categories: 1) Applicant History, 2) the Grant Request, 3) Project/Organizational Quality, 4) Project/Organizational Capability, 5) Project Budget. Each application is scored individually by panel members and ranked based on total score. Staff compiles the funding requests in various amounts and presents to the full Arts Commission for advisory action.

On May 15, 2018, the Peoria Arts Commission held a public meeting to conduct an evaluation of the applications, discussed the proposals and unanimously approved the following recommendations for approval by the City Council: 

FY19 Art Grants

Funding for this innovative program was previously reviewed and approved as a part of the FY19 city budget process. This program and its contribution to the quality of life in Peoria were also discussed as a part of the FY19 Annual Arts Plan at the May 15 City Council Study Session.

A: Approve the FY19 arts grants as recommended by the Arts Commission.

B: Do not approve the FY19 arts grants as recommended and remand them to the Arts Commission for further consideration.