Arts Council of Hillsborough County

The Purpose of the Arts Council is to serve as an advisory body to the Board of County Commissioners to provide advice regarding developing, coordinating, and promoting the performing and visual arts in Hillsborough County and contracting for artistic services, performances, and exhibits, all for the enjoyment, education, cultural enrichment, and benefit of the citizens of Hillsborough County. Members of this Council serve annually as the Grant Reviewers for the Cultural Development Grant, the Community Arts Impact Grant, and the Professional Development for Artists Grant.

View the Arts Council Website

Members Appointed By

Board of County Commissioners

Maximum Membership

The membership of this Council shall be appointed by the BOCC and shall consist of a minimum of 11 members. Composition is specified as follows:

  • County Commissioner, designated by the BOCC at its annual routine organizational meeting;
  • Mayor of the City of Tampa, or designee;
  • Mayor of the City of Temple Terrace, or designee:
  • Mayor of the City of Plant City, or designee:
  • A minimum of 7 additional members, a minimum of which will be three individuals affiliated with one or more local cultural organizations; active members of one or more charitable, educational, or other organizations which provide community benefits; have relevant professional experience; possess stature in the community.

Length of Term

The term of office for each member shall be one 3-year term. Members may only serve for one term. The terms of all members appointed to represent elected officials shall be concurrent with the term of the serving elected official.

Authority

Ordinance 21-16 adopted May 19, 2021 by the BOCC.

Meeting Time and Place

First Tuesday, 11 am, Quarterly - December, March, June, September
Location: Entrepreneur Collaborative Center
2101 E. Palm Ave.
(Parking at 2109 E. 11th Ave.)
Tampa Florida, 33605

  1. Meeting Schedule

    Meetings will be added as they are announced.

    • March 7, 2023 at 11 AM
      Entrepreneur Collaborative Center

    • June 6, 2023 at 11 AM
      Entrepreneur Collaborative Center

    • Sept. 5, 2023 at 11 AM
      Entrepreneur Collaborative Center

  2. Public Access and Comments

    Sign up to participate virtually or in-person by sending an email to Arts@HCFLGov.net

    • Include your name, phone number, and whether you will be participating virtually or in-person
    • You will be called on in the order that you have signed up
    • You may also attend the meeting and sign up on-site where your name will be added to the list at that time

Contact Person

Martine Meredith Collier
Division Director
Arts Council Division of HC
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 20th FL
Tampa, FL 33602
813-571-6991
collierm@hillsboroughcounty.org

Elected Officials or Designee

Member Position Dates of Service
Commissioner Pat Kemp Hillsborough County Commissioner
Ms. Meg Heimstead City of Tampa Mayor or Designee
Council Member James Chambers City of Temple Terrace or Designee
Ms. Mercedes Hermida-Perez City of Plant City Mayor or Designee

Affiliated with one or more local cultural organizations: active members of one or more charitable, educational, or other organizations which provide community benefits; have relevant professional experience; possess stature in the community.

Member Position Dates of Service
Mr. Theron Butler   10/01/2021 -
09/30/2024*
Ms. Zora Carrier   10/18/2023 -
10/18/2026
Ms. Dee Hood   10/01/2021 -
09/30/2024
Ms. Vanessa Oatman   10/18/2023 -
10/18/2026
Mr. Dontavious Pittman   10/01/2021 -
09/30/2024
Mr. Gary Satterfield   10/18/2023 -
10/18/2026
Ms. Georgia Vahue   10/01/2021 -
09/30/2024