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A Resolution Authorizing Approval for a Funding Grant Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and the Oak Park Area Arts Council in the Amount of $368,875 for 2026 and Authorizing its Execution
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Introduction
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The 2026 Funding Grant Agreement between the Village and the Oak Park Area Arts Council (OPAC), including the scope of services and program goals and measurements, is presented to the Village Board for review and approval.
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Recommended Action
Approve the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On December 3, 2024, the Board approved a funding grant agreement for OPAAC for $278,000 for fiscal year 2025.
• On December 4, 2023, the Board approved a funding grant agreement for OPAAC for $263,000 for fiscal year 2024.
• On December 5, 2022 the Board approved a funding grant agreement for OPPAC for $257,000 for fiscal year 2023.
Background
The Oak Park Area Arts Council was founded in 1974 by local artists as the Civic Arts Council of Oak Park. It became a non-profit agency in 1976. The mission of the Oak Park Area Arts Council is to celebrate, support, and promote artists and art organizations in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park by raising funds for the arts, advocating for policies that promote art and enhance the social, economic, and cultural foundations of the communities they serve.
A summary of what the 2026 funding grant agreement calls for OPAAC to do is as follows:
1. Continue assuming the duties of the Oak Park Public Arts Advisory Commission;
2. To organize and facilitate a sculpture walk in one of the Village’s business districts, the exact district to be determined;
3. To administer the Arts Funds Grant Program supporting local artists and arts organizations;
4. To produce and distribute the e-Art Newsletter;
5. To promote public art through the administration of a mini-mural program and the ‘Off the Wall’ program;
6. To act as a resource for the local arts community; and
7. To implement the community-wide strategic plan for the arts.
The OPAAC is recognized as an important community-based group that, in partnership with other community-based groups, contributes to the health and economic vitality of Oak Park. As part of the funding grant agreement, the Village requested the OPAAC to combine activities with the Village’s Public Arts Advisory Citizen Commission and include a provision that the OPAAC Board will include the Village Manager, or their designee, and two additional Board Members to be appointed and approved by the Village Board.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Budget Impact
The proposed fiscal year 2026 budget includes funds for this grant in account 1001.46260.233.585652 for the Oak Park Area Arts Council.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
The Oak Park Area Arts Council provides opportunities for artists to be recognized and celebrate their talent throughout the Village.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Resolution.
Advantages:
• The Village would continue to support the work of local artists through the Oak Park Area Arts Council.
Disadvantages:
• The increased fiscal impact of the funding grant agreement.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
Approve the Funding Grant Agreement at a lesser amount.
Advantages:
• The Village would still support the services of OPAAC, at a lesser financial impact to the Village.
Disadvantages:
• OPPAC would not have sufficient funding to meet all of the prospective goals outlined in their proposal.
Alternative 2:
The Board can elect not to approve the Resolution.
Advantages:
• The Village would have a cost savings of $368,875 for fiscal year 2026.
Disadvantages:
• OPPAC would not have sufficient funding to meet all of its prospective goals outlined in its proposal.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Noemy Diaz, Administrative Officer of Development Services
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Agreement
3. Funding Request