HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransmittal - 5/28/2025SALT LAKE CITY TRANSMITTAL
To:
Salt Lake City Council Chair
Submission Date:
05/28/2025
Date Sent to Council:
05/29/2025
From:
Department *
Economic Development
Employee Name:
Baca, Felicia
E-mail
Felicia.Baca@slc.gov
Department Director Signature
Director Signed Date
05/28/2025
Chief Administrator Officer's Signature
Chief Administrator Officer's Signed Date
05/29/2025
Subject:
Cultural Core Year 8 & 9 Executive Summary and Adopted Budget FY 2026
Additional Staff Contact:Presenters/Staff Table
Felicia Baca, Felicia.Baca@slc.gov
Document Type
Information Item
Budget Impact?
Yes
No
Recommendation:
Informational Item
Background/Discussion
See first attachment for Background/Discussion
Will there need to be a public hearing for this item?*
Yes
No
Public Process
ERIN MENDENHALL
MAYOR
LORENA RIFFO-JENSON
DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CITY COUNCIL TRANSMITTAL
_______________________
Jill Remington Love
Chief Administrative Officer
Date Received: ___________
Date sent to Council: ___________
__________________________________________________________________
TO: DATE: : May 27, 2025
FROM: Felicia Baca, Salt Lake City Arts Council Executive Director
SUBJECT: Cultural Core Year-8 & 9 Executive Summary & Adopted Budget FY26
STAFF CONTACTS: Felicia Baca, felicia.baca@slc.gov, 385-256-5588
DOCUMENT TYPE: Information Update
RECOMMENDATION: n/a
BUDGET IMPACT: n/a
COORDINTATION: Downtown SLC Presents (THE BLOCKS) & Salt Lake County Arts &
Culture
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Our annual interlocal agreement with Salt Lake County requires that:
“Recommendations of the (The Blocks/Cultural Core) Budget Committee shall be annually adopted by
majority, vote and transmitted to the Mayors and Councils of the City and County for final approval.
Expenditure of each Party's portion of the Incremental Sales Tax shall be reviewed and may be made by
approval of a budget appropriation by the respective entity upon receipt of a favorable recommendation
of the Budget Committee.” -Salt Lake City and County Interlocal Agreement.
We have provided programmatic updates with a Year 8 recap of programming and summary of Year 9 as
reflected in the budget. This occurs with funds already designated in Salt Lake City’s budget approval
process. The current annual contractual obligation from Salt Lake City is currently $300,000, with
$250,000 in the annual budget and $50,000 from a previous surplus.
Salt Lake County is on a calendar year budget and their annual appropriation of $300,000 was
approved in July 2024 for January-Dec of 2025; and The Blocks will present to the County
again in June of 2025 for the following year 2026 budget approval.
In 2010, the City and County of Salt Lake formed a partnership to promote and develop arts and
culture in the Cultural Core and established a taxing district to provide a reliable revenue source
for a 20-year period. In 2011, a series of community conversations with stakeholders established
foundational goals for the plan including creative placemaking - physical development of the
district, and creative programming - marketing, promotions, and audience development. The
City and County’s Interlocal Agreement for the Cultural Core is governed by a six-member
advisory Budget Committee, with direct oversight from City and County staff. At that time, a
public RFP process resulted in a 5-year contract with Downtown SLC Presents (THE BLOCKS)
which expired in July 2022. In 2022, City staff engaged in another public RFP process with Salt
Lake County to select another contractor to execute on this contract. Downtown SLC Presents
(THE BLOCKS) was once again selected to manage this contract.
The Blocks is willing to do an in-person presentation of the materials contained in this briefing.
Attachments:
o Cultural Core Year-8 YTD Overview & Year-9 Update
o Cultural Core Fy26 Cultural Core Budget
Committee- Adopted Budget
A Year of Impact and a Look Ahead
Created for Salt Lake City Council
Slide 1: Title Slide
The Blocks Arts District: A Year of Impact
The Blocks is Downtown
Salt Lake’s Arts District,
where every block tells a
story through art, and
creativity lives in the
streets.
Slide 2: Opening Statement
Good afternoon, Council Members. My name is Britney Helmers and I am excited to
be here with all of you today. I must say, the most difficult part of my job is sitting here
with little time to tell you about all of the amazing things we have done over the past
year and what we are looking to do in this upcoming year. But, here goes nothing.
As most of you know, The Blocks Arts District is the cultural heartbeat of downtown
Salt Lake City. This past year, we’ve transformed the streets into stages, multiple
walls into canvases, and public spaces into gathering grounds for all Utahns. Today,
I’ll walk you through how we measured up to our mission and our criteria of Impact,
and what that has meant for our city’s artist, cultural, and economic vitality.
