2021 Georgia Arts Action Summit by Georgians for the Arts

Georgians for the Arts ARTS ACTION SUMMIT February 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12, 2021

WELCOME ............................................................. 3 SCHEDULE ............................................................. 6 SPEAKERS .............................................................. 8 BOARD ................................................................ 14 ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS ............................... 17 IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY ................................. 24 LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS ...................... 34 APPENDIX ........................................................... 43

Cover: "The Native Wedding" BY Barry Palmer

GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

Georgians

for the Arts, a 501c4 established in 2019, provides vision, leadership, and resources to ensure the growth, prosperity, and sustainability of arts and culture in Georgia. It will assume the advocacy activities started and supported by ArtsGeorgia since 2013. Georgians for the Arts advances its mission through yearround arts and culture advocacy activities, yearround programs for artists, and the networking of artists, arts educators, local arts organizations, and civic and business leaders all working towards a better Georgia.

ArtsGeorgia,

a not-for-profit arts service and advocacy organization founded in 2010, is dedicated to advocating and providing resources for the arts with vision, innovation, consistency, and leadership. ArtsGeorgia implements its mission by providing essential advocacy resources; publishing newsletters and the ArtsGeorgia Official Arts Advocacy Handbook; creating the Georgians for the Arts initiative; and producing the annual Arts Advocacy Roundtable. ArtsGeorgia participates in local, regional, and national arts advocacy organizations, including 7 years as a National Partner of Americans for the Arts' Arts Advocacy Summit. Other programs include expanding SpaceFinder Georgia, the development of ArtsGeorgia PLACES as a statewide arts directory and collaboration with Etchster to provide the Find Georgia Public Art app.

GA4Arts

Top: "The Mechanical Riverfront Kingdom on Druid Hill" by Clark Ashton Bottom: "Monks New Tune" by Gerald Burch

WELCOME georgiansforthearts.org

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled that you are attending Georgians for the Artsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inaugural Arts Action Summit and Arts Advocacy Week. Often, we hear the question of why we have to advocate for arts and culture. It takes no convincing artists that a demonstration of creativity in any discipline ranging from education, military, health, and economy can have enormous rewards and benefits. However, it is more difficult to convince non-artists. Nearly every other industry has advocates speaking to policymakers to get their positions heard on tax breaks, investment funds, and job creation. Most of the time, these advocates are representatives from national trade associations and paid lobbyists.

Arts and culture have what few other industries can enjoy. Not only are there national organizations to help deliver the message, but we have every voter available to remind our leaders that the arts is just good business. Whether you are an individual artist that enjoys being creative as a hobby, a full-time professional artist, a small business owner selling art, a restauranteur by a theater, or a major arts organization, you have a voice, and when we repeatedly speak and en masse, we will no doubt be heard. In Georgia, arts advocates have been whispering, but now is the time, more than ever, to speak loudly and confidently that we want more support and recognition so that Georgia can reach its full creative potential. ~ Patrick Kelsey President & CEO

Georgians for the Arts, Inc. P. O. Box 5291 Savannah, GA 31414 georgiansforthearts.org â&#x2014;? advocates@georgiansforthearts.org (718) 689-0620

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SCHEDULE Sunday, February 7, 4 - 6 p.m.

4:00 p.m. Welcome ........................................................................................................................... Patrick Kelsey 4:30 p.m. Keynote Speaker ............................................................................................................... Gabrielle Mertz 5:00 p.m. Georgians for the Arts ....................................................................................................Julie Wilkerson State of Georgia Arts & Culture 5:15 p.m. South Arts .............................................................................................................................. Joy Young Regional Arts Advocacy Report 5:45 p.m. Reflections and Closing Remarks ..................................................................................... Myrna Fuller Monday, February 8, 3 - 5 p.m.

3 p.m. Welcome .......................................................................................................................... Priscilla Smith 3:05 p.m. Georgia Council for the Arts .................................................................................................... Tina Lilly The State of Georgia and Arts and Culture Report 3:20 p.m. Georgia Department of Economic Development .............................................................. Lee Thomas The State of Georgia and TV/Film Report 3:30 p.m. National Assembly of State Arts Agencies ......................................................................... Pam Breaux National Report on Governmental Support for Arts & Culture 3:50 p.m. Americans for the Arts .............................................................................................. Nina Ozlu Tunceli National Perspective on Advocacy and Lobbying for Arts & Culture 4:05 p.m. Georgia House of Representatives.............................. Teri Anulewicz, Park Cannon, and Beth Moore Behind the Scenes with Georgia's Legislators 4:30 p.m. C4 Atlanta........................................................................................................................ Audrey Gรกmez Advocacy & Lobbying Boot Camp 5:00 p.m. Reflections and Closing Remarks .................................................................................... Patrick Kelsey

Opposite: "Dancer in Paradise" by Alexis Smith Thomason

GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

Top-Left: "Plume I" by Jan DiPietro Top-Right: “Dash” by Lady Barbara Pinson Bottom: "Deadly Beauty" by Beth Smith

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SPEAKERS

Gabrielle Mertz is an artist and cultural policy strategist. She is the Director of Drawing Out The Vote, the voter education campaign that mobilizes turnout through collaboration across the creative community. Her work on cultural policy, voter mobilization, and creative sector/NGO issues with campaigns, nonprofit organizations, and international institutions includes Obama for America, The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Arts for AIDS, The Carter Center, Institute for Global Policy, Coalition for the International Criminal Court, and International Rescue Committee, among others. She serves as an advisor and on the Leadership Council for Stacey Abrams and Fair Fight. She has served as a board/advisory member of the Emory University Women's Center, Brooklyn Arts Council, Bronx Council on the Arts, and Fulton County Arts Council, among others. She has taught/lectured at New York University, Emory University, and Image Film & Video Center, and she is the recipient of awards from the Rauschenberg Foundation, Center for Artistic Activism, Open Society Foundation, City of Atlanta, Georgia Council for the Arts, Netherlands-America Foundation, and The Cultural Olympiad, among others. As a visual artist and choreographer, she has created exhibitions, performances, and site-specific installations in museums, on stages, and on screen. Her work has been exhibited and performed in the United States and Europe at the Cultural Center of Krakow, High Museum of Art, New Museum Ideas City, Artists Alliance, Susquehanna Museum of Art, International Dance Festival, Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, American Dance Festival, 7 Stages, King Plow Arts Center, Clemente Soto Vélez Center, Center for Puppetry Arts, and The Performance Space, among many others. Joy Young, Executive Director, SouthArts. Programmatic leadership for South Arts rests with Vice-President of Programs, Dr. Joy Young. Young accepted this mantle of responsibility at South Arts in October 2020, after serving as Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. Prior to her role in Jacksonville, Young worked 14 years in both programmatic and executive management roles with the South Carolina Arts Commission. Young served nationally as a member of the Grantmakers in the Arts Support for Individual Artists Committee, grant panelist for the Florida Council on Arts and Culture as well as the National Endowment for the Arts and was a mentor for the DEI Mentorship Program at the National Association of State Arts Agencies. Young received undergraduate and graduate degrees in music - voice performance; gained certification in both human resources employee relations law and mediation; and earned the Ph. D. in Organizational Leadership. She teaches arts leadership as an adjunct faculty for Winthrop University’s graduate program in arts administration. With well over 25 years of experience in the arts, Young believes strongly in the power of the arts as a tool for social good. Her favorite quote is “God respects me when I work, but he loves me when I sing” – Tagore.

