The municipal commission recommends that $ 220,000 in grants be distributed to arts organizations centered on Richardson

There are 21 arts organizations expected to receive grants from the City of Richardson in the next fiscal year.

Arts grants are funded by taxes levied on hotel properties in the city, which have seen a significant drop in income since the start of the pandemic. City council budgeted $ 220,000 for grants in fiscal year 2021-2022. In the years leading up to the pandemic, the city was granting around $ 360,000 per year.

Last year, the city awarded $ 180,000 in grants.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic has really had a significant impact on the hotel occupancy fund,” Deputy City Manager Shanna Sims-Bradish told City Council at a September 20 meeting.

Eligible organizations do not have to be located in Richardson; however, they must have a presence in the city. The Plano Symphony Orchestra, for example, is not based in Richardson, but performs regularly at the city’s Eisemann Center, Sims-Bradish explained. The commission is also examining whether the group is financially strong and whether it has shown agility during the pandemic, Sims-Bradish said.

“Without a doubt, the pandemic has been difficult for all arts organizations, but many have found ways to continue by changing their seasons, altering their offerings, and addressing financial challenges that have kept them in good shape.” , she said.

Throughout the year, the commission works with fellows by hosting workshops, promoting shows at Richardson and acting as a resource, Sims-Bradish said.

For the next fiscal year, 25 arts groups have applied for grants totaling $ 469,079. The commission recommends that 21 of these groups receive grants ranging from $ 1,000 to $ 55,000.

Richardson Symphony Inc. is expected to receive the largest grant of $ 55,000, followed by the Repertory Company Theater at $ 39,000 and the Richardson Theater Center at $ 28,000.

City council will vote on the commission’s recommendations at the September 27 meeting. If approved, checks will be released after the start of the new fiscal year on October 1.

A full list of the commission’s grant recommendations is available below.

International chamber music: $ 15,000

Chamberlain Ballet: $ 4,000

Contemporary choir: $ 3,000

Basic theater: $ 6,500

Dallas Chinese Community Center: $ 9,000

DTX Dandiya: $ 1,000

Friends of the Richardson Public Library: $ 4,000

Lone Star Wind Orchestra: $ 4,000

Pegasus Theater Incorporated: $ 6,500

Plano Symphony Orchestra: $ 5,000

Raas Stars: $ 5,000

Repertory Company Theater Inc .: $ 39,000

Richardson Civic Arts Society: $ 5,800

Richardson Community Group: $ 7,000

Richardson Community Choir: $ 3,500

Richardson reads a book: $ 3,700

Symphonie Richardson inc. : $ 55,000

Richardson Theater Center inc. : $ 28,000

Rich-sounding choir: $ 4,000

Texas Winds Musical Outreach Inc .: $ 7,000

Tuzer Ballet: $ 4,000