Cultural Assets Commission

In addition, this committee acts to serve as a vetting body to consider merits of proposals, to provide recommendations as to periodic funding and grant awards consistent with solicitation processes, and to provide further advice regarding enhancements to the Program to meet the primary objectives set forth by the Board of County Commissioners.   

Apply for a Special Events Partnership Grant

The Cultural Assets Program is designed to strengthen and promote cultural assets throughout Hillsborough County that encourage placemaking and community-building outcomes aligned with the County’s economic and community prosperity goals by:

• Communicating the authentic County story
• Supporting the activation of public spaces
• Enriching the lives of residents
• Achieving greater patron spending
• Maximizing visitation to our market

A cultural asset, for the purposes of this program, is defined as a contributing element of the County’s uniqueness, personality and character, which falls under one or more of the following categories:

• Fine Arts
• Historic
• Natural and/or Recreational
• Lifestyle, Culinary, and/or Creative Industries

A quality community celebrating its unique culture and seeking to celebrate its diverse personality is widely recognized as an integral part of an overarching economic development strategy, attracting talented workforce, business capital, and of course growing job opportunities.

Membership

The membership of this Commission shall be appointed by the BOCC and shall be comprised of 11 members.

Categories with composition are specified as follows:

1. Elected Officials or Designee
• County Commissioner, designated by the BOCC Chair;
• Mayor of the City of Tampa, or designee;
• Mayor of the City of Temple Terrace, or designee;
• Mayor of the City of Plant City, or designee;
2. Community-based philanthropic organization and/or private foundation
• Three representatives
3. Cultural-based organizations and program delivery, event production, corporate giving, natural and recreational assets, fine arts, local history, creative industries, culinary assets, place-making, tourism, marketing, and economic development
• Four representatives with one or more of these skill sets

Terms

Members shall serve three year terms. Three consecutive unexcused absences from Commission meetings shall constitute a cause for a member to be removed from the Commission, which removal shall be approved by a majority vote of the remaining Commission members.

Authority

Ordinance 18-12, adopted March 21, 2018, by the BOCC.

Meeting time and place

First Friday, 9:30 AM, Quarterly - December, March, June, September