Support Organizations

Joan-Gowan-at-the-VictrolaThomas Center Associates

Formed in 1979, the Thomas Center Associates adopted as its mission the support for the Thomas Center for the Arts in both education and beautification. Of particular interest are restorations of the Period Rooms, interpretive programs, and our guided tours for Alachua County third grade students, the Spring Promenade tour of historic homes, the Jingle Bell Ball, and other Yuletide activities, as well as the on-going landscaping of the gardens.

The Associates welcome you to participate in the excellent work the organization has been doing for our community. To learn more or get involved, please visit their website at www.thomascenterassociates.org

 

Gainesville/Alachua County Cultural Affairs Board

The Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board consists of ten (10) persons appointed by the City Commission.
The purpose of the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Board (CAB) is to advise the City Commission and the PRCA Department regarding the policies and concerns relating to cultural activities. A major function of the board is reviewing and advising on the cultural grants. It is a big and very important job.
The Outside Agency grant review (for local non‐profit arts and cultural organizations) cycle is concurrent with the City’s budget cycle every two years. Therefore, the board has a major time commitment every other year reviewing and scoring the Outside Agency grants. In addition to regular monthly meetings (which can last approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours), board members are expected to serve as liaison to at least one local non‐profit arts and cultural organization. That might mean attending one or more performances or other events within a year, periodically providing the arts and cultural organization with information and support, or serving on a board committee.
Members appointed by the City Commission should have a strong interest in cultural affairs and should represent a broad spectrum of society, including, but not limited to, practicing artists, recreation specialists, business persons, educators, art historians, tourism professionals, and citizens interested in arts cultural advocacy. City residency is not required. No member of the Board can be a paid staff member of an agency that receives funding through the grants process. Paid staff is defined as someone whose Social Security tax is paid by the grant-funded agency.
The CAB meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month except June and July. There is a Saturday grant scoring workshop in the spring every other year. Applicants can view advisory board openings and apply online.
For more information about Advisory Boards, Committees, and the appointment process, people should contact the Clerk’s office at 352-393‐8665.

 

Gainesville Arts & Parks Foundation, Inc.

The Gainesville Arts & Parks (GAP) Foundation, Inc. supports the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA) as an ally in advocacy and fundraising. The foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the projects and programs identified in the PRCA Master Plan, Vision 2020, by helping fill funding gaps and helping bring the plan to life. The plan calls for dozens of improvements to athletic facilities, additional programs, new and improved parks, a new outdoor amphitheater and indoor cultural center, nature education programs, environmental appreciation, and ethical stewardship of natural resources, just to name a few.

For more information about Gainesville Arts & Parks Foundation, visit www.gapgainesville.org.