Today’s Special Interest -- Arlington County’s Arts Community
This week’s Arlington Sun Gazette reports the Arlington County Board approved so-called "arts grants" at their Saturday, July 9 meeting:
“County Board members on July 9 approved just over $249,000 in arts grants for the coming fiscal year, about one-quarter the amount requested by individual artists and arts groups.
“More than one-third of the total will go to two big-name troupes - Signature Theatre and Synetic Theater, which each will get $44,625 - while the remainder will be spread out among other organizations under a proposal submitted by the Arlington Arts Commission.
“All told, 52 applicants requested a total of $1.023 million in funding for the coming year, in addition to seeking support for facility space and technical services. Members of the arts commission winnowed the requests to meet the amount of funding appropriated by the County Board for the year."
The press release prepared by the County Board's spinmeisters said the 25 grants approved by the Board ranged “from a high of $44,625.14 each to support Signature and Synetic theaters, to $274.79 to the ProBolivian Committee.” The press release assured readers that:
“ . . . The applications are reviewed by advisory panels of art experts and County staff. The Commission reviewed each application, then made its recommendation to the County Board. The Commission recommended 22 General Operating Grants, meant to assist organizations with the expenses involved with overall administration and program offerings, and three projects grants to support specific projects.”
A more detailed background of the county’s support for the “arts,” and a complete list of the 25 "arts" taxeaters at the July 9 Arlington County Board meeting, as opposed to taxpayers, is available from the “Board Report” for agenda item #39 from the Saturday, July 9, County Board meeting. The press release include the following quote from Board chairman Chris Zimmerman:
“The County views support of the arts as an important priority, and the Board is pleased to be able to make this contribution.”
Sounds like the Board was acting in a perfectly progressive manner. Oh, that's right, they profess to being progressives. Sheesh!