Arts & Historical Preservation Advisory Board

City accepting applications for arts and historic preservation 

GALVESTON, TX – March 8, 2023 –The City of Galveston’s Arts and Historical Preservation Advisory Board is accepting applications for grant funding of projects until March 15, 2023.  

The Arts and Historical Preservation Advisory Board allocates hotel-motel occupancy tax funds to arts and historic preservation-related non-profit organizations. There’s a set aside fund that is 6/8 of a penny on the hotel occupancy tax rate for such endeavors. This amount is distributed every two-year period for arts and historical preservation. 

The funds must be used for increasing tourist visitation in the areas of historical preservation and restoration, advertising, marketing, and promotion directed to visitors to Galveston, or commemoration of historic events. 

Organizations must meet certain criteria, including: 

  • Demonstrate tax-exempt status; 
  • Be in operation for at least one calendar year before the application deadline; 
  • Produce financial statements showing activity for one calendar year; 
  • Be headquartered in Galveston; 
  • Attach an organizational history/philosophy statement to the application 
  • Provide programs and events available to city residents and tourists; 
  • Demonstrate that the request for hotel tax funds does not constitute more than 20 percent of operational budget; 
  • Comply with all City ordinances and procurement procedures.  

 Anyone with questions may contact the City Secretary’s Office at 409-797-3510. 

HOT Funds Application

Ordinance No. 22-049 - Criteria and Selection Procedures

ARTS AND HISTORICAL PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD

Created Under City Code—Section 33-95

Composition:

The board shall consist of seven persons selected and appointed by the City Council, commencing October 1 of each year, as follows: Three board members shall be citizens at large and one board member shall be an ex-officio, nonvoting member, who shall be a City Council representative.

Term of appointments:

Board members shall be appointed for a three-year term. “Term” shall be defined as October 1 to September 30 of each year. No member, except the ex-officio member, shall serve more than two consecutive terms. No member, including the ex-officio member, shall be an employee or officer of any organization receiving or requesting funds. However, any board member, including the ex-officio member, may be a volunteer or board member of an organization requesting or receiving funds.

General powers and duties:

All board members, including the ex-officio member, are expected to attend meetings on a regular basis and to participate in a fair share of applicant reviews and site visitations. The board recommends the distribution of hotel/motel tax funds set aside for arts and historic preservation. A quorum shall consist of four board members. An affirmative vote of four board members shall be required to approve any action of the board.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View All Agendas and Minutes

Application for Funding

Access the current application for funding (PDF).

Interested in applying?  Contact the City Secretary's office for information on submitting an application.


ARTS & HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD (3 YR TERMS)

To make recommendations to Council for the distribution of a portion of hotel occupancy taxes set aside for arts and historic preservation.

Position 1 - Corlie Jackson
Position 2 - Vacant
Position 3 - Mackenzie Finklea
Position 4 - Theresa Elliott
Position 5 - Mary Branum (Chair)
Position 6 - Surinder Aulakh
Position 7 - Elisabeth Cawthon