[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6500671,"mediaKeyId","5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38","parentId",5584445,"title","Commission signs letter of support for artist’s Uruguay residency and exchange proposal","audioSeconds",468,"startMs",4736640,"endMs",5205290,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38&start=4736&end=5205","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38/thumbnail_4736640.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6500671/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Commission-signs-letter-of-support-for-artists-Uruguay-residency-and-exchange-proposal","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500671-3ac32266c4bb22dad4c34ea6af34bfa7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139305&Signature=MZbKinEfXZe8EHTJqYCePBQMg5CSH06YpCxpIt1ddeBqwoX3sRu~YIjdmWiYroZ-73kvkjBsF3ZntGRN80h28lfLNrICX861id2~CIrvNI14-Zxyeh-YbAtCRQ4lyN3oG2y6VBpeHOxzFcly1TLyNXl0WZjnjecpOrFqHr1BbePrb9l6vfZrbTD6e2e58IlITq6D-wN4JZg7VuJElmbTEAFapjKvyg2SATHNaX6RQRhXbwllpOuwKAQv5mS7oOQqEwZg5XNdRFZnUBCEbFGybgPcZ4zNcLNZdi0Dk8AnHgYARtQvWr-wvzLPC8sAz71rVqrl--xYTR3ODi6C1b36hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Leesburg","date","2025-08-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Leesburg Diversity Commission voted to sign a letter of support for an artist’s grant application to develop an arts residency and cultural-exchange program on family-owned land near San José, Uruguay, and to endorse informal collaboration between creatives in Leesburg/Loudoun County and participating Uruguayan artists.

A commissioner described the applicant as a multi-disciplinary artist with decades of experience who proposes to build a sustainable artist retreat and residency center emphasizing ecotourism, environmental arts practice and cultural exchange. Commissioners noted the Loudoun County sister-city relationships in Uruguay and said the proposal’s focus on rural creative exchange was consistent with local priorities for cross-cultural artistic collaborations.

The commission motioned, seconded and approved a nonbinding letter of support. Commissioners emphasized that the endorsement does not obligate the commission or town to financial support or programmatic duties, but that several local artists indicated they would be willing to participate in exchange activities if the grant is awarded. The commission asked staff to provide the signed letter in the form requested by the applicant and noted the sign-on could be by the commission as an entity; several members also offered to sign individually as artists.

Staff will supply the letter on commission letterhead or, where requested by the applicant, provide a statement of support identifying the Leesburg Diversity Commission as endorsing the concept. The commission did not set any financial commitment or future obligations as part of the approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Leesburg - Diversity Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The commission voted to sign a letter of support for an artist’s grant application to develop an international artist residency and cultural-exchange program in San José, Uruguay; the commission approved nonfinancial support and sign-on as an official endorsing body.","taxTitle","Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia","taxId",5641,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500676,"Diversity Commission approves call for artist logos with $500 honorarium; specifies no AI-generated submissions",543,2422710,2965860,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38&start=2422&end=2965","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38/thumbnail_2422710.jpg","/articles/6500676/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Diversity-Commission-approves-call-for-artist-logos-with-500-honorarium-specifies-no-AI-generated-submissions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500676-e667831d761749756040f44a977119c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139305&Signature=MEQeI3ZFD1lXESWeLFUNwFNrtobeuDruJMz28UAKvZN5yNpIwVINb7X13ARUYBjKHD9H-UmGvAlD7O8teiYHwDYXH5qDZsl0ZYV1-~mVl~cTi2KYKsy8ixiZrEuDoloUROZvOHYY-MfCWpBV2p8ZjYJytuSHz28bROva6~U-7kxSdkIwWXp0cdzBUz~VXN2WOnt8pQ2XLs4o9cMtTbYgr71JjLEbz5otrrVMk3Q0yTfmrYjBzKwrxj2OSlpFAw~xwxI3ThHn8hUXyiRy4VH3vbPB42wXcZzeKmMFpM7Z2tzaiCBhTdsefQ1Fnjwj6jyfi0r2KBSB6~7XMSC7zbirkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg Diversity Commission approved moving forward with a formal call to artists to design the commission’s logo, including a modest honorarium and technical submission requirements.

