Charlotte Council approves $2 million arts grant to Charlotte Is Creative after months-long delay
Loading...
Summary
The Charlotte City Council voted to authorize a $2 million contract with Charlotte Is Creative to distribute arts and culture grants that were budgeted last year, following public appeals from local arts groups for expedited distribution. Two council members opposed the award, citing concerns about oversight and the size of the administrator fee.
The Charlotte City Council approved a $2,000,000 contract with Charlotte Is Creative on April 28 to administer a grant program for individual artists and smaller arts organizations from previously budgeted funds.
The funding, part of a larger $11 million city arts infusion approved in the prior year, was set aside to support grassroots arts groups and individual artists; council members and arts leaders said delays tied to an RFP process have left organizations at risk.
Why it matters: Artists and community nonprofit leaders told council the pause in distribution has real consequences — canceled programs, lost paid opportunities and some groups at risk of closing — and urged the city to move funds quickly. Supporters said an experienced, local administrator can get dollars into the community. Detractors raised questions about the administrator’s fee and about whether the competitive selection process delayed help to artists who need it now.
Council discussion and vote Councilmember Victoria Watlington and others described the $2 million line as money already approved in last year’s budget that should now be distributed. “We have heard from various organizations who have relied on this funding in the past, that are on the verge of shutting down if this funding doesn't get out,” Watlington said.
Councilmember Renee Johnson repeatedly asked whether tourism funds or other sources had been considered; city staff said the jobs and economic committee recommended against using the tourism fund. Councilmember LaWanna Mayfield and others raised concerns about the administrator fee Charlotte Is Creative proposed — staff reported admin fees from respondents ranged roughly from 13%–16% and that Charlotte Is Creative’s proposal included an administrative allocation that would reduce the grant pool available to artists. Mayfield said she objected to any arrangement where a substantial fraction of the $2 million would be taken for administration rather than grants.
Several arts leaders urged approval. Wendy Hickey, executive director of Art Pop Street Gallery, told council that every month’s delay costs artists money, noting “we have 11 paid project opportunities that are in the making” and that “every month of delay has a cost.” Robin Stockton of RA Arts for All described the role of arts in serving seniors and people with disabilities and urged timely distribution. Melody Casson, an artist and former Art Pop participant, said the organization helps artists negotiate fair pay and business practices and needs the support to keep operating.
Council voted to approve the Charlotte Is Creative contract. Council counted six votes in favor and two opposed; Councilmembers Renee Johnson and LaWanna Mayfield were recorded as opposing the action. City staff said Charlotte Is Creative won the RFP and the selected administrator will run an application process; even with council approval staff warned it could be weeks before awards are distributed because the city must finish contract steps and Charlotte Is Creative must complete its application review.
What’s next City staff said the selected administrator will open a competitive application for artists and smaller organizations and that funds will be awarded based on the criteria in the RFP. Council asked for improved transparency on how funds are distributed and for a timeline showing when awards can be expected.
Votes at a glance - Motion to approve a contract for $2,000,000 with Charlotte Is Creative to administer arts and cultural grant-making: approved (6 yes, 2 no).
