[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6177532,"mediaKeyId","5335744-161d18a270d163a9b9ed749fb38331fb","parentId",5335744,"title","Norwalk arts office reports $20,000 operating boost, $100,000 capital line and $1,500 Make Music Day grant","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3952000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335744-161d18a270d163a9b9ed749fb38331fb&start=3952&end=3952","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335744-161d18a270d163a9b9ed749fb38331fb/thumbnail_3952000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6177532/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-arts-office-reports-20000-operating-boost-100000-capital-line-and-1500-Make-Music-Day-grant","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177532-141bdf9b8273b240a4fd9fcbc64bb16a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166078&Signature=Y88-u20op2DtAC77O5SO9B9KIttET90qRaK8Zw-fh2QX8~GkP7c6JefXBhe-vsZZMjE~Ru-M0JqgMcHN9-jgYcuC5rpHTJ9vS~mFKSYbOTWhhHGWFozjbZoOLNbX8lITIyNUN79hKh1M3tGsxB3IMiSEy3bUexMfeRSgnEKqqt5YZDL~Wk5wQFKeTh-EMIxnAhDouFjNZRvMZYWEO9sRkHPD-OeUmsb0m8QaRSyX7wS5AcEFndYzhhxmAzrQ804MAr~Jpr8zALXki~DDCs~S26QQxm2DHCXDRdqfTp1uuJFxzJMwwSlH9QxJreWaWllrM-yyKPghZvnZf08npgvCUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norwalk City, CT","date","2025-07-08T23:46:55Z","article","Arts & Cultural staff told the commission on July 8 that the Common Council approved a $20,000 increase in the commission’s operating budget and a $100,000 capital appropriation for arts and public places.

Sabrina (staff member) said the operating increase brings the arts operating account to roughly $32,000 and that the $20,000 line is designated for special events and artist-focused programming. She also reported a $100,000 capital budget line for arts and public places; staff intend to prioritize an underpass mural on Route 1/Connecticut Avenue but said the capital funds may cover additional public-art projects. Sabrina noted the commission applied for outside grants for the underpass project but cited federal uncertainty for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) as affecting grant prospects.

Make Music Day: Sabrina said the city participated in the international Make Music Day program with four locations (Juneteenth festival, the Sono Collection, Space 67 and Factory Underground), and participation yielded a $1,500 grant used to pay local artists who performed at the events.

Why it matters: increased operating and capital funding gives the commission more capacity to pay artists, stage events and pursue larger public-art installations. Commissioners praised staff for securing the increases and discussed using capital funds for the heritage wall after completing Ely Avenue work.

Key fiscal details reported in meeting

- Operating: Council approved a $20,000 increase; the operating account balance is roughly $32,000 (staff report). The $20,000 was described as allocated for special events and artist support separate from City Hall business-development events.
- Capital: A $100,000 line in the arts-and-public-places capital budget was approved; staff identified the Route 1/Connecticut Ave underpass as a specified project in the capital request.
- Grants: Staff applied for external grants; Sabrina said uncertainty about NEA funding reduced confidence in receiving federal grant support.
- Make Music Day grant: $1,500 received and spent to pay performing artists across four sites.

Next steps

Staff and commissioners said they will complete Ely Avenue work before seeking additional public-art calls and will continue to explore grant opportunities to supplement capital funding.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Arts & Culture Commission 07-08-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reported a $20,000 increase in the Arts & Cultural operating budget and a $100,000 capital appropriation for public art; Make Music Day participation brought a $1,500 grant that paid local musicians.","taxTitle","Norwalk City, Fairfield, Connecticut","taxId",4245,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6177535,"Consultants to hold resident sessions, mixer as Norwalk cultural plan moves into community input phase",328,3518000,3846000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335744-161d18a270d163a9b9ed749fb38331fb&start=3518&end=3846","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335744-161d18a270d163a9b9ed749fb38331fb/thumbnail_3518000.jpg","/articles/6177535/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Consultants-to-hold-resident-sessions-mixer-as-Norwalk-cultural-plan-moves-into-community-input-phase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177535-095ec2f416819d5341198eb099a84e91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166078&Signature=Hu2rBGZzof7oe3jnWbWqhNhy31f2~Q2e1Whlo3uAgcB-3Z2B1O0KJVhAvdGX92YPLFs9KqA4lO6w1YsqlfqjKNvt7XaH~SGZEwXctcPJ4YKdV8Kr47iwtVpXE8P-d-eal7skcb-FghsFGAIGGjUckck~0GyyK4pugj7C-MPnG4qXKwf5qs3LMo47T8bJ2LiWNG25AoVRb7DlYacgQpb6uK-WE0MYfSm4mzUMo9qT2Dim1BGnWKFtvho4X8GYnthcycmAtxi~V5ijrApDjr6yvtXAskdo-FUkquPj8PoZrrLjrxerC3kETecXe8SIDFeoTEXB~AL2yDPQ6ARE7AcMNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Consultants preparing the Norwalk Arts and Cultural Plan will be in town July 29–August 1 for community outreach, including a resident meeting at the Sono Collection scheduled for July 29 and an artist mixer on July 31, Arts & Cultural staff announced at the July 8 commission meeting.

