TITLE: Title
Cultural Arts & Entertainment District Planning Process Follow-up
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to provide follow-up information pertaining to the cultural arts and entertainment district planning presentation given on October 8, 2013 and request that the funds be reallocated for the planning process.
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DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Parks, Economic Development and Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Art Menius - 929-2787, Anita Jones-McNair - 918-7381, Annette Stone - 918-7319 and Patricia McGuire - 918-7327
INFORMATION: As a result of the presentation on October 8, 2013, the Board of Aldermen requested additional information including budget detail and the NEA grant narrative draft. The draft narrative and budget are attached along with the previous narrative and Our Town NEA Grant Panel comments. Since the presentation Town Staff has worked with Art Menius, Philip Szostak, Robert Donnan and Stuart Rosenfeld to create a two phase project including a conceptual draft of the district project, budget and grant application. The group intends to revisit the grant narrative draft prior to submission in an effort to create a more compelling narrative that captures the essence of Carrboro and determine an official name for the district.
The summary of the October 8th agenda item included:
· On November 13, 2012 The Board of Aldermen approved to partner with the ArtsCenter as a lead agency in the application for the NEA "Our Town" grant.
· In addition, the Board supported a local match of up to $40,000 that may be a combination of private and public funds for cultural planning and design.
· The grant application was not funded however the partners felt the vision of cultural planning and design should still be a priority for the Town of Carrboro.
· Authorize the Town Manager to develop and enter into a written agreement with The Arts Center, as the lead agency for this project, which further delineates activities and responsibilities of the parties.
· Launch the cultural arts district planning process and use funds and resources that are currently available to us including $9,800 from Strowd Roses, $1,500 from Orange County Arts Commission . Both organizations approved to reallocate the funds for the planning process - Phase One.
· Reapply for the NEA Our Town grant in early January 2014 - Phase Two.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: In kind services currently include the ArtsCenter and Town support of $2,100. Total cash on hand includes up to $40,000 from Town, $9,800 Strowd Roses and $1,500 Orange County = $51,300 available if the project does not receive 2014 NEA funding. The funds will be used to cover design services, charette management, public meeting facilitation, marketing, supplies and advertising. The budget for Phase One - $28,400 and Phase Two - $115,100 - See attachment 3 - The Downtown District Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends the Board of Aldermen accept the project update and approve the grant project ordinance.