Arts Commission approves FY24 grant awards totaling more than $8 million and multiple public art contracts

The San Francisco Arts Commission voted May 6 to approve the Community Investments Committee's FY24 grant recommendations and related contract actions, including Cultural Equity Endowment awards totaling $5,204,978 and Arts Impact Endowment awards totaling $3,089,658.

Commissioners first heard a summary of the Community Investments Committee's review process and the draft Cultural Services Allocation Plan (CSAP), which staff and consultant AMS will bring to the full commission for review on June 6. The commission then approved the consent calendar items (with a planned separate vote on item 24) by unanimous vote.

The approved package included a Dream Keeper Initiative grant of $50,000 to Trayvon Smith and a $50,000 increase to a special project grant for Youth Speaks Inc., bringing that award to $100,000 for FY24. The commission also authorized an amendment to a software-as-a-service agreement with Simple Smart Software Ltd., increasing the grant by $200,000 for a $300,000 total over five years. The public commenter Nathan Cotto, who identified himself as founder of Mannequin Theater and Dance, urged approval and described how these awards support emerging venues and residencies.

Commissioners publicly disclosed prior relationships with some grant recipients before voting. Commissioner Farris recused herself from sub-item 6 of item 24; the Commission then took a separate vote and approved item 24. Legal counsel clarified that nonfinancial friendships or former client relationships can require a recusal vote to permit a commissioner to be excused from voting on an item.

The actions finalize staff recommendations for distribution of FY24 grant funds and permit the director to enter contracts for several approved public art projects. The full CSAP evaluation report and the Arts Impact Endowment grant guidelines are expected to be circulated publicly after the June full-commission meeting.