University Star

San Marcos could receive a facelift with the help of set-aside allocations from the city’s budget.

The 2011 fiscal year budget allotted $20,000 for organizations to promote diversity and tourism in the city. The San Marcos Arts Commission created the application process for programs seeking funding for any approved plans.

Diann McCabe, chair of the arts commission, said the project would enhance aspects of culture in music, theater, dance or visual arts. She said the funding is meant to create awareness to uninvolved areas, and to act as an incentive for developing new organizations. McCabe said the funding is available for anyone who has a project in mind.

“I hope we’ll have enough applications, so all the money will be used,” said McCabe, associate director of the University Honors Program.

Lisa Morris, recreation manager of the City of San Marcos Community Services, said applications have not been turned in for the funding grant or the arts commission.

“Our hope is that the programs will bring more awareness to the cultural diversity and traditions of the community,” Morris said. “Hopefully, they will make the city a better place to live and play. I think any time you have a community with diversity among the people, it really makes for a better atmosphere.”

McCabe said the proposed program could be targeted for any age, but the maximum financial request cannot be for more than half of the total project cost.

“If someone applied for diversity funding of an afterschool art project for children, that would probably be considered,” McCabe said. “It depends on the audience they would be working with. The recipients of the grant can gear the program for any age range.”

Desiree Fierro-Wohlfarth, studio art senior, said she is passionate about art because it helps promote different ideas in the community.

“It helps me to communicate feelings and thoughts about my life and my environment,” Fierro-Wohlfarth said.

Linda Kelsey-Jones, president of the San Marcos Arts Council and art education lecturer, said she has been involved with the arts in the city for a long time and has seen a rise in the dynamic over the past seven years.

“No matter what the economy is like, people have to have something other than money and their basic needs met,” Kelsey-Jones said. “People need more than just working, eating and buying stuff to feel their lives are worthwhile. I think a world without art is pretty grim.”

The application process for the financial backing involves completing a diversity questionnaire, completing and submitting one original and nine copies of the Project Funding Application. Individuals must attach résumés of the key members behind the project and declare a tax-exempt status. There are other finite details for the reviewing process outlined in the packet provided by the arts commission. There is also an electronic copy located on their the website.

McCabe said a peer review panel will rank the applications. Applications are due by March 1 and approved contracts will have funding available in April.