Latest news with #ArtsandCultureDepartment
Axios
26-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Expanded film incentives could grow local industry
San Antonio's film community is sizing up its future after Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation expanding the state's tax incentives program for movies and TV shows. Why it matters: Senate Bill 22 opens the door for Texas — including San Antonio — to attract more major film and TV productions and create more job opportunities for local creatives. Catch up quick: The law gives consistent funding for the first time to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, to the tune of $300 million every two years. The total investment is projected to reach $1.5 billion through 2035. For every $1 spent on incentives, Texas sees about $4.69 in economic return, according to the state's Economic Development and Tourism office. Zoom in: San Antonio's Supplemental Film Incentive, funded through hotel occupancy taxes, offers up to a 7.5% rebate on eligible spending. Combined with state incentives, productions could receive up to 38.5% in total rebates, making it one of the most competitive packages in the state, according to Krystal Jones, director of the city's Arts and Culture Department. "San Antonio is poised for a major leap forward," she said in a statement. What they're saying: Paul Ardoin, director of the University of Texas at San Antonio's film and media program, says the bill's long-term scope could help build a stronger industry footprint in San Antonio and lead to more Texas stories being told. He says the local talent pipeline is expanding, with UTSA's Film/Media program entering its fourth year with more than 300 majors. "We're seeing increasing numbers of young people becoming fluent in digital media storytelling," Ardoin tells Axios. The fine print: Productions that hire veterans for at least 5% of their crew can qualify for an additional 2.5% incentive — an edge that could benefit Military City USA.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bill aims to bring more community events to downtown Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) –An Albuquerque City Councilor says there's an opportunity to bring more cultural enrichment to downtown Albuquerque, while also letting fewer buildings sit empty. The KiMo theater is one of a few venues mentioned in a new bill that looks to bring more activity to performance spaces the city already owns. 'Right now, both those theaters aren't open very often,' said Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquín Baca. Story continues below Trending: ABQ family defies all odds after their fetus received a rare diagnosis Breaking: Pope Francis dies at 88 Crime: Repeat International District murder suspect facing new charges The KiMo and South Broadway Cultural Event Center are among those, city councilor Baca wants to see get used more. A bill he's introducing on Monday is looking to do just that. 'Now it's, you know, typically big shows, all of them great, but very, very few shows. I mean, it's closed most of the time, and, you know, as a public space, it's part of our community,' said Baca. The bill would be specific to a handful of performance spaces downtown, requiring them to hold a total of at least 12 events a month, which would triple the number they currently hold. 'The community is asking for the ability to put on performances to use these spaces. You know, these are public spaces. They should be used by our community,' he said. This bill is also looking to simplify how the community can rent the space. 'It would help up the price, lower the barriers to putting out a performance. You know, a lot of these communities can actually put on performances that generate revenue, but it's really hard for them to get the space rented without paying up front, even though they rely on ticket sales to pay for it,' said Baca. Baca said this could include uses besides typical shows. 'It doesn't have to just be performances. I mean, the idea has been floated through the years of having it like a museum gift shop or a place to get wine. This is more about like, let's activate those spaces. Let's not just leave them,' he said. As Baca hopes to bring the life and community engagement Baca said the KiMo used to be known for. 'I live downtown, and I used to go to the KiMo pretty regularly with my kids. There was always something going on, whether it was just the screening of a movie or a play, or there was always something. They had a big calendar over that town. That doesn't happen anymore now,' he said. If the proposal passes, the city's Arts and Culture Department would be responsible for coordinating those events and simplifying the rental process for those spaces. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City leaders look to rewrite vendor rules for Old Town Portal Market
