Council approves $2,500 Destination Geneva grant for Artist Sunday Road Rally; members seek follow-up reporting

The Geneva City Council voted 10-0 to award $2,500 through the Destination Geneva grant program to the Geneva Foundation for the Arts to support a first-year Artist Sunday Road Rally, a self-curated tour of art studios, galleries, shops and creative businesses.

City staff said the foundation requested 100% funding for the inaugural event and that the grant program is intended to incubate ideas that might later become self-sustaining. Director Tomoshenko told the council the application shows the event’s intent to use digital platforms, traditional media and community partnerships and planned $750 for marketing and some printing costs.

Several council members pressed for clearer follow-up and accountability. Alderman Kosaraj said he expected to see a post-event recap and recommended the council receive a consolidated annual report on Destination Geneva grants to help evaluate whether events meet program goals. He said, “We fund it. The council does. And then but then we're not seeing the recap,” and urged staff to present closeout information during the budget process.

Alderman Reineke asked for specifics about the foundation’s marketing plan and partnerships; staff replied the foundation’s application included a general marketing strategy but detailed tactics had not been finalized and that city staff would provide support through city publications and social channels. Staff said three Destination Geneva grants have been awarded previously and this would be the fourth.

City Council members said the grant’s purpose is to support local retailers and attract visitors; supporters noted the event could revive a former gallery-walk style program. The council directed staff to ensure follow-up closeout reporting is routed to the council for review as part of program oversight. The resolution passed with 10 affirmative votes, 0 negative votes and 1 council member absent.