What was the decision made by the Lubbock City Council regarding the funding for First Friday Art Trail?
The Lubbock City Council voted 5-2 to cut $30,000 in Cultural Arts Grants funding for First Friday Art Trail hosted in Downtown Lubbock. The grant funding comes from Hotel Occupancy Tax.
Who accused First Friday Art Trail of using part of the funds for LGBTQ+ exhibits and events?
Councilman David Glasheen accused First Friday Art Trail of using part of the funds for LGBTQ+ exhibits and events, including a drag show.
What was the reason behind cutting the funding for First Friday Art Trail?
Councilman David Glasheen believes it’s not appropriate for children and should not be funded by public dollars.
How did the Lubbock City Council members vote on the funding cut?
Mayor Mark McBrayer, Jennifer Wilson, Tim Collins, Brayden Rose, and Glasheen supported the decision to pull the funds. Councilwoman Christy Martinez-Garcia and Councilman Gordon Harris voted against the funding cut.
What was the response from the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts?
The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, which manages the First Friday Art Trail, said it’s “terribly disappointed and disheartened” by the council’s decision and says it was never consulted about the drag event mentioned. LHUCA also said the event was hosted by a separate entity off of its property.
What will be affected by the funding cuts?
According to LHUCA, the cuts will affect funding for local music/entertainment including artists, free trollies provided to the public around the event, and security measures.
How are the Cultural Arts Grants funding decisions made?
Civic Lubbock said its grant review committee reviews applications for grants, which are also approved by the board, before going to the Lubbock City Council. Civic Lubbock also points out there are more… (truncated)
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