MOTION -- Art and performance are critical to the economy and fabric of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated this industry. Public health guidelines have closed theaters, halted filming, and stopped large gatherings altogether. These major disruptions have led to mass layoffs and have the potential to erase an entire sector if urgent action is not taken, both Citywide and specifically in Council District 2.The Noho Arts District in Council District 2 has the second largest concentration of theatres in the United States, which present more than 500 shows per year, host roughly 35 acting classes on any given night, and provide entertainment to over 20,000 people throughout the year. Many NoHo theatres survive month to month. Without the revenue from shows, classes, rentals, and ticket sales, these professional theatres could close their doors permanently within the next 30 to 60 days. This creates a domino effect for Noho restaurants, bars, and other local businesses rely on theater patrons, actors, and employees for significant portion of their sales
Currently, Council District 2 maintains approximately $349,000 in Arts Development Fee (ADF) revenues. According to die ADF ordinance (LAMC Section 91.107.4.6}, ADF guidelines, and the Nexus Report, the fees can be used for cultural and artistic facilities, services, and amenities that are accessible to all members of the public. In order to preserve the Noho Arts District, it is necessary to reallocate existingCD2 ADF revenues to a new Council District Two Emergency Grant Program that will assist live performance spaces with operating expenses through the COVID-I9 pandemic.
I THEREFORE MOVE that the Council INSTRUCT the Department of Cultural Affairs with assistance from the City Attorney's Office to develop guidelines for a Council District 2 Emergency Grant using the following parameters;
(l) Eligible organizations Include both for-profit and nonprofit live performing arts located in Council District 2 with under 50 employees, including sole proprietors, Independent contractors, and the self-employed.
(II) The program will allocate $8,000 individual grants to live performing arts venues that can be used for operating capital in return for a virtual publicly accessible performance, lesson or workshop and/or a certain number of free, publicly accessible performances, lessons or workshops upon re-opening.I FURTHER MOVE that the Council APPROVE the reallocation of $200,000 from Council District 2 from the art project commitments and associated findings identified in the FY 2019-2020 ADF Expenditure Plan and Fee Status Report to the new Council District Two Emergency Grant Program.