Commission staff presented a draft call to artists modeled on language used by the town’s Commission on Public Art (COPA). The draft included a suggested honorarium of $500 for the selected artist, a two-month submission window, and specific file requirements: a 2,048-by-2,048-pixel JPEG or PNG and a vector graphic for scalability. Commissioners and staff agreed to remove a portrait-orientation requirement and to require that no computer-generated or AI-assisted art be eligible; they also clarified “computer-assisted” language to mean “computer-generated or AI-assisted” to exclude AI outputs while allowing digitally drawn submissions created by artists.

The commission discussed anonymity in judging. Staff said COPA anonymizes submissions during review (art is shown face-up without artist attribution), a practice commissioners endorsed to minimize bias. Commissioners also discussed compensation: staff said comparable calls had offered between $500 and $750, and that murals historically paid several thousand dollars when materials and installation were required. Commissioners asked staff to seek town-manager approval for any honorarium and to work with COPA on distribution of the call if compensation is approved.

A motion to proceed with the call as edited — include $500 honorarium as a placeholder, require 2,048x2,048 PNG/JPEG plus vector, exclude AI-generated submissions, and allow anonymous review — was moved, seconded and approved by the commission.

Staff said they would issue a news release after Labor Day if the town manager signs off on the honorarium and final language. Commissioners agreed to revisit compensation if submissions are unsatisfactory and to reissue the call if necessary.","The commission approved issuing a call for artists to design a commission logo, recommending a $500 honorarium, requiring a high-resolution PNG plus a vector file, and excluding AI-generated or computer-generated submissions. Review will be anonymous to reduce bias.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500681,"Leesburg commission sets job fair plans for Oct. 18; outreach to employers, Crossroads and schools to begin",706,2981540,3687550,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38&start=2981&end=3687","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38/thumbnail_2981540.jpg","/articles/6500681/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-commission-sets-job-fair-plans-for-Oct-18-outreach-to-employers-Crossroads-and-schools-to-begin","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500681-91d0579d26e302206ccc7bc527f7c4a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139305&Signature=Dp3qEPZdHJ-CPmM~JfjIkY3aZfBodK4LeRSreh7DLIHZXbQEehIj8LkmhjQv5Cqd080c843xz-q2kHgwjeLcfVKkou0hwiA1VLSLFAdWD0CVe~CikegcXS0QsRSL6KCXYDPp3xyIM3u7gsGqD-j7BF8ImMmABf4R2iUWpJm8dANq4HWofA5sR8giuVz4H7PBiNV3RS5H5-fROXFOBFI70LH7PYSXeR-tEWqj0AoAWqdjUalICnMfgOJJ6UnVu-ogmjWnrUNYUXkfOQ2lFRRjIBJ-UfQBmrAMMXwVNeGVvQc2f0B2hw9NjlzN9yZ38OmuZ2PnrPFAuNpOwr2JGnOzVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg Diversity Commission confirmed planning for a community job fair on Oct. 18, 2025, tentatively set for 1 to 3 p.m., and discussed logistics including employer outreach, partner tables, on-site interviews and resume review stations.

Commissioners said the town will open employer registration and begin outreach to prior-year participants, workforce partners including Crossroads and the Loudoun County Workforce Resource Center, and county services such as DARS. Staff said they will issue a news release seeking employers and that employer registration forms will be posted on the town website; staff also said they will set an internal deadline for employer sign-ups to allow a final table layout and a printed list of participating employers for check-in.

