We're pleased to present the inaugural edition of Council Communiqué. Every two months, we’ll be sending you updates and stories about the Council's work in the areas of advocacy, grantmaking, artist services and more, plus a list of upcoming events.

This is an important time for the Council. We're celebrating 40 years of promoting arts and culture in Palm Beach County. Four decades ago, the county was called a 'cultural desert.' Today, it's home to more than 200 arts and cultural organizations that produce over 42,000 events annually, generate $633 million in economic impact and employ over 14,000 people.

We invite you to celebrate with us. Here are some of the things we're doing to commemorate our 'Ruby' anniversary:

CENTER STAGE

Thinking Pink with Jen Fisher

Supporting the arts means giving a voice to those individuals who dedicate their lives to it—the artists! New artist member since July 2017, Jen Fisher is the talented painter, illustrator and designer who won our commemorative cover contest for the Winter 2018 issue of art&culture magazine. Her winning work, “Pretty in Pink,” features a stunning rendition of our headquarters.

We asked Jen a few questions for our inaugural edition of Cultural Communiqué. To learn what artists she's inspired by, or where her favorite cultural spot is to visit, click the link below.

GRANTS NEWS

One of the highlights of each grants cycle is when we get to award organizations important funds that will allow them to offer programming, impact education or drive cultural tourism to the county. We’re pleased to announce the recipients of the Category C-I grants for fiscal year 2017-2018.

Category C-I refers to the Cultural Development Fund for Small and Emerging Cultural Organizations. These annual grants are funded through ad valorem taxes, and the Council manages this program for the Palm Beach County Commission. Grants are awarded to any small, stable or new cultural organization (with operating revenues above $25,000) that preserves cultural heritages, expands opportunities to children, or otherwise enables residents to explore diverse and innovative cultural programming. Many of these grantees grow into larger organizations, due, in part to this program and the Council’s support.

ARTS ADVOCACY

An important part of our mission is to advocate for cultural funding and key issues that could impact the sector at the local, state and national levels. Since the state’s legislative session started in early January, Council staff has traveled to Tallahassee four times to speak to the Palm Beach County delegation to rally support.

During Tourism Day on January 17, we worked alongside Visit Florida, the Tourist Development Council and Discover The Palm Beaches to advocate against bills that could damage our ability to bring visitors to our destination. During Art & Culture Day on January 23, the Council worked to tell the story of the importance of state grant funding to our community (there are 46 grants valued at $5.7 million in Palm Beach County recommended by the Department of Cultural Affairs this year) and how it impacts an organization like the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches. Initial budgets in the House and Senate only allocate about one-quarter of the full funding for these critical grants.

We continue to follow up and encourage our members and supporters to speak out. Contact information for representatives, as well as helpful tools and resources can be found at:

palmbeachculture.com/advocacy

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

When the Cultural Council (then known as the Palm Beach County Council of the Arts) was first formed in 1978, one person was selected as its founding executive director: Judy Goodman . During her tenure, she conducted the Community Needs for Facilities survey, which led to the campaign to build the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and was instrumental in the passing of the Tourist Development Tax Campaign for the Arts, which has provided nearly $100 million in arts and culture grants to date from bed tax revenue. Goodman also served as the Council’s 4th board chair from 1981 to 1982, and remains a donor and advocate. In addition to her work with the Council, Goodman served on the Kravis Center’s board for 17 years and is currently a Life Trustee.

She is a director of the Palm Beach Civic Association, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and a former director for Palm Beach County Medical Society Services.  She served as co-chair of the successful referendum to reauthorize the Children’s Services Council in 2014. Goodman is also Distinguished Trustee and former chairman of the South Florida Fair, and named to its Hall of Fame. She and her husband, J. John Goodman, M.D., are major donors at Scripps Florida, Society 1919 donors at Palm Beach Medical Society Services; Kravis Founders; and a media room at Boston Latin School and conference room at the University of Vermont Medical School are named for the couple.

Today, Judy Goodman is an attorney and teaches healthcare law at Florida Atlantic University in the College of Business. A writer, former broadcast editorialist, and television talk show host, Goodman started her career as a fashion illustrator and radio announcer before landing her first job at Harry N. Abrams, the art book publishing house.

 

“Clearly, Judy Goodman’s work over the past 40 years has had a tremendous impact on the cultural life of all residents of Palm Beach County,” said Judith A. Mitchell, CEO of the Kravis Center.

It is because of this strong commitment to the arts and this community, that Goodman will be honored at the 2018 Muse Awards with the Legacy Award - Individual. We hope you will join us on March 22 to celebrate her achievements.

UPCOMING EVENTS