Brevard Cultural Alliance Announces Funding, Cultural Grants and Staffing Changes
By Space Coast Daily // September 17, 2019
Interim Executive Director Kathy Engerrana announced BCA now has professional services contract with TDC
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Cultural Alliance Interim Executive Director Kathy Engerran announced Tuesday that the organization now has a professional services contract with Brevard County and the Tourist Development Council which will commence October 1.
Engerran will run the BCA until a replacement is named for former BCA Executive Director Neil Levine, who submitted his resignation last month after eight years in the position.
“County Commissioners have authorized tourism development tax funding for BCA to continue administering cultural grants and advancing cultural tourism in Brevard County,” said Engerran.
“The contract formalizes BCA’s relationship with the County and the TDC and its role as Brevard’s designated local arts agency. It provides a framework for BCA’s work and reporting on its efforts to promote events, programs, and initiatives and provide administrative services to positively impact cultural tourism in Brevard County.”
Related Story:WATCH: TDC Chair Tim Deratany Discusses Why Support Should Go Directly to Artists, Not to BCA Salaries
Key Highlights from the Contract Includes:
• Brevard Cultural Alliance’s Board of Directors will now expand to include 50% of individuals who are Executive Directors or their appointees of Brevard County arts or cultural groups.
• BCA will administer the $500,000 Cultural Support Grant Program, and the Tourist Development Council (TDC) cultural committee will review and score the grant applications. The TDC and Brevard County Board of County Commissioners will have final approval on grant awards.
The TDC is consolidating its cultural grant programs into a single Cultural Support Program, which makes $500,000 available for organizations to support programs and provides a significant increase to available grant funds.
“The TDC is currently developing new grant guidelines, and BCA has provided input,” said Engerran.
“We will announce the new guidelines and timelines as they are finalized and available.”
BCA’s contract will not impact the Art in Public Places Exhibit program, but there are a few changes coming nonetheless and updates will be forthcoming from the BCA.
BCA’s contract will not impact its Arts in Education programs, as those programs are separately funded.
“We’d like to introduce you to our newest part-time staff member, Julie Kinzey,” said Engerran.
“Julie has taken over Pablo Remonsellez’s arts education program responsibilities. Pablo resigned in August to return to a teaching career. Julie will be managing the Next Generation Artist Residencies program, which places professional teaching artists in local schools, and at-risk youth programs.”
Engerran said that the BCA will adopt new performance measures for evaluating the effectiveness of its marketing efforts.
Another change is on the horizon for the BCA will be a move from its current space on Judge Fran Jamieson Way to the Brevard County Service Complex on Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island.
“The new space will offer significantly more room for artwork display and storage,” said Engerran. “We do not yet have a timeline for the move but will make an announcement as soon as we do.”
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