SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
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Art Oasis Mural Festival - North Greenwood
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SUMMARY:
The Arts and Cultural Affairs Division plans to host the City’s second Art Oasis Mural Festival in early 2026. The festival will take place in the North Greenwood community, within the boundary of the new CRA. The Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager has presented the concept to the new North Greenwood CRA Neighborhood Committee, which responded positively. Feedback emphasized the importance of ensuring that themes and aesthetics reflect the neighborhood. A business application has been created for any business within the CRA boundary that would like to receive a free mural on their building. Unlike the previous festival, where businesses chose between prepared designs, this year’s approach will allow businesses to select from artist portfolios so that each mural is tailored more specifically to the business. Businesses and property owners, however, will not provide design input beyond minor adjustments (such as color variations). Because the CRA boundary also includes several City-owned properties, priority will be given to private businesses, but highly visible City buildings may also be considered. For those properties, a community vote or feedback process may be used to determine the design. Cultural Affairs will present this proposal to the CRA at its November 17 meeting to request funding for the event. The goal is to create seven new murals in the community, with the festival planned for February 17 – March 1, 2026. Interested business can apply here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/15d061ded8114f17b7d4cb022dbb3d3d