CT HB06692

Department of Economic and Community Development shall establish and administer a special incentive grant program for artistic and cultural programs, requiring that one-third of financial assistance consist of nonfederal funds raised by the department.

Department powers include entering into contracts for grants, loans, or advances to individuals, organizations, or institutions engaged in artistic and cultural programs, including for state-wide marketing, infrastructure, and workforce development purposes.

Department may establish a nonprofit foundation to raise private funds for artistic and cultural activities including music, theater, dance, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, films, heritage, historic preservation, humanities, and allied arts and crafts.

For tourism activities, department shall develop annual strategic marketing plans, maintain visitor welcome centers, develop grant programs for tourism industry entities, and administer challenge grants to encourage innovation and job development.

Department must establish metrics and accountability structures for both arts/culture grant programs and tourism investments made by the state, effective July 1, 2023.