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Committee questions whether smaller individual grants keep pace with inflation
Summary
Members asked staff whether $5,000 individual awards still meet artists' needs given inflation; staff contrasted broader reach of smaller awards with former $15,000 fellowships and said purchasing power comparisons inform ongoing discussions.
Committee member Ashley Occhino asked staff whether inflation had been considered when evaluating individual grant amounts. "I had recently compared the purchasing power of $500 in 2019 to today and found it to be roughly equivalent to $650," Jen Lawless said, explaining staff is reviewing the purchasing power of awards as part of FY27 planning.
Lawless described a strategic shift from larger fellowships to smaller awards intended to widen access: "individual grants are $5,000, compared with the former fellowship model, which awarded $15,000 grants to far fewer recipients." Members noted that although smaller awards can reach more artists, the Council should consider professional recognition and whether amounts are sufficient given rising costs. Staff said this remains an ongoing conversation and that partnerships and other resources are being explored to supplement direct grant funding.