Discussion covered booth size, the potential to offer on-site interviews, and the importance of employers coming with real openings and recruiters qualified to conduct interviews. Commissioners asked staff to provide table plots to the parks-and-rec coordinator in advance and to consider offering slightly larger booth space for employers that want to conduct interviews. The commission asked the parks-and-rec staff to set up and take down tables and to confirm whether the facility rental includes a hard stop time. Commissioners also discussed inviting local schools, community colleges and workforce programs to promote the event to jobseekers.

The commission agreed to include a resume-review table staffed by community partners and to ask Crossroads and DARS to provide interviewers or reviewers. Commissioners planned to request directional signage (arrow signs) from economic development or reuse the signs borrowed in prior years, and one commissioner offered to run digital advertising and social media outreach in the weeks ahead.

No formal budget increase was approved at the meeting; staff said advertising and food/snack expenditures would require a vote if larger sums were needed, and that the commission should decide any such spending at the September meeting.

Staff will circulate employer sign-up materials and a draft table layout to commissioners before the September meeting for a working-session review.","The commission confirmed a job fair on Oct. 18, 2025 (1–3 p.m.), discussed employer recruitment, on-site interviews and resume review stations, and asked staff to open employer registration and coordinate table layout and partner participation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500686,"Commission debriefs National Night Out; members report drop in Spanish-speaking attendance and raise ICE/sheriff concerns",720,1444740,2165040,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38&start=1444&end=2165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38/thumbnail_1444740.jpg","/articles/6500686/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Commission-debriefs-National-Night-Out-members-report-drop-in-Spanish-speaking-attendance-and-raise-ICEsheriff-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500686-d556e52824654531a55ef817efc91b5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139305&Signature=M28~gFGEMyFkBYxGGVptqVJeQY6X0odbyZD03wwnodZHRPAFzK4FEklj48g8VQpjai~lKl8rjh7ZR13JgLU2EQ1Gf5e8fYGzbA4eSvXIJWHH3yPbS6f-ihrA~P8a8IaUV~X9fixGkxZrrp3JjXDlAQFt7KMMkGjt0gWmLyHH3YLfpPqifNrlY4NaoEhFfF07~FtFpp6DaEslH9fIudNn7gblifGuIZ4Vx6C~6MKbjVKj7FqdGpqOibucjWSqZBnWnvM8reuTq1mAf6KHeLBLXB2Iq0q2zkIKFFI3VuZc-Sn3Wj~C8RtoQtxaC1GAb6OB2EMXk8PnYFCCjlxjXtWhUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commission members who staffed a booth at National Night Out reported noticeably fewer Spanish-speaking attendees compared with the prior year and urged follow-up outreach to bilingual residents.

Several commissioners described interacting less frequently with Latino families at the event than in past years. One commissioner said that, anecdotally, they had few Spanish-speaking visitors at their table, and that absence raised concerns that fear of immigration enforcement could be reducing participation in community policing events.

Commission members asked for clarification about the local police department’s role in immigration enforcement. Kara and other staff explained that the Town of Leesburg Police Department does not control the county jail and has no role in decisions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office operates the detention center where ICE interactions may occur. Commissioners asked staff to invite Chief Thea Purnat to the September meeting to discuss community policing, traffic enforcement at problematic crosswalks and public outreach, and to provide clarity about how the department responds to public concerns about immigration enforcement.

Members discussed distributing bilingual “know your rights” materials at future events and creating a short feedback postcard or QR-linked form to gather concerns from residents who may be reluctant to speak publicly. Staff said a new resident guide in English and Spanish is being prepared and that town events staff can help distribute printed materials. Commissioners asked staff to confirm whether the commission can distribute bilingual handouts and “know your rights” resources without legal risk; staff agreed to take that question to the town manager and to the police chief for guidance.

The debrief also covered logistics and supplies. Commissioners recommended that future booths include a clear sign with a QR code to the community resource guide, printed bilingual materials, and a short feedback sheet for residents to register concerns anonymously.

