02/22/2026
Just today, we discovered, by chance, that there is a workshop scheduled for tomorrow about EAAC at the PRAC meeting. (Posted on Friday on City of Fresnos calendar andon PARCS instagram)
None of the 21 emerging projects that Dulce Upfront fiscally sponsors have received direct outreach inviting them to attend. This raises a serious question: Is the transition so disjointed that the Fresno Arts Council does not have the time or capacity to inform EAAC awardees of updated information? Or does the City of Fresno not have the capacity to directly inform each project lead?
All of our contact information exists in Submittable. Additionally, a complete list of awarded projects should be accessible through the Fresno Arts Council and shared with the City of Fresno. Not everyone is on social media. Relying on indirect channels continues a process that does not reflect the very title of the program, “Expanding Access” to arts and culture.
As grantees, we are expected to submit proposals and reports on time and adhere to program guidelines. Yet there are multiple entities responsible for oversight and checks and balances: the Fresno Arts Council Board of Directors, the PRAC Commission, the EAAC Subcommittee, the PARCS Department, the Fresno City Council, and the City Manager’s Office. With this many layers of governance, it is deeply concerning that not one entity has directly reached out to funded artists and organizations with clear communication.
The City of Fresno became aware of a reported $1.5 million embezzlement of funds at the Fresno Arts Council on February 6. It has now been over two weeks. During this time, grantees and cultural workers have been left to piece together information through informal conversations, social media posts, and speculation: comparing notes and navigating “he said, she said” rather than receiving clear, official updates.
We understand that this is a $6 million program with over 133 funded projects. We understand that transitions of this scale are complex. However, 33 projects have not received any funding, and we are now in month seven.
We are being asked to extend grace during this transition. We can do that, but grace must be met with communication. Without proactive and transparent outreach, the City risks perpetuating the very concerns grantees have experienced over the past two years under the Fresno Arts Council.
Clear, consistent, and direct communication is not an unreasonable expectation — it is a basic standard of accountability in a public funding program. A simple email providing updates or notifying us in advance about a workshop would have been helpful.
We are asking for timely updates, direct communication, and transparency so that artists, cultural bearers, and organizations can plan responsibly and move forward with clarity.
We expect better.
