Measure P, the ⅜-cent sales tax approved by Fresno residents a few years back to improve local parks and support the arts, is finally here. Literally. On Sept. 5, the Fresno Arts Council (FAC), led by Lilia Chavez, presented a $9.4 million check. This is the amount to be distributed among local art organizations, artists and media outlets promoting arts and culture.
In recent years, the FAC called on cultural organizations and culture stakeholders to develop a Cultural Arts Plan on how to use Measure P–generated funds. The plan was finalized last year and will be updated every five years.
“This is a monumental day and [all] thanks to the citizens of Fresno,” said Chavez during a Sept 5. press conference. “It’s our citizens that took up the mantle that decided to include arts in Measure P.” She expressed the importance of this funding in support of the arts in our city.
Fresno is one of the few cities in the state to implement such a plan.
The San Joaquin Valley Media Alliance, working with the Community Alliance newspaper, is a proud beneficiary of this plan. Readers can view the Arts & Culture Calendar and arts coverage every month.
