Question: What is the affiliate program for art grants? How did this program work previously and why was it discontinued?
Response:
The Arts Affiliate Program was a cost recovery approach developed to support arts organizations using RPCA facilities, primarily at the Durant Center, while aligning with the City’s Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery Policy.
When the policy was implemented, arts groups were initially placed on a phased fee structure, starting at 25 percent of standard rental rates and increasing annually to full cost recovery. Many organizations were not able to sustain participation beyond approximately 50 percent of the fee.
In response, RPCA established the Arts Affiliate Program, which operated from 2017 through 2019.
Under this model:
RPCA subsidized 80 percent of the facility rental fee
Arts affiliates paid 20 percent of the rental fee
No staff fees were charged during regular operating hours
Full staff costs were required for after-hours use
Participation in the program was limited. Only three organizations utilized the program:
1st Night Alexandria
Port City Playhouse
Royal Scottish Country Dancers