August 15th, 2011
Arts Commission accepting grant applications

STAFF REPORT

The San Marcos Arts Commission is accepting grant applications for programs or projects that involve art or that promote ethnic or cultural diversity.

The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. The city encourages applicants to schedule a pre-review meeting with city staff to discuss and review applications prior to submission. Full details, guidelines, and application forms are available at the Parks and Recreation Department or on the Web here.

Projects eligible for art grants must promote the arts, which may include instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, motion picture, radio, television, or sound recording. Other eligible art projects may involve folk art, creative writing, graphic and craft arts, architecture, design and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, and other arts related to the presentation, execution, and exhibition of these forms.

Projects eligible for art grants must also promote the convention industry and local tourism. Examples of previously-funded art projects include Summer in the Park, Fiesta del Mariachi, Indigenous Cultures Institute: Songs of the Seven Winds Native American Concert, the Eddie Durham Jazz Festival, Walkers’ Gallery, Suzuki Strings Workshop, Opening Door Dance Theatre Performance, and the Heart of Texas Chorus Regional Competition.

Diversity programs must either preserve, produce, or present art forms and cultural activities specific to any ethnic culture; celebrate San Marcos’ ethnic diversity and variety of cultural traditions; connect diverse communities through educational or interactive activities; or express the experiences of historically under-served ethnic and other communities.

According to the city, historically under-served ethnic and other communities may include, but are not limited to, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and the gay/lesbian community.

For information, contact city of San Marcos Recreation Manager Lisa Morris at (512) 393-8409.