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – One Albuquerque city councilor believes it's time to update the rules on how vendors in Old Town are able to sell their homemade items along the sidewalk to passerbyers. This comes after controversy and concerns about vendors violating the rules. Story continues below DWI Scandal: Another BCSO deputy placed on leave in connection to DWI dismissals National: Federal judge rules Trump must reinstate many fired federal employees Politics: Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announces intention to run for reelection 'What I've done is taken these designs and created my own design and style by using some of the techniques that we learned from the Hopi,' said Old Town Portal Market Vendor Bennard Dallas. Dallas has been selling his work in the old town portal market for more than ten years. 'It's fantastic. People from all over the world come through here,' said Dallas. From turquoise, earrings, bracelets and more, the market is located on the sidewalk east of the Old Town Plaza. Dallas said it means a lot to share his culture. 'If you look at my work, it's unique. You can't buy this in a factory. It's designed and created by me. They come from my ancient culture,' added Dallas. The current rules for vendors have been in place since 1994. All vendors need an official permit, and the number of spots is set to 15 with a lottery system in place. They are also required to only sell items they made with regular inspections done to make sure authentic pieces are being sold. Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquin Baca and the city are working to update the rules for vendors. This comes after a controversy over how they are managed. Arguments have recently erupted among vendors about who gets a spot and where they're placed. Baca hopes the new rules will bring the program into the modern era. 'Simple changes obviously would be doing the permitting online maybe that opens it up to more folks, some of the younger folks, newer vendors,' said Councilor Baca. Baca hopes to get public and vendors input about what needs to be changed or added. 'One of the special things about Albuquerque and New Mexico is the culture. What makes us unique. What makes us special. What makes us, us,' said Councilor Baca. Dallas said he would support any new rules that would improve the program for the artists. 'The rules keep us in place and keep the program going in an effective and efficient way,' said Dallas. Baca hopes to introduce the proposal at the April 7 Albuqeurque City Council meeting. The Arts and Culture Department said a team of city workers are currently overseeing the vendors. The Arts and Culture Department sent KRQE this statement: The Old Town Portal Market Program has been a valued part of Old Town for decades, overseen by the Department of Arts & Culture through a Portal Manager and support team. Like any ordinance, periodic updates are necessary to support evolving operational needs and to ensure a well-managed, welcoming marketplace for independent artisans and customers. Proposed ordinance updates will be shared in the coming weeks with the general public, Portal Market vendors, and the Old Town Portal Market Advisory Board. Dr. Shelle Sanchez, Director, Arts & Culture Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man charged with stealing $56K from Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department
A Florida man impersonated a vendor used by Lackawanna County's Arts and Culture Department and stole nearly $60,000 from the county, according to the county district attorney's office. Michael Anthony Patrylo, 23, of Oviedo, was arrested Friday by Oviedo Police Departmentofficers, Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said. The county's Arts and Culture Department informed the district attorney's office in February 2024 about two invoices totaling $56,689 to L&A Tent Rentals of New Jersey for tent rentals for the 2023 Lackawanna Winter Market. A representative from L&A Tent Rentals contacted Arts and Culture Department Director Maureen McGuigan and told her there were two outstanding invoices, Detective Colleen Catanese wrote in a criminal complaint. After communicating with an individual who identified himself as Steve Campbell from the vendor, she sent the money electronically to an NBKC Bank account held by the rental company in December 2023. However, the real Campbell later told McGuigan they don't have an account with that bank and didn't receive the money, she wrote. Catanese obtained bank records through a search warrant that revealed the account McGuigan sent the money to belonged to Patrylo. She also discovered the $56,689 deposit made that January and withdrawals from the account later that month to Uber, Doordash, a Delta flight ticket from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Orlando International Airport, a vacation rental, UPS, a cryptocurrency platform and travel insurance companies Catanese charged Patrylo with felony counts of theft, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, forgery and criminal use of a communication facility. He is awaiting extradition to Lackawanna County from Florida to be arraigned on the charges, Gallagher said. If convicted, he faces up to 47 years in prison, a $95,000 fine and a term of supervised release following imprisonment, Gallagher's office said in the statement. The county filed an insurance claim to recoup the stolen taxpayer money and paid the real vendor that provided the tents, county officials said last year. County systems were not hacked, they said. 'Forgery, fraud, and theft of public funds erode public trust and divert resources intended for our community,' Gallagher said in a statement announcing the charges. 'Our office is committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting these types of offenses against our county.'