NEXT SLIDE
The Cultural Core Budget Committee.
Spencer Lawson
Salt Lake City Representative, Chair
Kathryn Carlisle-Kesling
Salt Lake City Representative, Vice Chair
Isaac Gonzalez
Salt Lake County Representative
Seth Brown
Salt Lake City Representative
Mohan Sudabattula
Salt Lake County Representative
Claudia Loayza
Salt Lake County Representative
Slide 3: Cultural Core Budget Committee
Before I talk about programs, I want to acknowledge the incredible team behind the
scenes, the Cultural Core Budget Committee. This group ensures that we remain
mission-driven, fiscally responsible, and inclusive of all art forms. We’re lucky to work
alongside these dedicated individuals from both the City and County.
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 4: Mission and Framework
First, I want to begin with some of the key opportunities and drivers that were
set forth for us from the Cultural Core Action Plan:
1.Raise Awareness of Salt Lake City as a highly vibrant cultural center
2.View the core as a canvas for action
3.Succeed through thoughtful coordination and collaboration
4.Expand and diversify audiences
Over the past year we have worked to become more mission driven and focus on how
we measure our work based on our Criteria of Impact.
That criteria includes:
● Budget
● Audience attendance
● Artists hired
● Barrier of Entry for artists
● Social media engagement
● And partnerships & additional funds raised
NEXT SLIDE
THE ARTS EQUAL
ECONOMIC VITALITY.
148 days
of Activation
94
Local artists/ orgs
hired through The
Blocks
4 MILLION
Audience members
across arts and
Cultural Venues
18.4%
Growth YOY
$236,680
Directly to artists
$600,000
Total City/ County Budget
40%
Of Budget directly to
Artists
Slide 5: By the Numbers, the 2024 Program Reach
Across the Fiscal year 2024/2025, The Blocks directly activated:
● 148 days of activations through events and initiatives (as of May 12, 2025)
● $236,680 or approximately 40% of our City/ County budget went directly to
artists and arts organizations
● Over 94 local artists hired
● An estimated 135,000 audience members reached through The Blocks live
performances
● Garnered over 1 million in total media impressions
● $75,000 raised in matching/private funds
In working with all of our Arts and Cultural Venues around Downtown, we are also
happy to report that over 4 million tickets were sold last year which is an increase
of 18.4% growth year over year. 2024 was our largest attendance year ever
recorded furthering the audience development goals of the Cultural Core Action
Plan.
NEXT SLIDE
MARKETING AND
PROMOTION.
2500
People per day visiting
our website
32
Dedicated News
Stories in the past year
$70
MILLION
In earned media
+2100
NEW Followers on
Social Media (in the
past year)
1,912,000
Views engaged on Social Media
281,000
Followers across all platforms
Slide 6: By the Numbers, the 2024 Program Reach
Not only was 2024 our largest attendance year but it is was also a year
of major growth across our marketing and promotion platforms.
● 2500 daily visitors to our websites
● 32 dedicated new stories resulting in $70 million in earned media
● And an increase in 2100 people on our Social Media which resulted in
approximately 1,912,000 views on Social Media
● Across all platforms we now have 281,000 followers (meaning The Blocks,
DTA and Farmers Market)
We offer up this growth to our new brand and the partnerships that we have
been working so hard to create across the valley . The brand truly identifies the
culture of our creative economy and the abundance of existing programming
along with our outstanding arts organizations in the Core.
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 7: Key Changes on Abravanel Hall in partnership with Gina Bachauer
International Piano Foundation
This past year, Abravanel Hall reminded us how fragile and precious our cultural
infrastructure really is.
While it faced uncertainty around potential redevelopment and public outcry,
something beautiful also happened, our community showed up.
Artists, audiences, and arts advocates rallied to protect this landmark. We want to
extend many thanks to the voices in this room and beyond, Abravanel Hall was
officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Blocks responded in the best way we know how; through activation and
partnership.
This year, the “Key Changes” project at Abravanel Hall brought new life to our
downtown cultural landscape. As part of a broader effort to create temporary public
art installations across Salt Lake City, this initiative featured six upcycled pianos
transformed by local artists and placed on the plaza for anyone to play. From
professional pianists to curious children, the pianos become spontaneous stages for
creativity, joy, and connection.
As we look to the future of downtown, “Key Changes” showed how temporary art can
More than just musical instruments, these pianos served as a symbol of
accessible, community-driven art. They reminded us that the arts do not always
require a ticket or a stage and that sometimes all it takes is a place to sit and
something to share.
