Members of the Franklin City Arts Commission’s programming committee reported on recent public-art projects and the Ethos event, and recommended next steps for programming and artist outreach.

Commission staff and members said the intersection art installation was completed about two weeks earlier and that the mayor’s youth council nearly finished a painted generator box outside City Hall. The Veterans Alley project — described as metal vignettes of patriotic scenes to be installed on the Elks side — was scheduled for installation in September; a larger piece for the opposite wall tied to the city's 250th anniversary was discussed as a longer-term concept.

Josh, reporting for the programming committee, said Ethos this year was “a success” and comparable to last year in attendance and participation. Staff reported an artist count of about 68 and said an artist survey returned overwhelmingly positive feedback, with one outlier expressing dissatisfaction. Artists appreciated added features such as provided lunches. Participants requested clearer teardown instructions for next year.

Committee members discussed whether to move the event from its current June date because of heat; the group noted trade-offs between weather risks across seasons and decided to keep the same date to maintain consistency. The committee plans to open applications for next year’s Ethos in October to give artists earlier notice.

Commissioners also discussed cross-promotion with concurrent events (Secret Garden had an estimated 600 visitors that weekend), and suggested using close-up photos of specific local landmarks or newly completed roundabout art for future banners and promotions. No formal vote was recorded on these items; the committee agreed to continue with the current schedule and to circulate artist-application details later this year.