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Tina Lilly serves as Grants Program Director with the Georgia Council for the Arts. She also works with the Georgia Department of Tourism's Resource Team, which travels to communities in Georgia to investigate ways to increase tourism in rural cities. Previously, she was Executive Director of the Madison Morgan Cultural Center in Madison, Georgia; Administrative Director for 7 Stages Theatre in Atlanta; and Managing Director for Live Bait Theatre in Chicago. Lilly holds a BA in Theatre from Birmingham-Southern College and an MFA in Directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University (formerly the Goodman School of Drama). She worked as an adjunct professor at The Theatre School as well as a freelance director while in Chicago. Lee Thomas is a Deputy Commissioner at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and division director of the Georgia Film Office. A native Atlantan, Thomas received a Bachelor of the Arts in Radio -TV-Film from the University of Georgia, a Master's Degree in Film Studies from Georgia State University, then entered the Tisch School of the Arts Doctoral Program in Cinema Studies at New York University. She returned to Atlanta in 1996 to work for the Georgia Film and Videotape Office as a project manager, and then became a location specialist for the office in 1998. After finding locations for film and television projects for 12 years, Thomas became director of the film division in 2010. Pam Breaux joined the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) in 2015. As president and CEO, she works with the association's board of directors and staff to advance NASAA's policy and programmatic mission to strengthen America's state and jurisdictional arts agencies. A native of Lafayette, Louisiana, Breaux has held leadership positions at the local, state and national levels. While in Louisiana state government, she was secretary of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (CRT), assistant secretary of CRT (overseeing its cultural development portfolio), and executive director of its state arts agency (the Louisiana Division of the Arts). During her time at CRT, Pam developed and led Louisiana's cultural economy initiative and spearheaded the successful UNESCO inscription of Poverty Point State Historic Site (an ancient Indian site) as a World Heritage site. Before working in state government, Breaux was executive director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana and managed southwest Louisiana's Decentralized Arts Funding Program. She has served on the boards of the U.S. Travel Association, NASAA, South Arts and the Louisiana Board of International Commerce. Pam is currently a member of the U.S. National Commission on UNESCO. She graduated from McNeese State University with a B.A. in English and earned an M.A. in English and folklore from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

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Nina Ozlu Tunceli is both Chief Counsel of Government and Public Affairs at Americans for the Arts as well as the Executive Director of the Americans for the Arts Action Fund. For 27 years, Tunceli has served as the chief policy, political, and advocacy strategist for the organization, mobilizing more than 450,000 arts activist members in advancing arts in America. After securing several arts funding provisions in the recently passed CARES Act, she now provides weekly Zoom Office Hours to provide technical assistance to thousands of artists and arts organizations in successfully tapping billions of dollars in pandemic relief aid. She also spearheads the ArtsVote: Make Your Vote Campaign with customized state voter factsheets and social media ads to educate voters on all the new rules and deadlines to vote this year because of the pandemic. Park Cannon, Georgia House Representative, District 58, is in her fourth term as the youngest Democrat and youngest female member of the Georgia House of Representatives. She was elected to be the House Minority Secretary in 2020 and is excited to represent Midtown, Downtown, and Southwest Atlanta. At the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Rep. Cannon said "We need to trust black women!" and will continue to stand up for LGBTQ and minority visibility in the South. Rep. Cannon is the Vice Chair of the Atlanta delegation for 2021-2022. She currently serves on the Creative Arts and Entertainment Committee, Insurance Committee, and Small Business Development Committee. Rep. Cannon is a member of the Fulton County Delegation and the Bi-partisan Future Caucus. In 2020, She co-chaired the Affordable Housing Subcommittee for the City of Atlanta Delegation and co-chaired the Health Subcommittee for the Atlanta Mayor's LGBTQ Advisory Board. In 2019, Rep. Cannon became the founding Chair of the Georgia House Democrats Diversity and Inclusion Committee as well as a founding member of the Georgia Equality Caucus. She has been the Co-Chair of Communications for the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, the nation's largest state black caucus as well as the secretary for the Women's Legislative Caucus for two years. Beth Moore, Georgia House Representative, District 95, was first elected in 2018. Her district is situated in Gwinnett and Fulton counties, which comprise the cities of Peachtree Corners, Norcross, Berkeley Lake, Duluth and Johns Creek. As the only entertainment attorney serving in the legislature, Beth zealously advocates for the needs of the arts community, including expanding access to affordable healthcare, supporting arts education in schools, preserving the Georgia Entertainment Investment Act, and confronting the challenges of the "gig economy" in which many creatives work. You can follow and engage with Rep. Moore on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Teri Anulewicz, Georgia House Representative, District 42. Teri Anulewicz was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in a special election in November 2017. She represents House District 42, which includes parts of Smyrna and Marietta, as well as areas in unincorporated Cobb County. She serves on the House Transportation, Code Revision, and Intragovernmental Coordination Committees, and is also a member of the House Working Group on the Creative Arts and Entertainment. Prior to her service in the Legislature, Teri spent a decade representing Ward 3 on the Smyrna City Council. She was first elected in 2007 and was elected to her third term in 2015. In 2016, she was appointed Mayor Pro Tem. The firstborn in a family of six children, Teri was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was raised in New Orleans and in Houston, Texas. She moved to Georgia in 1994 and received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Agnes Scott College in 1998. Her professional experience includes public affairs and government relations, with an emphasis on advocacy, alliance development, coalition building, and grassroots mobilization. Teri lives with her husband, Chris, and their two children near the heart of downtown Smyrna. Audrey Gámez brings 13 years of education experience to her role as Education Director for C4 Atlanta. She is a sought-after speaker for local panels and events. Audrey presented nationally at the Association of Performing Arts Service Organization Conference and the Artists Thrive Conference on advocacy and professional development for artists. Gámez was a member of the 2018 Points of Light American Express Leadership Academy. At C4 Atlanta, prior to her role as Education Director, she was a facilitator for the Ignite class. Before coming to C4, Gámez served as Education Coordinator for MASS Collective and began working in arts administration as an intern with WonderRoot in 2014. An active volunteer, Gámez has worked with several community and arts organizations around Atlanta. In addition to her responsibilities with C4 Atlanta, she continues to work as a professional singer and music educator, maintaining a private voice studio. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and Master of Music degree from Louisiana State University. At C4 Atlanta she currently teaches: Hatch, Financial Literacy 101, Fundraising 101, Website Bootcamp, Ignite, AIM Atlanta, and Ignite Lite.