We are proud to report that Gina Bachauer sold more tickets to the International
Piano competition than they ever have before and the success is due to the
temporary activation of Key Changes. Key Changes is the textbook example of
executing the Cultural Core Action plan through placemaking and supplemental
marketing for our existing organizations.
Slide 8: Signature Event … Frame by Frame
In February, The Blocks, Utah Film Commission, Visit Salt Lake , and Salt Lake
City created Frame by Frame. Frame by Frame was built as a love letter to
Salt Lake’s creative core during Sundance Film Festival:
● 800+ attendees
● 18+ featured artists (between visual artists and performing artist such as
a.1 custom T-shirt design designed by Chuck Landvatter
b.8 BIPOc, non-binary, and LGBTQ artists featured under the Sister.SLC
were hired to create an art alley along Floral Street
c.4 DJ’s were hired to bring the vibes for the night
d.And so many more
● 400 custom T-shirts printed on-site by Copper Palate Press
● 304,600 total impressions and national media coverage
Who knew that the parking lot lining the infamous Edison Street in Downtown Salt
Lake could be curated into such an unbelievable night. We showcased what our
creative community can do and what we are yearning for. Well established
organizations grew out of Sundance and will continue to thrive without its presence
and so will this program and the partnerships we created for Frame by Frame.
Overall, partnerships matter. We are excited to be partnering on similar projects like
this for the next year and look forward to bringing Frame By Frame back in 2026.
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 8 (BACKUP SLIDE): Signature Event … Frame by Frame
In February, The Blocks, Utah Film Commission, Visit Salt Lake, and Salt Lake
City created Frame by Frame. Frame by Frame was built as a love letter to Salt
Lake’s creative core:
● 800+ attendees
● 18+ featured artists (between visual artists and performing artist such as
a. 1 custom T-shirt design designed by Chuck Landvatter
b. 8 BIPOc, non-binary, and LGBTQ artists featured under the Sister.SLC
were hired to create an art alley along Floral Street
c. 4 DJ’s were hired to bring the vibes for the night
d. And so many more
● 400 custom T-shirts printed on-site by Copper Palate Press
● 304,600 total impressions and national media coverage
Who knew that the parking lot lining the infamous Edison Street in Downtown Salt
Lake could be created into such an unbelievable night. We showcased what our
creative community can do and what we are yearning for. Well established
organizations grew out of Sundance and will continue to thrive without its presence
and so will this program and the partnerships we created for Frame by Frame.
Overall, partnerships matter. We are excited to be partnering on similar projects like
this for the next year and look forward to bringing Frame By Frame back in 2026.
NEXT SLIDE
Hidden waters
Slide 9: Hidden Waters Installation
This past March, we installed one of our very first Co-Create installations in
partnership with Seven Canyons Trust:
● 8 artists were commissioned from different backgrounds, with different
mediums to create Hidden Waters
●Themes: Water conservation, cultural storytelling, and cultural daylighting
● Activating the North Temple corridor and connecting the Central Business
District to the Folsom Trail
●Connected art, ecology, and urban planning
Council Members, I recall from last years meeting you asked for more murals and
more temporary art. This was one way we wanted to respond to that request.
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 10: Glow at Gallivan
Glow, created by 31 artists within IN Theory Art Studios collective, returned for its
fourth year with interactive light sculptures and winter magic at Gallivan Plaza.
Digital tools tracked 71,500 visitors over 3 months. Individuals had an average
dwell time of 93 minutes.
We are currently evaluating how this program grows next. We are looking to pause
this in 2026 with the hopes that we bring it back in 2027 with new branding, new
ideas, and deeper collaboration. Our research from around the country is that larger
light festivals, such as the portland light festival as an attendance of 253,000 people
and an estimated $9.3 million economic impact. That is an average spending of $37
per person that shows up to these light festivals.
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 11: Steppin on Main - 2024
Last year, we brought back Steppin on Main back for the Free summer series
featuring cultural organizations, artists and arts organizations on the front steps of the
Eccles Theater:
● 3,500+ attendees
● 5 artist groups across music, dance, and even poetry
● 130,000 digital impressions
● And considered a culturally inclusive weekly block party
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 12: Steppin on Main… Looking ahead
In 2025 and 2026 we’re going bigger. Steppin on Main will feature groups like
Cultural Fire Events with an indigenous led pow wow, Samba Fogo for an eclectic
dance night, Bomba Marile bringing Portuguese traditions, and so much more. We
have 13 free performances lined up for this years Steppin On Main, again happening
on Friday evenings from June to September.
