**REVISED** Cultural Council Meeting

The Cultural Council reviewed financials and programming updates, heard several public comments, and discussed grants and facility projects. The treasurer reported account balances and noted an upcoming 6,000 MCC grant application for operating expenses tied to Open Studios; councilors estimated about $20,000 in deposits and $14,000 in expenses next year. Marketing plans include a monthly newsletter with increased frequency when events resume; a member volunteered to help with social media. Art-at-City-Hall exhibits were discussed (current Mayor Gray show, upcoming River Valley School art, and a May–July call for entries), and the Chain Bridge collection was discussed as a candidate to hang in the new city hall or renovated cultural center. Public Art announced a January 27 tile-making event for the Market Square tunnel and a February group project with the ACC themed “Environmental Action.”

Grants was a major focus: council members listed four outstanding reimbursement forms (Chamber — two outstanding, Community Marketplace, Valentine’s Dance which was canceled, and Her Story/Kim Wilkinson) and set a January 31 deadline for those grantees to submit reimbursements. Five grantees have requested funds for the year but the council is still coordinating with the city to release monies; a member reported that unused MCC funds from 2024 can be rolled into 2025. The council voted unanimously to reallocate $500 leftover from the canceled Valentine’s Dance to increase the Library’s 2025 grant to $2,000. Members also received an update that the city plans to use $200,000 in “Build Back Better” funds to begin painting, lighting, closet updates, heating, and soundproofing work at the Cultural Center (bathroom work deferred). Additional items discussed included support needs and accessibility concerns for the Poet Laureate readings, a request for more subcommittees (marketing, grants, Art at City Hall), and calendar notes for upcoming meetings and events.