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sneak peek at Boynton Beach's kinetic art displays sure to dazzle, fascinate this weekend
BOYNTON BEACH — This weekend, more than 20 artists from around the world will showcase over 30 pieces of kinetic art, many loaned to Boynton Beach or purchased by the city for approximately $100,000 for the 2025 experience. This biennial event, held since 2013, celebrates motion-based art powered by wind, water or electricity. Kinetic art is from any medium that contains the perception of movement. It can be in the form of canvas paintings, three-dimensional sculptures and figures such as mobiles that are either naturally or machine operated. Kelly Armstead, the division director for the Arts and Culture Department, said she thinks Boynton's initial interest in kinetic art began around 2013 and has only grown. 'I guess just bringing the beauty of motion, of having artwork in motion, either by wind or by water or electric, I guess was just very popular back then,' Armstead said. 'It's just continued, going forward, even from school children that have attended in the past and have presented kinetic artwork. So we're just trying to keep up with that particular love of art.' The event will encompass an indoor and outdoor showcase, live music, children's activities, food trucks and more. Armstead said city officials are expecting around 6,000 visitors this weekend. 'This weekend, this is the kinetic experience weekend. However, the art works will be on display for 18 months,' Armstead said. 'But this weekend will encompass indoor kinetic works only, as well as outdoor activities for youth and families, including the Valerie Tyson Band. There will be bubbles for kids.' Paul Slater, who owns Public Art Works Inc., a company that installs, maintains and repairs public art, will display two pieces this weekend. His company is assisting the city with installing and setting up this weekend's event. He emphasized the thoughtfulness of artwork placement. He spoke with all of the artists, which was his favorite part, because he enjoys hearing about the creative process. 'I thought it was cool, as we were installing it, we were trying to imagine it through other people's perspectives. So there's a lot of thought that went into the placement of things and the angle of light and the positioning of people and how many people can get around something and have the same experience,' Slater said. 'So to see how that plays out and what the takeaways are is what I'm most excited about.' Slater liked that the city branded the event as an experience. He said the way a piece is viewed changes someone's perspective of it. Laurence Gartel, who is considered to be a pioneer of digital art, will have a large piece on display. He has participated in the experience in the past and said it keeps improving. 'Sixty-five running feet of this three panel piece called Underwater Swimming Garden and inside, I have some other interesting things which people are going to be rather surprised about,' Gartel said. 'I took images that I made with the first Macintosh computer in 1985 I turned it into aluminum sculptures, and they'll be rotating on these bases, so people are going to see something that they've never seen before.' Gartel has designed art pieces for the Grammy awards, Apple and other companies. The Grammys shipped him a 5-foot, one of a kind Grammy statue and asked him to wrap it. The statue resides at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, Calif. 'I missed weddings, bar mitzvahs, I missed all sorts of stuff because I was afraid to leave the house. I mean, this is a one of a kind thing,' Gartel said. 'God forbid, some of this thing should be stolen, so, I just worked on it for like a month. They had a driver waiting for me to finish it. They put him up at a hotel somewhere. And when I was finished, he came and collected it from me.' Harold Caudio is looking forward to this weekend's art installation. He will have 10 pieces on display throughout the month of February, some made out of skittles. 'The way that I started [Skittle art] was the incident that happened with Trayvon Martin. When he died, he had Skittles in his possession. And for me, it was so hard for me to do that, because my son, at a time, he loves Skittles. So I was like, I want to take this tragedy, and turn it into impact. So I thought, 'Okay, I'm gonna make Trayvon Martin out of Skittles.'' Kyle Poyser, who knew from the time he was a young child that he would become an artist, will have three pieces of artwork on display. He encouraged the public to attend this event because it is free and there will be fine art available for viewing. He participated in the event in 2021 and is excited to be there again. 'I'm most excited to meet everyone that's interested in the work, and I'm actually interested in seeing other artists' work as well,' Poyser said. Caudio and Gartel are also excited to see other artists' work. Caudio is also looking forward to talking to people and connecting with the Boynton Beach community. When: Saturday, Feb. 1 from noon to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2. Where: 100 E Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach Cost: Free For more information: Visit This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boynton Beach's kinetic art displays sure to dazzle and fascinate
