Salt Lake Arts Council Foundation

Overview

The Salt Lake Arts Council Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to support and enhance the arts community in Salt Lake City. It works closely with the Salt Lake City Arts Division, forming a hybrid organizational structure that combines the benefits of a city department with those of a nonprofit entity. This structure allows for robust government support and flexibility in managing funds and programming.

Mission

The Salt Lake Arts Council Foundation aims to promote, present, and support artists, arts organizations, and arts activities. Its mission is to further the development of the arts community and benefit the public by expanding awareness, access, and participation in the arts.

History

The Salt Lake City Arts Council, from which the Foundation derives its roots, was established in the late 1970s. The Arts Council was officially created to ensure that the community had a local arts organization providing public programming and support for the arts. The Foundation itself was formally established in 1979 as a nonprofit entity to manage arts funds and begin independent programming.

Programs and Activities

The Salt Lake Arts Council Foundation provides a range of programs and resources for the arts in Salt Lake City. These include grants for arts programs and projects, events that promote local artists and organizations, and opportunities for community engagement. The foundation also supports arts education and policy initiatives that impact the cultural landscape of the city.

Strategic Plan

The Foundation is guided by a strategic plan that emphasizes fostering cultural equity, strengthening organizational health, building community partnerships, and elevating the arts sector. This plan incorporates stakeholder engagement and has been developed through a comprehensive community process.

Impact

The nonprofit arts sector in Salt Lake City, supported in part by the Salt Lake Arts Council Foundation, generates significant economic activity. According to recent studies, this sector contributed over $512 million to the local economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating substantial tax revenue.

Governance

The Salt Lake Arts Council Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and operates under established bylaws and ordinances. The foundation maintains transparency by publishing annual financial reports, such as the IRS Form 990.