Sabrina (staff member) told commissioners the consultants are in an information-gathering phase and plan an interactive resident session at the Sono Collection on July 29, followed by an artist mixer and a Spanish‑language Hispanic meeting the same night to capture input from Spanish‑speaking residents. She invited commissioners to schedule one‑on‑one meetings with the consultants while they are in Norwalk.

Why it matters: the arts and cultural plan will shape recommendations for the cultural district and public‑art priorities; resident and artist input is central to the consultants’ process.

What was announced

- Resident meeting: July 29 at the Sono Collection, interactive format with refreshments and facilitated input. Staff encouraged commissioners and district residents to attend.
- Artist mixer: July 31, with interactive stations for feedback and outreach to artists and creatives.
- Spanish‑language session: a concurrent Hispanic meeting during the mixer, staffed by consultants and conducted in Spanish.

Staff noted they will present draft recommendations to the commission at the August meeting (or September if scheduling requires). Sabrina said consultants will be in Norwalk July 29–August 1 and offered commissioners the option of scheduling one‑on‑one conversations while they are in town.

Next steps

- Staff to circulate meeting times and materials and to share a one‑sheet explaining the cultural plan and the arts-and-cultural‑district distinction to the public.
- Commissioners and interested community members to attend the July 29 resident session and the July 31 mixer for direct input to the consultants.","Consultants developing Norwalk's arts and cultural plan will hold resident sessions July 29 and an artist mixer July 31; staff urged commissioners to attend and to request one‑on‑one meetings while consultants are in town.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6177540,"Norwalk commission approves $1,000 payment for cultural district logo design",84,178000,262000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335744-161d18a270d163a9b9ed749fb38331fb&start=178&end=262","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335744-161d18a270d163a9b9ed749fb38331fb/thumbnail_178000.jpg","/articles/6177540/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-commission-approves-1000-payment-for-cultural-district-logo-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177540-b3f509e975307ad05ff7208b22a63720/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166078&Signature=BB2g0zdNWESnZlC8l4bxiwy5~5Wpu85YbnMv5UuPRE8dyAbF~Z3y005j-XFXUXlo7os4bbFcFH~AIEGjUt-Q3gAtd3cIbIuGr6S0c40SOoQtitkmj4fkzAjUQzOSG96vAumZcUBnbtNnwAz15osj48ZiM7Po6Omsjz1VvzPWso0IpTTSsBHGJd~-r-XdI2qy5ZwhbUN0fZzx~a8~BpyBrlb0lrMSxsWPCfjPlTnFasPCBlLAcR352-WFV98Dt3ORosk4VdIOJCsYQpbgQGdfsB0L84DKwRhDpCtp5byB62zByLwi0G~XmykERWGMwNJA40HqoBAdvOCd5TI4thaYCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk Arts & Cultural Commission voted July 8 to approve a $1,000 payment to artist Ash Nichols for further development of two cultural district logo concepts.

Commission Chair Brian Casper said the payment will allow the artist to develop two directions rather than a single option; Sabrina (staff member) told commissioners that Ash is ready to move forward pending the commission’s approval. Melissa Matuska moved to approve the payment and Steven Rust seconded the motion. The motion passed by roll call with all commissioners present voting aye.

The commission and artists agreed the $1,000 covers two rounds of revisions to produce final directions for presentation at the commission’s August meeting. Sabrina clarified the commission would decide on the final logo after seeing the two refined directions.

Why it matters: the cultural district logo will be a visual identifier for marketing and public materials related to the district. Commissioners said they wanted to see two concept directions before selecting a final design.

What the vote covered

- Motion: approve $1,000 payment to Ash Nichols for two logo directions and associated revisions.
- Mover: Melissa Matuska. Second: Steven Rust. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

