Sundance may out-ZAP small arts groups

It's the classic tale of a big fish in a small pond: Smaller nonprofit arts groups next year might have to compete with the film fest giant Sundance Institute for a limited amount of taxpayer money.

Institute officials will move their headquarters in August from Salt Lake City to Park City, home of the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival. But the move might drop the institute from major Salt Lake County arts funding, based on recommendations approved Tuesday by the Salt Lake County Council.

Sundance for years has competed with more than 20 major arts groups for county funds to run programs in Salt Lake County. Last year, those funds amounted to more than $9 million. With the relocation to Park City, Sundance next year might have to compete for a smaller amount of money with more than 100 groups, like the Mountain Jubilee Chorus and Friends of Gilgal Garden. The smaller pool of money last year was only about $874,000.

The competition doesn't even seem fair, said County Councilman Randy Horiuchi. "I hate to see the other groups have to compete with Sundance."

Groups, no matter where they are located, can receive county funds if they have programs in Salt Lake County. Under the new recommendations, they could not receive funds from the larger pool of money unless they have headquarters in the county. The council will consider making the recommendations final at a later date.

The Sundance Institute received $555,000 last year in county Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) funds. Institute director Jill Miller said she is not worried about losing part of those funds, because Park City has promised $220,000 a year, and both private donors and the city's chamber of commerce are upping their contributions.

"We knew that once we moved, we'd be ineligible for ZAP funds," Miller said. "The lion's share of our planning for the film festival happens in Park City. It makes sense for us to relocate our office up there."

Salt Lake has long been home to the institute headquarters, but Sundance officials in the past had to pack up and temporarily set up shop each January in Park City during the film festival. The institute's move means they no longer will have to do that.

"I think there's no question it will help us run a more effective festival," Miller said.

The move doesn't mean the festival will abandon Salt Lake County. This year, a festival district was created along downtown Salt Lake City's 300 South, between the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center and the Broadway Centre Cinema. Ticket sales at Salt Lake screenings were up 12,000 this year, and Sundance officials say they will expand the festival's downtown presence.

County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson fought to keep Sundance in the highest ZAP funding group because the film festival "puts us on the map" and contributes nearly $4.6 million to the county.

"The contribution by Sundance to the economy is unparalleled," she said. "It is unmeasurable."

The Salt Lake County Council is expected to distribute the funds in June.

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