This program is becoming a signature celebration of cultural identity and community
pride on Main Street. These organizations are crucial to the fabric of Salt Lake City
and The Blocks will uphold our commitment to building a diverse and creative
community in Downtown Salt Lake City.
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 13: Mariachi Festival
In partnership with the Mexican Consulate we curated a taste of Mexico with the 2nd
Annual Mariachi Festival:
● 1,700 attendees
● 4 Local Mariachi Bands
● Beginner and more skilled groups
● 5 local and national partnerships
● A growing tradition of cultural pride
In building on the topic of the arts creating true economic development,
Linda Wardell, the former GM of City Creek Center mentioned that, "All of the
programming in Downtown has been exciting to be a part of, however, the Mariachi
festival in 2024 was an exceptional experience." She went on to mention that the
Mariachi Festival had an impact on City Creek Center and that the audience
overflowed and filled City Creek Center with shoppers throughout the day.
On August 22, 2025, we will be bringing back the Mariachi Festival. This time,
headliner Flor de Toloache hailing from New York will be joining us alongside 3
local mariachi groups. We are looking forward to seeing 2,500 of our closest
friends and flooding the streets and Delta Hall with the vibrant sounds of Mariachi.
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 14: Pop-Up Galleries & Public Art
Transforming vacant spaces into vibrant showcases and creating partnerships with
those who are changing the landscape of Downtown:
● 16 artists hired to paint at the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club games
● Created a Free Pop-Up Art Gallery at the Delta Center to showcase their work
● Local artists retained 100% of commissions
● Drives foot traffic and changes perception of how we use our spaces.
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 15: The Blocks Asset Loan Program
Not only are we creating exceptional experiences, we continue to providing free
equipment to artists and arts organizations through our Asset and Loan Program:
Over the last year we are proud to say
● $18,000 in assets loaned out in 2024 for free
● 28 days of usage
● 14 arts organizations supported
● Most-used item: Stage decking
● This year we are excited to announce that we have added a full Sound and PA
system to our Asset program to help all arts organizations looking to put on
their own free event in Downtown Salt Lake.
We are excited to continue and grow this program in 2025 and expand access to all
arts organizations.
NEXT SLIDE
EDDY EKPO
EMILY FOX KING
Slide 16: Exhibitions on Main
Another initiative we’re proud of is Exhibitions on Main.
We continue to transform the City’s kiosks along Main Street into mini galleries and
free advertising for all arts organizations across the valley.
This program gave visual artists the chance to share their work with thousands of
pedestrians every day.
In 2024 we highlighted, Rosa Bandeirinha, Dallin Orr, Kate Wolsey, and Jamie Kyle. I
want to mention the opportunities that I am not allowed to go into depth about that
came out of these artists displaying their work on Main Street.One artist said they
have received their largest project to date because a pedestrian saw their artwork
and said, “That is exactly what I am looking for, for my campaign!"
This year we opened up the new call for Artists and Eddy Ekpo, Emily Fox King,
Hannah Carr and Nick Pedersen were all selected to highlight their works of art.
Featured HERE
NEXT SLIDE
HANNAH CARR
NICK PEDERSEN
Slide 17: Exhibitions on Main
For many artists, it was their first time exhibiting in a formal Downtown space.
This is a high-impact, low-barrier program that brings art directly to the public in the
most accessible way possible. Look out for these artists and Main street and don’t be
afraid to give them a shout out.
NEXT SLIDE
THE ARTS BOOST
CREATIVITY AND
CREATIVITY BOOSTS
JOB SUCCESS.
61% of American workers say, “ The more creative and innovative I
am at my job, the more successful I am at the workplace.”
Source: Americans for the Arts
Slide 18: Strategic Partnerships
The work we do is not possible without the help of our workers, residents and
visitors in Downtown. This work is possible thanks to 80+ civic, cultural, and
corporate partners across the Valley. Aligning our work with the American’s for
the Arts and the Cultural Core Goals we will continue to curate, amplify, and
create visibility for artists through:
● Creative placemaking
● Building equity in the arts
● Audience engagement
● And Public-private collaboration
NEXT SLIDE
Slide 19: Final Thank You
We are grateful for the city and the county’s continued support.
The Blocks is more than a district—it’s a declaration: Art belongs in every corner of
our city.
Thank you.
