This morning, the Arts, Parks and Aging Committee accepted DCA’s proposal to apply a 10% mid-year cut to 09 grants that have not been paid out. 

The Department's General Manger, Olga Garay, made the case that a 10% cut across the board cut was more equitable and cost effective than renegotiating each grant contract.  The 10% mid-year cut will amount to approximately $200k in savings for the City. The Committee also gave DCA the authority to identify the additional $300k needed to fulfill the CAO’s recommendation that DCA implement a $500k cut.  However, later that morning City Council removed the $300k requirement.

Thanks to your efforts, the Campaign to retain the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs' TOT allocation was a success.

Over 5,000 letters were generated to City Council members from their stakeholders. An additional 100 advocates attended Wednesday's city council meeting, in which 30 impassioned speakers voiced the value of arts and culture to the city and the communities they serve.

The news is getting even worse. Arts for LA just received word that the CAO's report is calling for the immediate elimination of the grants program - including all unencumbered 09/10 grants. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.