No formal motion or budget decision resulted from the debrief; commissioners requested the police chief attend the next meeting to answer questions about enforcement policy and outreach.","Commission members said participation by Spanish-speaking families appeared lower than last year at National Night Out. They discussed community trust in law enforcement, the difference between town police and the county sheriff’s handling of detention and ICE interactions, and asked the police chief to address these concerns at the next meeting.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500691,"Leesburg Diversity Commission to co-host Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremony Oct. 3; $50 incidentals approved",829,501270,1330500,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38&start=501&end=1330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5584445-f52fc8c7ed7633d61170082861a15e38/thumbnail_501270.jpg","/articles/6500691/Leesburg/Loudoun-County/Virginia/Leesburg-Diversity-Commission-to-co-host-Domestic-Violence-Awareness-Month-ceremony-Oct-3-50-incidentals-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500691-c99cabf196fddcd35ddc38da341c25aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139305&Signature=PYR3vl07Z5n7VdlOfV92WIToAntK7LGjdG~O1Jy7MAkH3kMQ-nd1DFd8PH3vyhMWcvtbpu84LkqG3f132U6i8J6xTQzwhEsD2h0BN167xk12cbAj46Pt8uX2vINwrEgf2sI3uGAEz-DDDBpmUUMPAxlZLLooXKRa1Xc0FGAGavquVFgkU1dhFeNs-EoWtdz~t5nnxkurEFD0gs1-CY3XzG3mUSylhYMHhegeTjKu1RQq7pSQ8Pac-IQClAISIFeECvoV6XpO-iTnF4lsTOkInXIsIqk-HlKFnqQHyKKyskHSg~09om5jZRaJ2Q3TAQ5QI-QD9EKXBz2WZF4A9ENKnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg Diversity Commission voted to co-host a Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremony on Oct. 3, 2025, at the Town Hall Green in coordination with LAWS, a local domestic-violence support organization.

Commission members said the event will include a proclamation, an awareness lighting request (purple illumination of Town Hall), and an event permit. LAWS representative Tessa described plans to repeat last year’s program format — a short vigil with survivor remarks, electronic candles and a proclamation — and said the organization would help draft the proclamation for presentation either at the event or at a town council meeting.

The commission approved language supporting the collaboration and added a small incidental budget. Commissioners amended the motion on the floor to allocate $50 for incidentals such as tablecloths or other minor supplies; members said the town typically provides chairs, tables and basic event infrastructure and that LAWS would supply electronic candles used in prior events. Kara, a town staff member who advised the commission on permits and formatting, said staff would circulate the online form and deadlines and would confirm whether event-permit fees could be waived for town commissions.

The commission asked LAWS to submit a proclamation request through the town’s form and to coordinate the awareness-illumination request and event-permit application. Commissioners asked staff to confirm permit and fee status before the September meeting so the commission could vote on any additional funding if required.

Votes at a glance: The motion to co-host the October 3, 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremony with LAWS and to allocate up to $50 for incidentals was moved and seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote.

The commission did not obligate any ongoing or larger financial support; members repeatedly said any larger expense would be brought back for formal approval.

Looking ahead, LAWS and commission members agreed to hold coordinating meetings (via Teams) to finalize speakers, logistics and the proclamation text. The commission asked that the proclamation be drafted in September so it can be placed on a council agenda or read at the event if the mayor is available.","The commission voted to co-host a Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremony on Oct. 3, 2025 at the Town Hall Green with LAWS, approved a $50 incidental budget, and agreed to pursue a proclamation and purple lighting for the building.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission signs letter of support for artist’s Uruguay residency and exchange proposal

Diversity Commission approves call for artist logos with $500 honorarium; specifies no AI-generated submissions

Leesburg commission sets job fair plans for Oct. 18; outreach to employers, Crossroads and schools to begin

Commission debriefs National Night Out; members report drop in Spanish-speaking attendance and raise ICE/sheriff concerns

Leesburg Diversity Commission to co-host Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremony Oct. 3; $50 incidentals approved