Which arts facilities, programs will benefit from proposed budget?

Mayor Ken Welch’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year, which officially begins Oct. 1, includes several allocations for arts projects and existing facilities. “St. Petersburg is an internationally recognized City of the Arts,” Welch wrote in his introduction, citing the Dali Museum, the Chihuly Collection and other creative revenue-generators.

“We must continue to support our arts community, grow its infrastructure, and provide equitable opportunities for locals and businesses alike.”

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Among the asks is $100,000 in “planning” funds for the proposed Arts Plaza, an “aesthetic unification” of the Dali and the neighboring Mahaffey Theater, both of which are city-owned.

The mayor recommends $500,000 for the city’s Arts Grants program, a $45,000 increase over the FY23 Adopted Budget.

Other recommendations include:

• $107,000 for the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
• $100,000 for The Florida Orchestra
• $50,000 for the Arts Conservatory for Teens
• $87,000 for the Museum of History, a $75,000 increase over the FY23 Adopted Budget, “to be used for archive support”

Public hearings on the proposed budget will take place during September, with the council scheduled to vote Sept. 28.