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Committee backs creation of DeKalb Arts and Cultural Council, selects consultant and schedules presentation
Summary
PECS recommended creation of a countywide Arts and Cultural Council, approved moving forward with consultant Purpose Possible, and asked the consultant to present to committee or CAL before the full-board vote.
Commissioner Long Spears presented a resolution (agenda item 2025-0751) proposing creation of a DeKalb Arts and Cultural Council. The design team of volunteers has met for roughly eight months to draft a structure and recommendations. The committee noted existing local groups—Discover DeKalb and Decide DeKalb—have been involved in the design process.
Long Spears reported the FY2025 budget includes seed funding to hire a consultant and identified Purpose Possible and consultant Susanna Darrow as the preferred vendor; staff said $50,000 was allocated and that Purpose Possible’s fee is approximately $35,000. Commissioners described arts and culture investment as part of economic development and placemaking and emphasized countywide representation in appointments.
The committee voted to recommend the resolution to the full board. Committee members also requested that Purpose Possible present at the next CAL meeting so commissioners could review the consultant’s approach before the full-board vote. The draft resolution outlines appointment posts for all seven commissioners, two CEO appointments, Discover DeKalb and Decide DeKalb representatives, and other stakeholder seats; no final appointments have been made.