12:44 PM CULTURAL CORE/ THE BLOCKS FY25 BUDGET 5/13/2025
Page 1 - For Internal Use Only
TOTAL Budget
(Cultural Core)
Jul '25 - Jun 26
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
31000 · Sponsors & Grants
31150 · Other Government Grants
31200 · Foundation Grants
31300 · Corporate Sponsors
Total 31000 · Sponsors & Grants
37000 · Other Revenues
37300 · Mgmt Revenue Inter Company
Total 37000 · Other Revenues
Total Income
Gross Profit
Expense
60000 · Payroll, Taxes & Benefits
60100 · Compensation
60110 · Salary and Wages
60120 · Wages - Cell Phone
Total 60100 · Compensation
60200 · Benefits
60210 · Health Insurance
60230 · Life & Disability
60250 · 401 K Retirement
60270 · Staff Parking
60280 · Workers Compensation
Total 60200 · Benefits
60300 · Payroll taxes
60500 · Allocated Payroll & Benefits
Total 60000 · Payroll, Taxes & Benefits
70000 · Office & Administrative Expense
71000 · Occupancy
71100 · Rent & Utilities
71200 · Internet & Telephone
71400 · Office Repairs & Maintenance
71500 · Office Equipmen Rental
71700 · Liability & Commercial Insuranc
Total 71000 · Occupancy
72000 · Office Expenses
72100 · Supplies
72200 · Postage
600,000.00
10,000.00
30,000.00
640,000.00
65,000.00
65,000.00
705,000.00
705,000.00
240,000.00
1,400.00
241,400.00
7,500.00
1,800.00
7,500.00
3,000.00
1,050.00
20,850.00
20,000.00
0.00
282,250.00
26,700.00
1,800.00
4,200.00
1,200.00
6,900.00
40,800.00
1,600.00
66.00
12:44 PM CULTURAL CORE/ THE BLOCKS FY25 BUDGET 5/13/2025
Page 2 - For Internal Use Only
TOTAL Budget
(Cultural Core)
Jul '25 - Jun 26
72300 · Flowers & Gifts
72400 · Dues
72450 · Software Licenses Annual/Monthl
72600 - Government Taxes and Fees
Total 72000 · Office Expenses
73000 · Meetings, Entertainment, Travel
73100 · Meetings and Entertainment
73200 · Travel, Lodging & Meals
73210 · Convention & Seminar Registrati
Total 73000 · Meetings, Entertainment, Travel
74000 · Bank Fees & Service Charges
74100 · Bank Fees
Total 74000 · Bank Fees & Service Charges
75000 · Professional Services
75200 · Audit & Tax Services
75500 · Payroll Services
Total 75000 · Professional Services
76000 · Other Administrative Expenses
76100 · Depreciation
76400 · Government Taxes & Fees
Total 76000 · Other Administrative Expenses
Total 70000 · Office & Administrative Expense
80000 · Program & Event Expense
81000 · Marketing Expenses
81100 · Printing
81110 · Design
81120 · Photography
81200 · Broadcast Media
81220 · Social Media
81300 · Web Design & Support
81400 · Public Relations
81500 · Studies and Survey
81600 · Video Production
Total 81000 · Marketing Expenses
82000 · Contracted Services
82100 · Entertainers/Speakers
82300 · Event Coordinators
82480 · Visual Arts/Installations
82500 · General Labor
75.00
0.00
1,400.00
3,141.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
9,000.00
50.00
50.00
0.00
600.00
600.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
53,591.00
15,500.00
4,000.00
9,000.00
21,000.00
6,000.00
3,000.00
0.00
0.00
12,009.00
70,509.00
55,000.00
10,000.00
14,500.00
29,050.00
12:44 PM CULTURAL CORE/ THE BLOCKS FY25 BUDGET 5/13/2025
Page 3 - For Internal Use Only
TOTAL Budget
(Cultural Core)
Jul '25 - Jun 26
Total 82000 · Contracted Services
82400 · Other Event Expenses
82420 · Event Permits & Licenses
Total 82400 · Other Event Expenses
83000 · Facilities & Equipment
83100 · Venue Rentals
83700 · Event Equipment Rental
83920 · Vehicle Expense
Total 83000 · Facilities & Equipment
85000 · Other Event Operating Expense
85100 · Contributions & Grants Given
85210 · Prog/Event Software & Licenses
85300 · Event Parking
85400 · Event Supplies
85800 · Event Planning
Total 85000 · Other Event Operating Expense
Total 80000 · Program & Event Expense
Total Expense
Net Ordinary Income
Net Income 0.00
108,550.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
174,100.00
5,000.00
0.00
10,000.00
0.00
189,100.00
369,159.00
705,000.00
0.00