arts & culture taskforce

Atlanta’s Cultural Investment Fund
Executive Summary

Purpose

1. Atlanta’s Cultural Investment Fund is designed to catapult Atlanta to world-class arts and culture status by increasing access to and presence of arts and culture in Atlanta.
2. This will be accomplished by enlisting the creative talents and ideas of the city’s arts and culture organizations and artists through a competitive granting process. 

Impact

1. All residents, especially children and underserved residents of the city, will be able to enjoy Atlanta’s rich artistic and cultural offerings more easily.
2. Increased access to and presence of the arts will nurture a stronger understanding of and appreciation for arts and culture. Ultimately, residents and visitors alike will benefit as the Atlanta arts and culture scene strengthens and plays an even more prominent role in the city’s identity.

Granting

1. The grantmaking model is a comprehensive approach with 3 grant types.
   a. Each grant type increases access and enhances presence in a different way.
   b. All types and sizes of organizations are eligible, as are individual artists.
   c. Grantmaking addresses short and long-term needs.
2. Grants will be administered by an independent not-for-profit organization that is administratively attached to the City.
3. Accountability and transparency will be achieved through an oversight board with significant representation by political leadership, and by a grantmaking board comprised of Atlanta citizens.

Funding

1. Atlanta’s Cultural Investment Fund should distribute nearly $10 million annually at the outset in order to accomplish its purpose. 
2. The $10 million investment level was determined by cultural investment best practices in other cities and the number and sizes of Atlanta’s arts and culture organizations.
3. Revenue should be generated by an earmarked index of a dedicated funding source that may only be used to fund cultural investments.
4. The revenue source is at the Mayor’s discretion, but the Task Force recommends that it benefit from increased arts and culture patronage and be tied to the hospitality and tourism industries.