Opposite: "The-Eyes..-Have-It" by Alexis Smith Thomason

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Julie Young Wilkerson, Vice President of Georgians for the Arts, is a 4th generation Maconite. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and earned her master's degree from Mercer University. She received a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2013. Her career in non-profit management began at Macon Volunteer Clinic where she was the organization's first Development Director. She has also served as Executive Director of Capitol Theatre, Inc., Development Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia, and is currently Executive Director of Macon Arts Alliance. In 2019 Wilkerson co-chaired the Steering Committee for the 2020 Cultural Plan for Macon and, as Executive Director of Macon Arts Alliance, is charged with leading the implementation of the plan over the next 5 years. She currently serves on the OneMacon Implementation Committee as co-chair of the Arts and Cultural Tourism Working Group. Throughout her life, Wilkerson has been an active community volunteer. She is a member of the Macon Rotary Club, and currently serves in an advisory capacity on the Boards of Nutcracker of Middle Georgia and Macon Film Festival. Wilkerson is a Past President of the Junior League of Macon, Past President of Middle Georgia Youth Ballet, and Past President of Macon Film Festival. Myrna Fuller, Board Member of Georgians for the Arts, worked as an executive with Eastern Airlines for 21 years serving in various positions to include Manager of Inflight Services, Senior Instructor-Management Training and Development, and Area Manager for the Atlanta City Ticket Offices. After Eastern closed she directed her focus to the commercial and fine arts arena. While maintaining a freelance graphic design career she worked as Chief of Staff for Fulton County Commissioner Michael Hightower, Executive Director of the Atlanta Branch NAACP, interim Managing Director of the National Black Arts Festival, Art Director for the design firm Acuity, Inc. and Executive Director of Hammonds House Museum. In 2017, after 13 years of service, Fuller retired from Hammonds House Museum. Her retirement was commemorated by articles in the Atlanta news media and a radio interview with NPR's Lois Reitzes. Academically, Fuller received a B.A. degree from Talladega College and an Associate Degree in Applied Arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta. She is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta and the Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta. She recently received the Hall of Fame Community Leaders Award from the Atlanta Tribune Magazine, the coveted Joan P. Gardner Outstanding Service to the Arts, Luminary Award from ArtsAtl, Hammonds House Museum's Leadership Award and the Keystone Award from the Atlanta Preservation Center. As a community leader Fuller served with numerous Art and civic organizations, including Arts Festival of Atlanta board, Fulton County Arts Council where she was Vice President for two of six years, Atlanta Branch NAACP, and Visual Arts Network of the National Performance Network. Present affiliations include: Illien Adoptions International, Arts Georgia, West End Merchants Coalition, as a fellow for the georgiansforthearts.org

City of Atlanta Main Street representing the West End, and most recently was the first to be appointed to the City of South Fulton's Public Arts Commission. Waduda Muhammad, Board Treasurer of Georgians for the Arts, is a visual Arts Administrator in Atlanta GA. She received her Master of Science degree in Arts Administration from Drexel University in Pennsylvania and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Georgia State University. She is the former Interim Director of the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design Gallery at Georgia State University (2008-2010). Since then, she has contracted with numerous arts organizations throughout Atlanta GA such as Pearl Goose Creatives LLC, Georgia Arts Network, Creative Currents LLC, and Spelman College Museum of Fine Arts on a variety of art exhibitions, community arts festivals, art beautification and mural projects. She completed her graduate internship at South Arts as Assistant to the Director of the Performing Arts Exchange. She co-curated the international exhibitions, Disobedience Archives and Texts Marks and Meanings, bringing artists from Spain, China and Japan to Atlanta and cataloging the lifetime works of artist Charles Nelson Jr. She has curated several exhibitions including The Ageless Art of Fashion 2009, The Art of Noise 2011, and Feast Your Eyes 2012. She co-organized Roots and More: African & African American Artistic Legacies Art History Symposium 2009, wrote the introduction to an artist catalog I Remember 2008, CENCIA Center for Collaborative International Arts catalog 2010, and served as a juror (photography) at the Washington Post in D.C. for the Justice & Human Rights Exposition Presentations 2015. Of special note in 2016-2018 is receiving a $100,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente for an initiative with the Atlanta BeltLine Inc. As part of a team, Muhammad spearheaded a walking tour of public Art under the auspice of her business Dennis Ayres Fine Arts LLC. Muhammed is the owner of Dennis Ayres Fine Arts LLC, a Fine Arts Administration company which specializes in the advancement and promotion of visual arts to underserved communities. She is a recipient of the Americorps National Community Service Award 2007 & 2020, Campus Community Partner Award at Georgia State University 2010, a graduate of the "Ignite" Art Entrepreneurship program 2012 from C4 Atlanta, and received an award for Civic Leadership in 2013 from Hands on Atlanta. She served on the board of Georgia Arts Network and was a State Captain representing Georgia for Americans for the Arts' National Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. in 2016 & 2017; was appointed to the Governance Council of State Arts Action Networks 2017; is an active member of the Emerging Arts Leaders of Atlanta, The Young Non-profit Professionals Network, and The Ladies Board charitable organization. Abbey M. Matye, Board Secretary of Georgians for the Arts, has cared deeply about the arts and arts education since childhood and carried that through her formative years and into her time studying Theatre Management at Kent State University. After graduating, Abbey moved to Savannah in order to obtain her Master's degree from Savannah College of Art and Design where she developed a passion for lobbying for the Arts Industry at both the state and federal levels. These days you can find her working as an Artist Relations and Grants Associate for Savannah Music Festival. In her little free time, she bartends at local brewery, Hop Atomica, and serves as a member of the Young Leaders Council for the Savannah chapter of Planned Parenthood Southeast. GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

Priscilla Smith, Board Member of Georgians for the Arts, is a lifelong Georgian, has created, produced, and presented original performance and Art as a soloist and in ensemble for more than four decades. Appearances range from Prospero in Shakespeare's The Tempest to inhabiting Lauri Stallings' installation "Subtle Means of Connection" at the High Museum of Art. She was executive director of Eyedrum Art and Music Gallery for many years, directed performing arts at Horizons School for 18 years, served on the founding committee of Art on the Atlanta BeltLine, and has held numerous administrative and artistic positions in local art and culture organizations. She ran for Georgia House of Representatives District 34 in Cobb County in 2020 in part because, "We need representation from all walks of life in government: artists, teachers, construction workers, farmers, mothers, and doctors, not just lawyers and business people. Democracy is not a spectator sport. We have to stay engaged to protect our freedoms and to assure the welfare of all of us." Patrick A. Kelsey, President and CEO of Georgians for the Arts, is a Professor of Business at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has worked as Managing Director and Development Director for OffBroadway's Irish Repertory Theatre, General Manager of Broadway's Lyric Theatre, and Director of Operations for Broadway Across America. Kelsey has served as a grant panelist for the Nancy Quinn Grant for ART/NY, Georgia Council for the Arts, South Arts, and the City of Savannah. He holds a BS in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management and Technical Theatre from Ball State University, an MFA in Theatre Management & Producing from Columbia University, and an MBA from Nyack College. Kelsey is an avid arts advocate, and he leads both the Arts and Culture Alliance of Chatham County and Georgians for the Arts. He currently serves as Georgia's state captain for American for the Arts' National Arts Action Summit and as a Chair for the City of Savannah Cultural Affairs Commission. Also, he is on the Council for Americans for the Arts' State Arts Action Network. Kelsey lives in Savannah with his wife, Tara, and his artistically-talented daughter, Eliza, and two cats, Klang and Cocoa.

