07/23/2012

San Diego City Council Boosts Arts Council

In the wake of a recent study by the Americans for the Arts showing the nonprofit arts and culture industry in the City of San Diego generated $579 million in annual economic activity and supported 17,817 jobs, the San Diego City Council this week approved mayor Jerry Sanders’ recommendation to increase the city’s allocation to the arts by five percent.

That represents a roughly half-million dollar addition to the budget of the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, from $7,297,983 (last year) to $7,742,108.

'We know that nonprofit arts and culture organizations have a significant impact on our communities, businesses, families, visitors and our economic future,' said Sanders in a prepared statement. 'Our city is well served by our nonprofit art and cultural organizations. They enhance our quality of life, attract visitors, create jobs and attract skilled workers, enhance our communities and help educate our children.'

The Commission for Arts and Culture, through its Organizational Support Program, allocated $5.8 million dollars to the 68 local organizations last year. The commission also supported 35 additional groups and events through its Creative Communities San Diego program. The commission and its programs are funded by the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).

'This couldn’t come at a better time when more and more evidence points to the value of arts to a city and its economic and social well-being,' said Victoria L. Hamilton, the commission’s executive director, in a statement."

The San Diego Union-Tribune 07/20/2012