Minutes 04-14-2022-Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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highlighted points from the work plan for the Arts Commission, which was included in the agenda packet. He said the arts programs in Orange County have grown, and as a result, they are operating at capacity. He said they were hoping for increased funding to the arts through hotel occupancy tax, but due to the pandemic their budget is facing an estimated 70% reduction. He said the budget for the arts increased 126% over the last 5 years, but only has one full time employee and two part time employees. He said that staff is not able expand and provide more services that are in demand. He said he is proud of the work the Arts Commission has done and is proud of staff. Chair Price said she wanted to brag on the Home Program, which provides emergency funds for artists that need housing. She said she spoke about it at Americans for the Arts meeting. She said that 20% of the proceeds from the exhibit go to fund housing for artists that need it. Kate Murray said they are working with the Housing department to provide the program. She said the program features fifty-four artists and each piece contains a statement about what it means with the context of home. She said that is one of the most impactful exhibits she has ever seen. She said it is up until May 2nd Chair Price said there was another exhibit opening at the old courthouse called Our Lens, Our Voice. Commissioner Hamilton asked how the new non-profit is supporting the commission. She asked about the relationship between the non-profit and the commission and if there is anything they must think about legally. Katie Murray said it is a separate entity from the commission. She said it will pursue grants and projects to complement the commission's work. Commissioner Hamilton said that because Katie Murray is involved with both, it is not separate. She said she would like more information on the relationship. Katie Murray said they worked with the County Attorney's office on the non-profit development. John Roberts, County Attorney, said James Bryan worked on the issue and that he would provide more information to the Board. Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager, said that this has been a long-time goal for the county. She said that Orange County is the only county in North Carolina that does not have an independent non-profit Arts Council. She said it is a way to raise money and is like the Friends of the Library and Friends of the Parks. She said that the Arts Commission is a government entity by the way it is established. Commissioner Fowler said she enjoyed hearing about the meaningful collaborations. She also wished Fred Joiner a happy birthday. She asked about the reduction in the budget of 70%. Katie Murray said she believes since the work plan was put together more information has emerged that indicates the reduction will not be as severe. She said the gap is larger this year. Bonnie Hammersley said the Arts Commission is funded through the occupancy tax through the Visitor's Bureau. She said they are seeing an increase in occupancy tax and more funds will be available as they see increases. Katie Murray said they receive around 10% of the 3% amount that goes to the Visitor's Center. She said that the budget for FY23 is based on the figures for 2021. She said that is why there is a bigger gap. Dr. Heather Altman and Janice Tyler presented for the Advisory Board on Aging. Dr. Heather Altman said the Orange County Department on Aging and Janice Tyler have done incredible work. She said that last year, she presented virtually during the pandemic. She said that the staff of the Department on Aging continued to work in person at both senior