Opposite: "Dancer in Paradise" by Alexis Smith Thompson

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GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

artsgeorgia.net

southarts.org

nasaa-arts.org

c4atlanta.org

americansforthearts.org

artsactionfund.org

gaarts.org

georgiansforthearts.org

"The Water Beast" by Barry Palmer

"Good Morning Starshine" by Francie

"Spirit in the Sky" by Francie

GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

2021 brings immense change to our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a new President and dozens of new members of Congress have been installed and are working for their constituents. By presenting a thoughtful unified message to these decisionmakers, advocates can ensure their voice is heard when Congress considers issues like the budget, infrastructure, taxes, and job creation. In the past year, we saw more proarts policy advanced in the legislative process than ever before. As we work together to see the arts and culture sector recover from the COVID19 pandemic and shutdowns, local and national advocacy efforts will be critical. The National Arts Action Summit will equip advocates to share data and authentic stories about the impact of the arts in their communities, to educate federal decision makers on why supporting the arts and culture sector is essential.

Join Americans for the Arts, organizational partners, and hundreds of advocates from April 5-9, 2021 for the National Arts Action Summit. Over these five days, advocates will gain a depth of knowledge from policy experts including compelling up-to-the-minute data, the latest in arts policy, and how to effectively engage decisionmakers to support the arts, arts education, and much more! Attendees will have the chance to connect with advocates from their state and across the country and have access to recordings of the webinars to refresh their understanding of the issues.

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For the first time, Americans for the Arts is pleased to offer a number of scholarship opportunities for the 2021 National Arts Action Summit, April 5-9. Scholarships are available for individuals, including multiple arts advocates from the same organization. We strongly encourage arts advocates that identify as, reside in, and/or directly serve communities of color, rural populations, and/or marginalized audiences to submit a request for scholarship. Priority will be given to members of Americans for the Arts. For questions about your membership status, please contact membership@artsusa.org. Key Dates and Deadlines â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

February 26 at 9:00 a.m. ET - Deadline to Submit a Request for Scholarship March 5 - Scholarship Recipients Notified

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GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

"When our arts and humanities sectors thrive, we see prosperity and revitalization in communities across our state." ~ Governor Brian Kemp

"The arts and humanities play a vital role in making Georgia the best state in the country to live, work, and raise a family." ~ First Lady Marty Kemp

Opposite: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas Childâ&#x20AC;? by Lady Barbara Pinson Artist

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GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

IMPACT ON GEORGIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ECONOMY "Old Man River" Alexis Smith Thomason georgiansforthearts.org

GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

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ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

Note: ACPSA (Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account / 2017) Source: https://nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/creative-economy-state-profiles/

GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

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GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

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GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

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“Water, Water 3” Triptych on Birchwood by Lady Barbara Pinson

LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS

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Georgia Council For The Arts (GCA) Action Requested We recommend the Georgia Legislature: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Maintain current funding levels for GCA at about $1.5M for FY 2021-22. Pursue modifications to existing or proposed legislation to supplement funding for GCA and to establish an independent and perpetual revenue stream to equal or exceed $12.25M in total funding.

Why Currently, COVID has devastated the economy, workers, communities, and families. The arts industry has been affected like every other industry and, arguably, worse than most, given the public nature of Art and performance. To that end, it will be months or years for the arts in Georgia to return to normal operations. During this recovery, state revenue will suffer from the reduction of direct expenditures by artists and arts organizations and indirect expenditures of audiences. For a state that prides itself on its commitment to the creative economy and the arts as a significant contributor to state tourism, quality of life, and an economic driver, cuts to GGA would be counterproductive. Instead, funding should be increased to assure that, when the economy begins to normalize, there are still artists and arts organizations in existence. Georgia, like any other State, needs to assess the loss of revenue and match it with a reduction in costs. Adding funds to GCA will be argued as not be a plausible option, but the state could modify existing legislation to supplement the GCA budget. The expired ticket tax exemption could be reinstated with funds earmarked for the GCA. We must advocate for the addition of to add GCA to the list of tax refund donation options for Georgia taxpayers to choose from. Another potential revenue stream could flow from a portion of the proposed gambling proceeds. Georgia is traditionally at the bottom in per capita spending, ranking from 48th to 50th. Georgia would need a total revenue stream of $12.25M in FY 21 to take top ranking in the South at $1.15 per capita. While a full recovery will take time, Georgia does have the opportunity to invest now and to establish Georgia as the "Arts and Cultural Capitol of The South" and rival its status as a leader in the film and television industry and tops in support of small businesses. Opposite: TBD by Abby Seales

GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

GCA Resiliency Grant Application â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sum of Loss Income (By Congressional District)

District 1

4,039,471

District 2

2,604,467

District 3

186,302

District 4

35,000

District 5

26,260,045

District 6

720,413

District 7

2,545,739

District 8

235,598

District 9

384,443

District 10

256,647

District 11

482,826

District 12

929,028

District 13

628,800

District 14

235,422

Grand Total

39,544,21

Reported Loss Through May 2020.

georgiansforthearts.org

Per Capita State Arts Agency Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2021 Projected Total Legislative Appropriations Including Line Items

National Rank

Per Capita

Tennessee

1.22

Alabama

1.22

South Carolina

.85

Florida

.80

North Carolina

.79

Kentucky

.35

Georgia*

.14

* Tied 48 with Wisconsin. To date, Arizona has not appropriated funds. Per: National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, September 2019 See Appendix for proposed legislation forming Georgia Council for the Arts and the Georgia Arts Alliance.

GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

Arts & Culture Senate Caucus Action Requested We recommend the Georgia Legislature: â&#x20AC;˘

Identify like-minded Georgia Senators to form a caucus dedicated to addressing and responding to the specific needs of the not-for-profit arts and culture industry and forprofit creative small businesses.

Why Currently, the Economic Development and Tourism caucus addresses the specific needs of tourism, to which arts and culture contribute a significant impact. However, nearly all current business incentives and programs are focused on digital entertainment, music, entertainment, film, and TV. Also, nearly all business incentives and programs are dedicated to for-profit businesses that expend significant revenue. Great effort is focused on attracting large investments from new businesses or projects from outside of Georgia. Still, while the very fabric of Georgia's native arts and culture is strong on content, it operates on razor-thin economic margins and would benefit greatly from financial strengthening that addresses specific needs as reflected in data specific to the industry. See Appendix for Senate Caucuses & Membership.

georgiansforthearts.org

Arts & Culture House Caucus Action Requested We recommend the Georgia Legislature: â&#x20AC;˘

Identify other like-minded Georgia House Representatives to form a caucus dedicated to addressing and responding to the specific needs of the not-for-profit arts and culture industry as well as the for-profit creative small businesses.

GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

Revenue and Taxation / Tax Refund Donation Option Action Requested We recommend the Georgia Legislature: •

Put forth legislation to add an option to Georgia taxpayers to donate either all or any part of any tax refund to GCA to encourage the development of the arts.

Why Currently, Georgia taxpayers have a variety of options to repurpose their tax refund, in whole or in part. Currently, donation options are: • • • •

Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund Georgia Fund for Children and Elderly Georgia Cancer Research Fund Georgia Land Conservation Program

• • • •

•

Georgia National Guard Foundation Dog & Cat Sterilization Fund Saving the Cure Fund Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen Program Public Safety Memorial Grant.

