Agenda Item Name:
Title
Request Approval for the Hippodrome Theatre to Reallocate Previously Awarded Grant Funding
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Presenter:
Jessica Hurov
Description:
The Hippodrome Theatre has requested adjustments to its Nature and Culture Destination Grant to publicize new activities with an adaptive plan to create alternative experiences in response to programmatic changes due to COVID-19 and the ongoing prohibitions on use of professional actors by the Actors’ Equity Association. The Hippodrome is unable to produce traditional mainstage theatrical programming, including a full in-person musical this summer, as previously planned. Instead, the Hippodrome requests approval for new programs, including “By the Light of the Silvery Screen”, a cabaret celebration of movie musicals and The Hipp Pop Up Series, featuring professional 45-minute cabaret performances performed by well-known Hippodrome actors. The free performances will entertain audiences by ‘popping up’ all over Gainesville and Alachua County at locations including Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, Bo Diddley Plaza, Thornebrook Village Stage, 4th Avenue Food Park, The Village Ballroom, and the Curia performance space. Additional programs and performances are being planned to replace the mainstage performances on the grant application, the full complement of films in the Cinema series, and more. In accordance with their application, the awarded funds are also used to support key efforts and performances to continue to publicize the theatre to audiences including streaming programs, special events and more. Founded in 1973, the Hippodrome is the only professional regional theatre in a 120-mile radius, and is in its 48th year of artistic excellence.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the previously awarded grant funding to support the marketing and operations expenses for the Hippodrome’s adaptive programming and authorize the County Manger to sign an any amendment to the grant award or agreement related to this approval.
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Prior Board Motions:
On November 10, 2020 the Board of County Commissioners approved a $187,308.55 grant award for the Hippodrome Theatre and authorized staff to issue the Purchase Order with additional terms.
On July 14, 2020 the Board of County Commissioners approved the Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant application.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
$187,308.55 was previously approved as the award for FY21 and $154,366.56 remains on PO 2021-1287; Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Fund 006.45.4540.552.82.61
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Background:
In order to support and enhance Alachua County as a culturally interesting and vibrant destination, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners has allocated a portion of the Tourist Development Tax revenue to aid in the operations and promotions of arts, cultural, and nature events that have, as one of their main purposes, the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the event to tourists through the Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant program.