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Arts Council approves Cultural Development Grant scores; awards contingent on county commission
Summary
Hillsborough County Arts Council Advisory Board voted unanimously to approve average scores for Cultural Development Grant applicants and will forward results to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval; awards require a minimum score of 80 and are not final until BOCC action and fiscal-year processes are complete.
The Hillsborough County Arts Council Advisory Board voted unanimously to approve the averaged scores for this year’s Cultural Development Grant applications and will forward the results to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners for final approval.
Board staff announced the review process and the average scores for each applicant before the board voted. Staff said applications were screened for eligibility, reviewers disclosed conflicts of interest and recused themselves as needed, and staff averaged reviewer scores. A total of 100 points was possible, and staff reiterated that a minimum average score of 80 is required to be eligible for funding but that meeting the threshold does not guarantee an award. Staff told the board that grant awards were contingent on BOCC approval and that awards would not be announced or funded until after the start of fiscal year 2026 (Oct. 1, 2025).
The board heard one comments-oriented suggestion from a reviewer that applicants proofread submissions before applying. “It’s always a good idea to have another set of eyes on your grant before your final submission,” a board member said, recommending attention to grammar and presentation to improve competitiveness.
Staff then read average scores (alphabetical by organization). A selection of scores announced: Bits and Pieces Puppet Theater, 90.67; Carolwood Players, 92; Choral Masterworks Festival, 92.33; Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 93.67; Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting (WEDU), 97.67; Jobsite Theater, 97; Stage Works Theater, 96; The Tampa Theater, 96.67; Tampa City Ballet, 92.33; Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, 92.67; Think Tank Theater, Inc., 91. The Arts Council staff read the full list in the meeting; the board approved the scores by voice vote and the motion passed unanimously.
The board chair closed discussion of the Cultural Development Grant scores after the vote and invited applicants to remain for the rest of the meeting but said no further grant discussion would occur. Staff and board members noted that final award amounts and grant agreements are subject to BOCC action and county fiscal schedules.
The approval of scores begins the next administrative phase: forwarding the recommended scores and funding contingencies to the Board of County Commissioners for final action. The Arts Council will notify applicants of next steps after the county completes its review and budget processes.
