Department of Community and Culture

Overview

Governor Jon Huntsman has referred to the Department of Community and Culture as the ‘heart and soul' of Utah. While we appreciate the individuality and culture of Utah 's communities, we also celebrate as one community this state's great and diverse heritage, both past and present. Our talented and passionate employees strive to create strong collaborations and synergies with the Department and within communities throughout the state.

From ending chronic homelessness, funding rural development, and preserving the historic past, to honoring cultural diversity, fostering and cultivating the arts, and providing educational resources, the programs and services provided by the divisions of DCC are unique, but have common values and goals. Collectively, State History, the State Library, Arts and Museums, Housing and Community Development, Indian Affairs, and Ethnic Affairs, united by our Department mission, focus on initiatives that provide meaningful resources for our constituents.

Digitization - Our Commitment to Providing Access to Resources

With a department-wide effort to digitize and enhance access to cultural, financial and technical resources, DCC is an exciting place to be. With online access, Utahns will eventually be able to see state-owned art, find historical photographs, access government documents and complete applications for state grants. With the synergies created by our six divisions, we champion our role as stewards of Utah 's quality of life.

Ten-year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness

Data Source: DCC

Why this is important:

Homelessness has been growing across the country, but in Utah it is actually being reduced. The chronically homeless make up a small part of the homeless population, and yet use a very large part of the resources for the homeless.

What we're doing about it:

Utah is considered a national leader in progress toward ending chronic homelessness, and we have a 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness by the year 2014. This year, Housing and Community Development assisted more than 100 chronically homeless persons to gain permanent housing and to make other strides in self-sufficiency. Close collaborations have been formed to implement the State Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and regional plans developed with local leaders across the state.

Utah currently has in use or development nearly 600 units of supportive housing, where chronically homeless people are not only housed, but receive the supportive services they need to make real changes in their lives. At the current rate of progress, and with the help of many Utahns including those taxpayers checking a box for support of the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund, Utah stands every chance of being one of the few states which really will affect chronic homelessness.

Diverse Services for a Diverse Community

Provide diverse services to meet the needs of our customers and constituents. The Office of Ethnic Affairs continued to serve as a bridge between Utah State government and its ethnic communities by providing resources, information and education through programs such as Adopt-A-School, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon and Observance, and the Ethnic Business Conference.

Arts and Cultural Outreach

House the first established Arts Council in the nation. Arts and Museums provided $1.4 million in matching grants to non-profit arts organizations and museums. In addition, this division provided arts and cultural outreach for over six million visitors to museums and for 1.35 million school children, including 130,000 underserved children.

Braille Collection, Pioneer Online, Bookmobiles

Circulate the world's largest Braille and books on tape collection. The State Library circulated 273,302 items to 16, 931 blind or disabled patrons, operated bookmobiles in 19 rural counties, serving 225,000 patrons and continued to provide online access to a multitude of resources via Public Pioneer.

Preservation through Antiquities & Archaeology

Strive to make the past a vital part of the present. State History assists with the proper care of ancient human remains in Antiquities, and this year excavated an Archaic-era archaeological site near the State Prison, allowing volunteers and the general public to tour the site and interact with the resources.

Resources for Rural Development

Manage 22 services and invest $59 million in rural Utah for water development, medical clinics, community centers, subsidized housing, airports and infrastructure. The Utah Weatherization Assistance Program weatherized nearly 1,400 Utah homes in the last year. The families living in these homes will now have lower utility bills, as well as comfortable homes.

Intergovernmental Relations

Promote positive intergovernmental relations with and between Utah's Native American Tribes. The Division of Indian Affairs enhanced relations between state, tribal, and federal governments by partnering with the Lt. Governor's Office to coordinate the Native American Summit.