To: Members of the Public Art Commission
From: Maia Yates, Staff Liaison
Title
2027-2028 Art and Culture Grant Review Panel and Program Planning
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
The Town is preparing to launch the third cycle of the Art and Culture Grant Program for projects and programs occurring during 2027 and 2028. Before applications open, a grant review panel must be reconvened to evaluate the existing program, recommend updates and establish the review process and schedule for the upcoming cycle.
The Public Art Commission provides direction regarding the amount of Public Art Fund resources allocated to the program, its overall purpose, grant categories and funding priorities. However, the full Commission does not also serve as the grant review panel because some commissioners are affiliated with organizations or projects that have applied or may apply for funding during a respective cycle. The Commission is requested to identify members who may serve on the panel and confirm the panel’s responsibilities. Staff anticipates convening the panel this fall to begin preparing the next grant cycle. The panel should include Public Art Commission representatives who do not anticipate applying for grants during the 2027-2028 cycle.
Panel responsibilities will include:
• Reviewing the current program requirements, application and evaluation criteria
• Recommending updates for the 2027-2028 cycle to the Public Art Commission
• Assisting with development of application questions, scoring tools and reviewer guidance
• Recommending an application, review and award schedule
• Independently reviewing and scoring eligible applications while supporting a consistent, fair and well-documented review process
• Developing the funding/award recommendations that are presented to Town Council for final approval
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends establishing a grant review panel composed of a limited number of eligible Public Art Commission members, Town staff and a Council representative. The panel should meet this fall to review the existing program and recommend application materials, evaluation criteria and a schedule for the 2027-2028 cycle.
Potential Motion
“I move to appoint [names] to represent the Public Art Commission on the 2027-2028 Art and Culture Grant Review Panel and authorize the panel to review the existing program, recommend updates and evaluate applications for funding recommendations to Town Council.”