Adding a GCA option will all Georgia taxpayers to invest their refund into their own community and to further encourage the development in the arts.

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Suggested Language ยง 48-7-XX. Taxpayer Contributions To Encourage The Development Of The Art Through Income Tax Payment And Refund Process

(a) Each Georgia income tax return form for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2021, shall contain appropriate language, to be determined by the commissioner, offering the taxpayer the opportunity to contribute to the development of the arts, as defined in Code Section 50-12-23, through the Georgia Council for the Arts by donating either all or any part of any tax refund due, by authorizing a reduction in the refund check otherwise payable, or by contributing any amount over and above any amount of tax owed by adding that amount to the taxpayer's payment. The instructions accompanying the income tax return form shall contain a description of the purposes for which the commission was established and the intended use of moneys received from the contributions. Each taxpayer required to file a state income tax return who desires to contribute to the commission may designate such contribution as provided in this Code section on the appropriate income tax return form. (b) The Department of Revenue shall determine annually the total amount so contributed and shall transmit such amount to the Georgia Council for the Arts.

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Ticket Tax Exemption / Revenue Reallocation Action Requested We recommend the Georgia Legislature: •

Examine the exemption or repeal of the exemption (48-8-3) related to the sale of tickets. Should ticket sales tax revenue become due to the State of Georgia, such tax revenue is explicitly dedicated to GCA for the Arts to encourage the development of the arts further and to supplement not supplant budget allocations.

Why The exemption of sales tax on ticket purchases is generally applicable only to the facilities in which the performance or exhibition occurs. While the exemption benefits the facility owner in the promotion of less expensive tickets or fees, it is ultimately the consumer that bears the burden. It is suggested that if the exemption of a sales tax on tickets is removed, the tax revenue be dedicated to continuing to support other arts activities in lieu of going into the general fund. The increase in ticket sales tax revenue will, therefore, increase the level of funding to encourage the development of the arts. See Appendix for Georgia Ticket Tax § 48-8-3 – Exemptions.

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Georgia Gaming Commission Expansion Action Requested We recommend the Georgia Legislature: â&#x20AC;˘

Submit amendments to the existing proposed legislation to direct that proceeds from the expansion of activities regulated by the Georgia Gaming Commission be divided between educational programs and purposes and the GCA to encourage development in the arts to a level not less than a $1 per capita adjusted for inflation.

Why Currently, the legislation proposed reflects that 100% of all proceeds will be allocated to educational programs and educational purposes. Such proceeds are to supplement, not supplant, other educational funding. Furthermore, Georgia maintains that tourism by way of the arts is a worthy investment of resources and funding. Direct proceeds to encourage the development of Art will contribute to the community, tourism, education, military, etc. See Appendix for proposed Senate and House gambling legislation.

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APPENDIX

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National Association of State Arts Agencies - Definitions Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account (ACPSA) is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA.) Office of Research & Analysis and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). ACPSA is part of BEA's satellite accounts series that complements the bureau's core economic accounts with detailed data on key industries. Comparison industries are selected industry categories using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), drawn from BEA's 2015 state level data for employment (full-time and part-time workers), compensation and value added by industry. Some industries displayed on the comparison charts produce arts and cultural commodities, though such commodities may not always account for a large share of that industry's total output. Comparison industries were selected within a range of NAICS industries with similar total value-added figures. For other industry comparisons, contact NASAA. Compensation consists of the remuneration (including wages and salaries, as well as benefits such as employer contributions to pension and health funds) payable to employees in return for their work during a given year. Core arts and cultural production industries are originators of ideas and content associated with the creation of arts and culture. Employment consists of all wage-and-salary jobs where the workers are engaged in the production of goods and services. Gross state product is the market value of goods and services produced by the labor and property located in a state. Gross state product is the state counterpart of the nation's gross domestic product, B.E.A.'s primary and most comprehensive measure of U.S. economic activity. Regions, for the purpose of this dashboard, are defined by the geography groupings for the nation's six regional arts organizations (R.A.O.s). R.A.O.s are nonprofit organizations that partner with their constituent state arts agencies and with the National Endowment for the Arts on planning and program delivery. Supporting arts and cultural production industries produce and disseminate arts and cultural commodities. Value added is an industry's total market value of goods and services as a contribution to gross state product. Value added is industry output minus intermediate inputs (e.g., energy, raw materials, semifinished goods, purchased services). Opposite: "Dancer in Paradise" by Alexis Smith Thompson

Georgia Senate Caucuses GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Administrative Affairs Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Appropriations Assignments Banking and Financial Institutions Economic Development and Tourism Education and Youth Ethics Finance Government Oversight Health and Human Services Higher Education Insurance and Labor Interstate Cooperation Judiciary and Homeland Security

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

MARTOC Natural Resources and the Environment Public Safety Reapportionment and Redistricting Regulated Industries and Utilities Retirement Rules Science and Technology Special Judiciary State and Local Governmental Operations State Institutions and Property Transportation Urban Affairs Veterans, Military

Sen. Lester Jackson •

Education and Youth, Finance, Health and Human Services, Urban Affairs (Chair)

Sen. Ben Watson •

Appropriations, Health and Human Services (Chair), Public Safety, Transportation

Georgia House Caucuses • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Appropriations Banks & Banking Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Code Revision Defense & Veterans Affairs Economic Development & Tourism Education Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Ethics Game, Fish & Parks Governmental Affairs Health and Human Services Higher Education Human Relations and Aging Industry and Labor Information and Audits Insurance Interstate Cooperation Intragovernmental Coordination

GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Judiciary Judiciary Non-Civil Juvenile Justice Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment MARTOC Motor Vehicles Natural Resources and Environment Public Safety and Homeland Security Regulated Industries Retirement Rules Science and Technology Small Business Development Special Rules State Planning and Community Affairs State Properties Transportation Ways and Means

Rep. Ron Stephens •

Rules, Ways and Means, Economic Development & Tourism (Chair)

Rep. Carl Gilliard •

Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, State Properties, Transportation,

Rep. Bill Hitchens •

Defense & Veterans Affairs, Public Safety and Homeland Security (Chair), Transportation, Economic Development & Tourism

Rep. Jesse Petrea •

Game Fish & Parks, Health and Human Services, Human Relations and Aging (Chair), Public Safety and Homeland Security, Science and Technology

Rep. Mickey Stephens •

Health and Human Services, Insurance, Regulated Industries, Ways and Means, Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment

Derek Mallow, Representative-Elect •

TBA

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Georgia Ticket Tax ยง 48-8-3 -- Exemptions (100) (A) Sales of tickets, fees, or charges for admission to a fine arts performance or exhibition conducted within a facility in this state that is owned or operated by an organization which is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a museum of cultural significance, if such organization's or museum's primary mission is to advance the arts in this state and to provide arts, educational, and culturally significant programming and exhibits for the benefit and enrichment of the citizens of this state. (B) As used in this paragraph, the term "fine arts" means music performed by a symphony orchestra, poetry, photography, ballet, dance, opera, theater, dramatic arts, painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, watercolor, graphics, printmaking, and architecture. (C) This paragraph shall be automatically repealed on July 1, 2020;

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Gaming Commission Expansion Proposed Legislation (Senate)

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GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

Gaming Commission Expansion Proposed Legislation (House)

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GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

ยง 50-12 (Article 2) Georgia Council for the Arts ยง 50-12-20. Legislative findings and declaration of public policy The General Assembly finds that the general welfare of the people of this state will be promoted by giving recognition to the arts as a vital part of our culture and heritage and economic development. The arts industry fuels cultural heritage tourism, the fastest growing segment of tourism; is a catalyst for community revitalization, boosting local economies; fuels arts education in our schools, which prepares students to be entrepreneurial, critical thinkers; and spurs innovation, helping industries to become more competitive in a global marketplace. The General Assembly, therefore, declares it to be the public policy of this state to encourage the development of the arts.

