A few Richardson arts organizations are set to receive funding for special events using funds generated through the city's hotel and motel tax fund, which was made in September.

Based on recommendations made by the Richardson Cultural Arts Commission, City Council received recommendations to award four organizations with arts initiative grant funds during its April 15 workshop meeting.

The overview

Elizabeth Gonzalez, vice chair of the Cultural Arts Commission, said requests came in from nine organizations and totaled over $90,000. The final list of recommendations totals $26,500 in grants and will go to four different groups:
  • Chamberlain Ballet
  • Dallas Chinese Community Center
  • OutLoud
  • Richardson Symphony Orchestra
The grants were designed to provide a portion of funding for an event not typically on an arts organization's calendar, Gonzalez said. The application window opened Jan. 8 and closed March 22.

According to city documents, special consideration was given to unique events, a performance that integrates technology or an interactive element, a collaborative project between multiple organizations, and events with community outreach.


Twenty-four arts organizations received grant funding in September, and the most recent grants will be funded through leftover money in the budget.

The details

The Chamberlain Ballet is set to receive a $7,000 grant to put on a performance called “They Sing, They Dance” at the Charles W. Eisemann Center this October. The performance is a collaboration between the Chamberlain Ballet, Plano Civic Chorus, Richardson Symphony Orchestra and Richardson ISD High School Choir, according to a council presentation.

The Dallas Chinese Community Center is planning to use its $2,500 grant to help hold an ikebana flower arrangement workshop and an arts competition around Mother’s Day. Local arts organization OutLoud is receiving $10,000 for a project called “See Me” that merges art, technology and theater to amplify the youth of North Texas, Gonzalez said.


The final grant worth $7,000 was awarded to the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, which plans to hold an outdoor concert at The University of Texas at Dallas this fall.

“This is one of my favorite incentive programs for the Cultural Arts Commission,” council member Curtis Dorian said. “It allows [an] opportunity for people to step up, shine and show some different types of technology and performances that will open the door, educate and create a diversified approach in Richardson.”

What’s next?

Council is expected to confirm the grant awards as part of its consent agenda during its April 22 meeting.