Ojai Arts Commission hears 29 grant applications for $100,000 fund; ad hoc panel to review

The Ojai Arts Commission on Oct. 16 heard public presentations from two dozen local arts organizations seeking portions of a $100,000 grant pool the city allocated for arts projects.

Commission Chair Smitty West opened the meeting by noting the increased funding this year and thanking applicants for participating; commissioners and an ad hoc committee described the schedule that will move the requests toward a final decision.

Why it matters: The commission said the $100,000 represents a large increase from earlier years and is intended to expand arts programming across the valley. Commissioners stressed that the commission makes recommendations but the City Council gives final approval, expected at the council’s December meeting.

What the commission will do next

Bridgette, the commission’s city staff liaison, confirmed that the ad hoc review panel of community members and commissioners — Louise Sandhaus, Carolyn Wagner, Michael Addison and Elizabeth Herring — will meet Saturday, Nov. 1 (with Nov. 2 reserved if more time is needed) to review and score…