ยง 50-12-21. Creation of council There is created an arts council to be known as the "Georgia Council for the Arts," hereinafter referred to as the council. The council is created as an advisory body.

ยง 50-12-22. Appointment of members; terms; vacancies; expenses; removal; chairperson; meetings (a) The council shall consist of nine members who shall be appointed by the Governor. Councilmembers shall serve two three-year terms. The Governor shall fill any vacancies for unexpired terms. In addition to the nine members appointed by the Governor pursuant to this subsection, the Governor shall appoint two ex officio members from the General Assembly. (b) With regards to the composition of the council: (1) The council shall be broadly representative of the major fields of the arts and related creative industries; (2) The council should be a balanced representation of the entire state, accounting for, but not limited to, minority and ethnic groups, gender diversity, geographic diversity, large and small organizations, and the public and private sectors; (3) Councilmembers shall be appointed from among private citizens who are widely known for their competence and experience in connection with the arts and related creative industries, as well as their knowledge of community and state interests; and (4) Consideration shall be given to recommendations for membership made by persons or organizations involved in civic, educational, business, labor, professional, cultural, ethnic, and performing and creative arts fields, as well as those with knowledge of community and state interests.

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(c) Members shall be entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the work of the council when authorized in advance by the commissioner of economic development. (d) Active and continuing participation by members of the council is needed. Any member who fails to attend three regularly scheduled, consecutive meetings may be removed by the council. (e) A chairperson shall be appointed annually by the Governor for a term ending on June 30 of the year following such appointment. The chairperson shall be a person widely recognized for his or her knowledge, experience, and interest in the arts industry, as well as his or her knowledge of community and state interests. (f) The council shall meet upon the call of the chairperson, but not less often than twice during each fiscal year. A majority of the members appointed to the council shall constitute a quorum.

ยง 50-12-23. Powers and duties generally The council shall advise the Governor through the Department of Economic Development concerning methods and programs to: (1) Stimulate and encourage the study and development of the arts as well as public interest and participation therein; (2) Encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of this state; (3) Expand this state's cultural resources; (4) Encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression essential for the well-being of the arts; (5) Assist the communities and organizations within this state in originating and creating their own cultural and artistic programs; (6) Advance the arts in education, tourism, community development, and economic development in Georgia; (7) Assist local governments and communities within this state to plan, build, and connect the arts to their tourism, community, and economic development initiatives; (8) Establish standards and procedures and advisory committees as necessary to support the director and staff in furthering the objectives of the council's programs; and (9) Seek and receive the views of all levels of government and the private and nonprofit sectors with respect to state programs and policies for the promotion and assistance of the arts industry.

ยง 50-12-24. Annual report GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

The council shall submit an annual report to the Governor and to the commissioner of economic development concerning the appropriate methods to encourage participation in and appreciation of the arts in order to meet the legitimate needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of this state.

ยง 50-12-25. Powers and authority of Department of Economic Development as to council The Department of Economic Development shall have the powers and authority necessary to carry out the purposes established by this article, including, but not limited to, the powers: (1) To establish overall policy for grant awards, evaluations, and programs recommended by the council; (2) To hold hearings, make and sign any agreements, and do and perform any acts which may be necessary, desirable, or proper to carry out the purposes of this article; (3) To request from any department, division, board, bureau, commission, or other agency of the state such reasonable assistance and data as will enable it properly to carry out its powers and duties; (4) To accept, on behalf of the state, any federal funds granted by act of Congress or by executive order for all or any of the purposes of this article; and, upon appropriation by the General Assembly, to expend such funds for the purposes set forth in the appropriations Act; (5) To accept any grants, gifts, donations, or bequests for all or any of the purposes of this article; (6) To propose methods to encourage private initiative in the arts; and (7) To advise and consult with the Governor; the General Assembly; national foundations; and other local, state, and federal departments and agencies on methods to coordinate and assist existing resources and facilities, with the purpose of fostering artistic and cultural endeavors generally.

ยง 50-12-26. Appointment of personnel for council The commissioner of economic development shall select and appoint such personnel as the commissioner shall determine to be necessary to support the council and the programs undertaken pursuant to this article.

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ยง 50-12 (Article 2) Georgia Arts Alliance ยง 50-12-30. Legislative findings The General Assembly finds that: (1) Tourism is Georgia's second largest industry and cultural heritage tourism is the fastest growing industry segment; (2) The arts surpass professional sports in attendance and are ranked as one of the top ten reasons for corporate relocations; (3) The arts preserve history and heritage for Georgians; (4) The arts enhance education success for our children through the teaching of complex and abstract ideas; the nurturing of the development of cognitive, social, and personal competencies; and the reaching of otherwise unreachable students; (5) Preparing Georgia children for success in our competitive global economy that increasingly demands creative solutions to challenging problems is a fundamental obligation of the State of Georgia; (6) Utilizing all available tools to improve Georgia's public schools is critical to demonstrating Georgia's strong commitment to work force readiness and to encouraging continued job growth and relocation of attractive knowledge based industries within Georgia; (7) Research studies and experience in recent years demonstrate that the presence of arts in education, whether part of the curriculum or as supplemental programs, can increase students' engagement in learning as well as their social and civic development; (8) Integrating arts in education in various ways as a meaningful part of the K-12 school environment can have the following benefits: (A) Reaching and increasing the performance of students who often struggle to succeed in school, including disadvantaged students, English language learners, and students with disabilities; (B) Providing new challenges for those students already considered successful; (C) Improving the cognitive skills of students involved in reading, language development, and mathematics; (D) Lead to a student's development of problem solving and critical and creative thinking skills; (E) Motivating students to learn and become more involved in their schools; (F) Increasing student attendance and engagement and lowering drop out rates; and GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

(G) Promoting student self-confidence and fostering better relationships among students and teachers; (9) Public funding support for the arts and the teaching and physical infrastructure needed to provide arts and arts in education is an essential part of Georgia's efforts to improve education and provide for economic development and tourism; (10) Companies desire employees who can meet the challenges of a global economy and can apply creative thought to problem solving; (11) The arts build communities and increase the quality of life for Georgians; (12) Increasing the availability of the arts and tourism is a direct economic benefit for the economy of Georgia and will provide jobs and opportunities for our citizens; (13) It is in the best interests of this state and its citizens to support the arts, education, economic development, and tourism; and (14) The success and significant advances made by the Georgia Research Alliance as a public-private partnership in higher education demonstrates that a coordinated publicprivate partnership to focus resources on critical educational objectives is an efficient and flexible means for allocating resources and ensuring measurable results.

