Arts Commission discusses scope and funding options for Chalk Fest 2025; may seek council approval

Oak Harbor Arts Commission members discussed plans for Chalk Fest 2025 and the program’s funding gap, agreeing to meet with the event promoter to clarify scope, scale and contract details before deciding whether to ask the City Council for additional money.

Commissioners confirmed the project goal of a $70,000 festival budget and that roughly $52,000 had been secured so far (a $35,000 commission allocation plus $17,000 from LTAC, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee). Commissioners said the remaining shortfall—about $18,000, as discussed—would determine the event’s scale. Staff reported the city has previously earmarked funds for Windjammer Park projects that could help cover larger festival costs but that council approval would be required to release additional city funds.

Cynthia, who has been coordinating with the promoter Terry Morgan, told commissioners she had penciled in a date that would place the art installations on display through August and Labor Day weekend and said artist travel costs and lodging would be affected by how much funding is available. Commissioners suggested meeting with the promoter and exploring sponsorships, hotel discounts and in-kind donations to reduce costs.

Commissioners also discussed whether to stage a smaller inaugural festival to build local support and scale up in later years. “Maybe it is okay to go with a smaller event our first time out and get the public’s ‘wow’ behind it,” one commissioner said.

Next steps agreed at the meeting: staff will schedule a meeting with the promoter to clarify artist costs and event logistics; the Arts Commission subcommittee will convene to review contract details; and if the commission determines the full budget is needed, staff will prepare a request for City Council consideration.