Arts and Culture Grants Program

Questioned who authorized roughly $1 million in arts and culture grants and asked for an investigation, possibly by the new Inspector General.

A band booster parent described how city grants let her daughter's marching band afford uniforms and equipment, building student confidence.

Arlington High band president reported 20 percent participation growth and a championship finish since receiving city grant support.

President of the Inland Empire women's chorus thanked the committee for the recommended grant, noting it was reduced somewhat.

UCR Pipe Band board member thanked the council for two-year grant funding supporting professional instruction and uniforms.

Director of the Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties highlighted free community workshops and murals reaching underserved zip codes 92501 and 92504.

Praised the grant program's community impact and urged continued support.

Noted 8,000 visitors to her organization's programming and thanked the council for the grants.

Director of philanthropy at Riverside Arts Academy described how ensemble music education builds belonging, with 90 percent of students on scholarship.

Riverside Ballet Brava representative described school outreach ballet classes and upcoming performances thanks to grant support.

Board president of Riverside Ballet Brava thanked the city and asked the council to affirm the grant recommendation that evening.

Questioned the shift from event-sponsorship grants to unrestricted operating grants of up to $40,000, saying the public benefit is no longer clear and the funding source changed.