MAYOR LURIE, SAN FRANCISCO ARTS COMMISSION AWARD MORE THAN 10 MILLION TO SUPPORT 151 LOCAL ARTISTS, NONPROFITS, CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS

Mayor Daniel Lurie and the San Francisco Arts Commission awarded $10. 4 million to support 145 local artists and cultural organizations, reinforcing the city's commitment to arts and economic recovery. The funding is part of a broader strategy to invigorate San Francisco's cultural scene, with over $7. 5 million designated for individual artists and nearly $3 million for cultural centers. A record 533 applications were submitted for this grant cycle, underscoring the community's enthusiasm for arts funding.

Mayor Lurie remarked on the critical role of the arts community in attracting visitors and enhancing the city's vitality. The grants are financed by Proposition E Hotel Tax, which was approved by voters in 2018 to ensure dedicated funding for arts and culture. This year, nearly half of the grant recipients are first-time awardees, reflecting an effort to diversify support for the arts. The grants cover various categories, with funding periods spanning 12 to 24 months. The initiative aims to foster a stronger cultural ecosystem, essential for San Francisco's economic recovery.