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INTRODUCTION The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced on April 10, 2009, the awarding of $19.8 million in one-time grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations in support of the arts sector of the economy. This funding was intended to act as a bridge of support to help the national arts industry weather the immediate economic storm while continuing to fulfill their artistic and public service goals. The Nevada Arts Council (NAC) received $300,500 from the NEA - $250,500 to distribute through grants in support of jobs in Nevada’s arts industry and $50,000 to support two contracted positions: one that manages the Nevada Touring Initiative, a statewide program in jeopardy that provides visual arts exhibits and writers in residence throughout the state, and one to manage the SNAP Grant Program and help with NAC ongoing grants management. ARTS GROUPS REPORT ON STIMULUS FUNDING Final reports noted that SNAP grants supported 12 full-time positions, eight part-time positions and 236 contracts with artists and other professionals in the creative workforce. SNAP grantees reported that in FY10 ARRA funding supported a cumulative of 12,315 hours worked on arts and cultural programs available to Nevadans and visitors to the state. The two positions at NAC supported with stimulus funding charged ARRA for 933.22 hours of work. Susan Boskoff, NAC executive director commented, “These federal stimulus dollars absolutely saved jobs and programs in Nevada’s cultural industry, which in turn provided access to cultural programs that might have disappeared. The SNAP Program demonstrated the power of public/private initiatives as well as the commitment of Nevada’s arts sector to provide solutions to our state’s economic challenges. It’s a shame that we cannot continue this program in FY11.” In detailed quarterly reports, required of all ARRA grantees, SNAP recipients provided both anecdotal and budget information on their use of this vital funding. Several fourth-quarter reports are included below: Moapa Valley Peforming Arts Council, Overton - $6,339 The SNAP grant has been vital in keeping our Executive Director position. Without the monies awarded our organization would have not been able to accomplish the goals we set for the last year. Our Executive Director is the "hub" that keeps our board running. We would not have had funds to pay her. We are very grateful for the SNAP grant. We would like to thank all those who made it possible. Reno Jazz Festival/University of Nevada, Reno - $6,104 The Festival used SNAP funding to contract with 10 musicians who performed and give clinics as part of the UNR Reno Jazz Festival. Ingrid Jensen gave three clinics, two performances, and ran our jam session. Bill Holman's Big Band gave one performance and band members gave two clinics. Due to cutbacks… we would have been unable to present these clinics and concerts to students and the general public without additional funding from a SNAP grant. Note-Ables, Sparks - $6,060 We are very grateful to have had this opportunity to strengthen our organization over the past year. The SNAP grant allowed us to combine two positions that were previously part time. The funds received truly had a great impact in our ability to not only maintain, but also to grow our programs, which have grown 60% since January 2009. The Program Coordinator/Music Therapist has been primarily responsible for direct services, which includes teaching six classes, including one in Carson City and one in collaboration with the Reno Housing Authority, among teaching other music therapy sessions. Now that our program base is becoming more and more established, we were recently able to hire a part time Advancement Director. This position is helping to ensure the sustainability of our organizations by improving our marketing and fundraising efforts. Yerington Theatre for the Arts, Yerington - $6,280 SNAP funding was used to retain two of eight season performances, which would have been lost due to budget cuts. Retaining the performances allowed us to contract with 9 performing artists, book six room nights at local motels, and partner with local restaurants for pre-show dinner events at their establishments. Without SNAP funding, we would not have been able to produce our full season of programming resulting in reducing staff already operating at a minimum. It was our intent to use stimulus funding to contribute to the economy in our community through the arts. We were able to preserve our full season of programming. We used the performances to spur spending in the community and provide a positive model in our community. We believe the effect will be long lasting. We have seen slow growth in audience numbers, and individual donations. Additionally, the restaurants and motels commented on the success and have indicated a desire to continue to partner with our organization. City of Las Vegas - $5,324 With the help of this SNAP grant, the City of Las Vegas employed four artists to work with its youth enrichment program at the Historic Fifth Street School weekly for three months, and conduct an 8-week artist residency at the Boys and Girls Club.
SNAP GRANT REVIEW PROCESS Tim Jones, board chair, commented on the review process, "The SNAP applications revealed the remarkable breadth of arts and cultural programming that Arts Council grantees provide to communities throughout our state. The Arts Council Board certainly could have awarded funding many times over the amount available. In the end, we recognized those applicants that presented a clear and compelling case, and a commitment to employ these precious dollars judiciously." FOUR NEVADA ARTS GROUPS RECEIVE DIRECT ARRA GRANTS |
