South Jordan found a unique way to fundraise for its arts programs. 

The city recently held a community theater production in June of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and featured a familiar face in the cast. 

“I love community theater, and wanted to take that extra step to show our city’s support for the arts by auditioning for this fantastic production,” said South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey, who was cast in the role of the Narrator. She added the show was oversold every night. 

“So we know the community loves this and we’re so glad they’re coming out,” she said in a video released by the city. 

A South Jordan City press release said the production, presented by the South Jordan Arts Council and Sandbox Theater Company, is supported by typical funding sources like the County’s Zoo, Arts, and Parks (ZAP) program. Some of the funding, however, comes from a unique source: the City’s Round it up for the Arts program.

The Round it up for the Arts program allows South Jordan utility customers, if they choose, to round up their billing payments to the nearest dollar, which is less than $12 a year for any customer, according to the press release. 

“We recently did a process to develop an Arts Master Plan, and the consultants told us that this program for fundraising for the arts is especially unique,” Ramsey said.

If enough participate in this voluntary program, it can have impactful results. The city received nearly $18,000 from the Round it Up program over the last year, but they hope to grow it even more.

“We know that having art, both visual and performing formats, is essential for the quality of life of our residents,” Ramsey said. “We hope we can continue to promote the arts in our city through programs like these.”

“Joseph” ran for 10 shows at the South Jordan Community Center and Ramsey said it’s a unique method to support these programs without being invasive of people’s time and pockets. 

“It’s a fun way to add arts and culture to our city in a way that everyone can enjoy and it’s not a burden,” she said. 

The program, which is advertised at the shows, also allows for one-time donations, which you can find on the city’s website at sjc.utah.gov/SupportTheArts.

Up next for the arts in South Jordan will be Art Summer Camps with Art Haven, set for July 8-11, July 15-18 and July 29-Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gale Center for ages 6-12. Registration can be found at register.sjc.utah.gov. λ