ยง 50-12-31. Creation of Georgia Arts Alliance; purpose; governing organization; appointment of members of board of trustees; terms; advisory committee (a) In order to foster a public-private partnership for the support of the arts, education, economic development, and tourism in this state, there is created the Georgia Arts Alliance. Such alliance shall be for the purpose of receiving and distributing funds for the support of the arts, including the Georgia Council for the Arts, and the teaching and physical infrastructure needed to provide arts and arts in education in order to improve education and provide for economic development and tourism. The Georgia Arts Alliance shall not be an entity or agency of government, but shall be a private entity operating under and in accordance with the laws of this state. It is the intent of the General Assembly that such private entity take all necessary steps to become a Section 501(c)(3) entity under the Internal Revenue Code. (b) (1) The Georgia Arts Alliance shall be governed by a board of trustees consisting of ten members. The members of the board shall include the State School Superintendent, the commissioner of economic development, the Executive Director of the Georgia Council of the Arts, and seven members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House as follows: the Governor shall appoint five members, one of whom may be the head of a not for profit arts organization with an annual budget of more than $10 million, one of whom may be the head of a not for profit organization with a budget of less than $10 million, one of whom may be the chief executive officer of a for profit

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company with more than 1,000 employees, one of whom may be the chief executive officer of a for profit company with less than 1,000 employees, and one of whom is a representative of a private charitable foundation; the Lieutenant Governor shall select one member who may be the head of a school district with more than 25,000 students; and the Speaker of the House shall select one member who may be the head of a school district with less than 25,000 students. (2) The Governor shall appoint one member to serve as chairperson of the board of trustees. The board may elect such other officers as the board deems appropriate. The board shall meet at the call of the chairperson or the request of any three members. (c) The members of the board of trustees shall serve terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualified; provided, however, that the initial terms of the head of a not for profit arts organization with an annual budget of more than $10 million, the head of a school district with more than 25,000 students, and the chief executive officer of a for profit company with fewer than 1,000 employees in Georgia shall be for two years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Thereafter, such members shall serve four-year terms and until their successors are appointed and qualified. The members of the board shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses incurred while on the business of the alliance. (d) The board of trustees shall appoint an advisory committee to assist the board members in their duties. Such advisory committee shall consist of not more than 30 members and shall be chaired by the executive director of the alliance. The advisory committee shall include at least two representatives from each of the state's congressional districts. In making its appointments, the board shall select members of the boards of arts, education, economic development, and tourism organizations; persons who have shown a commitment to the arts in their communities; and persons who understand the needs of business, education, and the arts and tourism industries. Such members shall serve for four-year terms and until their successors are selected and qualified; provided, however, that the board of trustees shall designate 15 of the initial appointees to serve terms of two years and until their successors are selected and qualified. Such 15 members shall thereafter serve four-year terms and until their successors are selected and qualified. The members of the advisory committee shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses incurred while on the business of the advisory committee.

ยง 50-12-32. Purposes The Georgia Arts Alliance may have the following purposes: (1) To support the efforts of the Georgia Council for the Arts in the advancement of the arts and tourism industries of this state;

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(2) To support through the arts and arts education the efforts of the Georgia Department of Economic Development; (3) To support the improvement of public education in Georgia through the integration of the arts in education and to ensure that the benefits of arts education are competitively available to all schools; (4) To provide annually to individual public schools enabling matching grants for up to three years for a specified arts program or project for students based on competitive evaluation by the advisory board or a committee of the advisory board of the various proposals; (5) To provide annually to the Georgia Council for the Arts an incremental addition to the council's funding from other sources to support professional development of teachers, teaching artists, and administrators for arts in education through learning grants to individuals; and to support employment of an art education specialist in both the Georgia Council for the Arts and the Department of Education; (6) To partner with a Learning Center for Excellence in the Arts serving all of Georgia which is owned or operated by an organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and which is part of a Music Center of Excellence serving all of Georgia and has an infrastructure in place to support at least 50,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12; (7) To receive, invest, and administer funds received, including without limitation funds from the state, the federal government, private donations, grants, and other sources to fulfill the purposes for which the alliance is created; (8) To attract contributions and grants for the purposes of the alliance; (9) To utilize funds of the alliance for matching dollars for federal and foundation grants to fulfill the purposes of the alliance; and (10) To engage in other activities designed to support Georgia's arts and the teaching and physical infrastructure needed to provide arts and arts in education in order to improve education and provide for economic development and tourism.

ยง 50-12-33. Duties and responsibilities of board of trustees The board of trustees shall have the following duties and responsibilities: (1) To operate and manage the Georgia Arts Alliance, including the investment and reinvestment of the alliance's funds, the management of assets of the alliance, and the distribution of such funds and assets to fulfill the purpose of the alliance; (2) To enter into contracts with public and private entities for services needed by the alliance and to fulfill the purposes of the alliance;

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(3) To employ such staff and consultants as deemed necessary to fulfill the purposes of the alliance and to manage, invest, and administer funds and assets of the alliance; (4) To receive, retain, and invest donations, state and federal funding, grants, and other funds and assets; (5) To ensure that an annual independent audit is conducted of all funds and assets of the alliance; (6) To apply for and administer grants from public and private entities to fulfill the purposes of the alliance, to assist Georgia arts organizations in obtaining and administering grants for these purposes, and to partner with other organizations in order to obtain such grants; (7) To institute and administer grant programs for Georgia arts organizations and programs to fulfill the purposes of the alliance; (8) To ensure that determinations of any public funding recipients shall be based not on political expediency but rather on the project's contribution to the general welfare of its intended audience and the project's demonstration of its relative ability to provide benefits to the state and its citizens as quantified as required by paragraph (10) of this Code section; (9) To promote, fund, conduct, and assist in the development, provision, and expansion of arts education programs in Georgia and the teaching and physical infrastructure needed to provide arts and arts in education; (10) To develop a measurement consistent with state or national standards that will ensure that information provided by the alliance in any report to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning the impact of the arts on education, economic development, and tourism have verifiable metrics in order to aid the General Assembly in determining whether any public money expended in support of the arts provides quantifiable benefits to the state and its citizens; and (11) To perform such other tasks as may be appropriate to fulfill its purposes not inconsistent with law.

ยง 50-12-34. Independent audit; reporting (a) The funds and assets of the alliance shall be independently audited annually, and the results of such audit shall be open to inspection at reasonable times by any person. A copy of the audit report shall be sent to the state auditor and the state accounting officer. (b) The alliance shall provide the Governor and the members of the General Assembly with a full report of its activities and funds distribution in December of each year with recommendations, if any, for legislation to assist the alliance in achieving its purposes. The report shall include information on the impact of the arts on education, economic GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

development, and tourism, specifying the metric results using the measurement system developed by the alliance as required in paragraph (10) of Code Section 50-12-33.