Next steps

- Ash Nichols to deliver revised concepts for the commission’s August meeting.
- Staff to confirm whether additional funds will be needed beyond the approved $1,000; the commission recorded that $1,000 covers the two revisions and the final selection cycle.","The commission approved a $1,000 payment to artist Ash Nichols to develop two logo directions for the cultural district, enabling final presentations at the August meeting.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6177545,"Norwalk arts commission OKs three Ely Avenue fence proposals for public survey",3063,313000,3376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335744-161d18a270d163a9b9ed749fb38331fb&start=313&end=3376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335744-161d18a270d163a9b9ed749fb38331fb/thumbnail_313000.jpg","/articles/6177545/Norwalk-City/Fairfield/Connecticut/Norwalk-arts-commission-OKs-three-Ely-Avenue-fence-proposals-for-public-survey","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177545-7eedfcf220ce77db366699689a778cef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166078&Signature=bJpq4aeMrq2MR3VbAxse9c-57p7NyxEo26afjFsiD1WjplKvdBeMLqo-d6vQjwVj25EUFPS9ifF9fsYodT1AYT7SNvbNEWHPgc40re7QYGv06f1h2IxD~3TqTLL~oSvWClI65OzWKbQ-aZ4HxAREV8dclXPAAoSEf4r7qPG3otDKbb5K7QEOh1o3cIfkhxn4oR8jqcSIZMTCvlX-AF~Di9pI5E~IQ8MiWQyuiGVExl6GkxfIpbgW-f2~CgH~4-V-Ese~ylxnfD4xZvJ6ZGwsIUDpxWTr6oXrFIV9vT7cyQHooClDOJKNyydoXQdW35V-h3dCoul1kTdQtUBSAVonkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk Arts & Cultural Commission on July 8 approved sending three submitted proposals for the Ely Avenue fencing mural to a public survey, with each artist allowed a short revision window before the survey is published.

The move follows presentations from the three shortlisted artists — 5 Fingers, Jermaine West and Oksana — who described concepts emphasizing local history, community participation and durability. Commissioners discussed materials, installation details, and community-engagement plans during roughly 40 minutes of discussion before voting to release the proposals for public comment and selection.

Commission Chair Brian Casper said the commission would publish the public survey after allowing artists a brief revision period. Sabrina (staff member) confirmed in the meeting that the commission aims to release the survey “in a week” to give the public “at least, like, a month” to vote.

Why it matters: the fence runs along a neighborhood corridor with long-standing businesses and sites residents recognize. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized community involvement in execution and concerns about materials and longevity, since the finished work will face weather, vegetation and maintenance demands.

Most substantive points and how they were addressed

Materials and longevity: The three artists proposed different approaches. 5 Fingers proposed painted plywood panels framed and sealed with UV coating and tar at edges; he told the commission he expects a usable life of roughly 10–15 years for treated plywood and that UV coatings on other projects had lasted “about 5 or 7 years” without significant fading. Commissioners pressed on edge protection and mounting so panels would not delaminate or sit on the ground where mower and weed‑eater damage could occur.

Oksana proposed 4-by-8 DuraBond metal sheet panels, estimating roughly 115 panels for the run and saying she had consulted installers and contractors on primers, coatings and graffiti‑resistant topcoats; she said those metal panels would be more durable and could last “couple decades, if not more.”

Community participation: Each artist described a community element: 5 Fingers offered studio-based painting sessions and a QR code linking to oral-history content; Jermaine West proposed a ‘‘fabric of the city’’ patchwork approach with library‑led community sessions and the potential to record neighborhood stories; Oksana proposed school partnerships where children would add finishing touches such as painted butterflies or flowers.

Content rules and business imagery: Commissioners asked about depicting local businesses in murals. Melissa Matuska raised concerns about promoting active businesses and suggested generic labels (for example, “grocery” or “bodega”) if a depiction could be read as commercial advertising. 5 Fingers acknowledged some landmarks (Florio’s, Burton Brothers) are historical references and said he would fact‑check the current status of those businesses.

Design authenticity: Commissioners praised elements of each proposal but asked 5 Fingers to make his design read more like his established work; he asked for two days (later agreed as up to a week) to revise. Jermaine and Oksana were also given the option to make revisions based on feedback.

Process and timeline

- The commission voted separately to approve each artist’s proposal for release to the public survey and allowed a short revision window (artists asked for two days to a week; staff recommended one week to allow survey preparation).
- Sabrina (staff member) said the intent is to publish the survey approximately one week after the meeting so the public has a month to vote; the commission will use the public result to form its recommendation to Common Council.

What the vote covered (formal actions)

The commission approved all three artists’ concepts to move forward to a public survey, each approval carried by roll call (ayes from Chair Brian Casper and commissioners Bob Abriola, Melissa Matuska, Steven Rust, Nori Gruden and Naomi Clark). The approvals include an explicit permission for each artist to submit a single revision before the survey is released.

Next steps and points for staff

- Staff will set a revision deadline for the artists (one week from the meeting) and publish the public survey once revisions are received or the deadline passes.
- Staff and artists must finalize installation details (panel heights to allow maintenance, framing, edge protection, and exact materials) so respondents and Common Council have a clear scope and cost estimate.

The commission’s vote sends the three proposals to the public for preference polling; the public’s selection will be part of the commission’s formal recommendation to Common Council.","The Norwalk Arts & Cultural Commission voted to release three artists' concepts for a public survey to select an Ely Avenue fencing mural. Commissioners allowed each artist one opportunity to revise before the survey goes live next week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Norwalk arts office reports $20,000 operating boost, $100,000 capital line and $1,500 Make Music Day grant

Consultants to hold resident sessions, mixer as Norwalk cultural plan moves into community input phase

Norwalk commission approves $1,000 payment for cultural district logo design

Norwalk arts commission OKs three Ely Avenue fence proposals for public survey