Kara Goger, a member of the Creative Placemaking Strategy Advisory Committee, told the committee the Mariposa County Arts Council used a state planning grant to design an artist residency program for the Creek Parkway and has applied for a follow-on implementation grant.
The plan proposed three prongs: visiting artists (California-based, 2–4 weeks), local artist residencies (studio stipend, no housing), and a year-round cultural residency led by the Southern Sierra Miwok Nation. "This probably isn't meant for public art. This is more for artists to practice their work," Goger said, describing the emphasis on artists' practice and community engagement.
The nut graf: The committee heard the project design and outreach results and was told the program will move forward only if the implementation grant is awarded and partner roles (including tribal leadership and Sierra Foothill Conservancy participation) are finalized.
Committee members discussed selection and timeline. Goger said a panel process would likely evaluate applications and that the program would aim for two local and two visiting residencies per year, each two to four weeks, depending on final budget. She said the Southern Sierra Miwok Nation had provided a letter of support but that the scope and mission of that cultural residency still need to be co‑developed with the tribe.
On timing, Goger said grant decisions were expected in August but administrators have previously seen multi‑month delays; she cautioned the committee that notification could slip into October. Committee members asked for clarification on whether residencies would include public programming; Goger said public workshops, talks or exhibitions were commonly requested during community engagement and could be part of implementation depending on the grant and partner plans.
No formal committee action or vote was taken on the residency program during the meeting; the item was presented as a progress update and staff said they would report back if the implementation grant is awarded.
Ending: The committee agreed to await the funder’s decision and to return with a more detailed implementation plan, including selection criteria, partner responsibilities and a schedule, once funding and tribal program details are confirmed.