ยง 50-12-35. Recommendations to Governor and General Assembly The Georgia Arts Alliance may from time to time make written recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly for strengthening of the arts in Georgia. The recommendations may include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Strategies for promoting, both within Georgia and beyond, cultural tourism for all areas of the state; and (2) Recommendations regarding the use of arts in education and instruction in arts in the public schools.

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Small Business Incentives Hope Scholarship and Grant Programs • • • • • • • • • •

Welding and Joining Technology Diesel Equipment Technology Commercial Truck Driving Precision Manufacturing Certified Engineer Assistant Industrial Maintenance Automotive Technology Aviation Technology Construction Technology Electrical Lineman Technology

•

Logistics/Transportation Technology Computer Programming Computer Technology Movie Production/Set Design Health Science Early Childhood Care and Education Practical Nursing

Manufacturing

•

Telecommunications

• • • •

Data Centers Contact Centers Telecommunications Research and Development Facilities

• • • • •

Investment Tax Credits •

Job Creation Tax Credits • • • •

Manufacturing Warehousing, Distribution and Logistics Software Development FinTech

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Industry Comparative and Reference Information Tourism • • •

•

Tourists spent $31 billion in Georgia last year, a 4.8% increase over 2017. The Peach State welcomed a record of 111.67 million visitors in 2018, supporting 475,000 jobs and generating $66.2 billion in economic impact, up 4.7% compared to the previous year. "Tourism is a key piece of Georgia's success story," Gov. Brian Kemp said. "Travelers explore our outdoor activities, food, music, arts, culture and historical venues, while supporting small businesses and local communities." The numbers were reported Wednesday during the annual Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference, held this year in LaGrange, Ga.

Arts • •

• • • • • •

Arts dedicated entities can apply for a Partner Grant that support an organization's operational budget. Nonprofit organizations or units of government presenting or producing high quality arts programs can apply for a Project Grants that support individual arts programming, productions or events. Cities, Counties or Authorities partnering with arts entities to create sustainable local tourism products can apply for a Tourism Product Development Grant High School students can submit an original poem for consideration for the annual Poet Laureate's Prize Community entities can request a reading by Georgia's Poet Laureate, Judson Mitcham Visual Artists can submit their artwork for consideration for 'The Art of Georgia,' a rotating exhibit in The Office of the Governor Nominate an organization or individual that has made significant contributions to the arts and humanities for a Governor's Awards for the Arts & Humanities Communities can apply to be the recipient of a GCA traveling exhibit

Digital Entertainment Tax Credit A tax credit of 20% may be available to digital/interactive entertainment production companies with a minimum of $250,000 in qualified expenditures in Georgia (new in 2018). An additional 10% uplift can be earned by including an embedded Georgia logo and web link on the project's promotional webpage, or through approved alternatives if they offer equal or greater marketing opportunities for the state. This income tax credit may be used against Georgia income tax liability (any excess can reduce the company's Georgia payroll withholding liability). If the interactive entertainment production company chooses, it may make a one-time sale or transfer of the tax credit to one or more Georgia taxpayers.

Interactive entertainment companies will be eligible for this credit only if their gross income is less than $100 million. New in 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pre-released interactive games may qualify for the tax credit at the 20% rate for up to three years. The total credits available for interactive entertainment production companies and affiliates will be capped at $12.5 million each year and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. No single company can receive more than $1.5 million or the amount of its Georgia payroll total (whichever is less) in a given year.

Highlights Of The Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act The Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act (GEIIA) offers an across-the-board flat tax credit of 20 percent to certified projects, based on a minimum investment of $500,000 over a single tax year on qualified expenditures in Georgia. An additional 10 percent uplift can be earned by including an embedded animated or static Georgia promotional logo provided by the Georgia Film Office within certain approved projects and include a link to http://www.ExploreGeorgia.org/Film on the project's promotional website. Qualified expenditures include materials, services and labor. The credit applies equally for Georgia residents and non-residents. There is a salary cap of $500,000 per person, per production, when the employee is paid by "salary," which is defined as being properly paid by W2. If the production company pays an individual for services as a loanout, as a personal services contract, or a 1099 individual meets the criteria for a loanout, then 6% Georgia income tax must be withheld and remitted by the production company. Eligible productions include: feature films; television films, pilots or series; televised specials; televised commercials; and music videos that are distributed outside of Georgia. Sound recordings used in qualified feature films, television movies or specials and television series including motion picture soundtracks produced in Georgia are qualified expenditures, but license fees cannot be included. The $500,000 annual minimum expenditure threshold can be met with one project or the total of multiple projects aggregated by a single production company in a single tax year. The income tax credit may be used against Georgia income tax liability or the production company's Georgia withholding. If the production company chooses, they can sell or transfer the tax credit to one or more Georgia taxpayers through a one-time only transaction.

Georgia Musical Industry Investment Act As cited in Â§ 48-7-40.33, the 'Georgia Musical Industry Investment Act,' for any touring musical or theatrical production that originates and is developed in Georgia and has its initial public performance before a live audience in the state; or that has its U.S. debut in Georgia after preparing and rehearsing for at least seven days in the state; or for a recorded musical performance, including, but not limited to, the score and musical accompaniment of a motion picture, television or digital interactive entertainment production; the production company may be eligible to earn a tax credit of 15% on the Qualified Production Spend, or up to 20% if the production activity takes place in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Georgia County. The Musical Tax Credit will be available beginning January 1, 2018, and will be capped annually, with the cap set at $5 million for 2018, $10 million for 2019, and $15 million thereafter until GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

the credit sunsets in 2023. The credit will be awarded to production companies on a first-come, firstserved basis, and precertification applications shall be reviewed in the order that they are received. Note: Limited to for-profit production companies.

All information sourced through georgia.org unless otherwise noted.

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Expansion of Georgia's Tourism Development The Georgia Tourism Development Act (ยง 48-8-270 et seq) as amended by HB 318 during the 2013 Session, provides a state sales and use tax incentive program for tourism development projects to induce the creation or expansion of tourism attractions within this state in order to relieve unemployment by preserving and creating jobs that would not exist if not for the sales and use tax refund offered by the State and local government.

The Incentive The incentive for developers of approved new or expanding tourism projects over $1 million in costs is the ability to recover over a period of ten years, the lesser of the total amount of the increased sales and use taxes over previous uses or up to 2.5% of the project's development costs. For new or expanded tourism attractions, eligible project activities include, but are not limited to real estate acquisition, the construction and equipping of the tourism attraction and the installation of various facilities and infrastructure to support the attraction. Renovation costs for existing attractions are ineligible.

Eligible Tourism Attractions The Act defines tourism attractions as: a) cultural or historical sites; b) recreation or entertainment facilities; c) a convention hotel and conference center; d) an automobile race track with other tourism amenities; e) a golf course facility with other tourism amenities; f) marinas and water parks with lodging and restaurant facilities; or g) a Georgia crafts and products center. Projects that do not qualify are facilities devoted primarily to retail businesses, restaurants, movie theatres and recreational facilities that are used primarily by local residents and are not a likely destination for out-of-state travelers.

Back: "Trilogy: The Purple Dancers (Panel 2)" Alexis Smith Thomason GEORGIANS FOR THE ARTS WINTER-SPRING 2021

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