Performing Arts Commission outlines timeline for events, targets mistletoe market partnership and FY26 work plan

The Leesburg Performing Arts Commission on June 15 discussed a performance timeline and planning priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, including possible partnership with Leesburg Movement for the Mistletoe Market in December, a youth-oriented spring performance, and the schedule for presenting a FY26 work plan and funding request to town council.

Commission chair Malika Kanur told the commission she had received an inquiry from a regional Indian cultural dance organization potentially supported by state arts funding; she said the group had not yet provided budget or logistical details. Commissioners agreed to continue brainstorming and to pursue established partners rather than attempt a stand-alone large event in a short timeframe.

Members discussed the Mistletoe Market (a December vendor/event at the courthouse). Commissioners described past iterations with vendors, music and small performances and suggested the commission’s role would focus on adding performing-arts programming. Several members said partnering with an established organizer such as Leesburg Movement would reduce the commission’s logistical burden. A commissioner volunteered to contact Leesburg Movement to invite a representative to the July meeting.

The group discussed fiscal constraints and scheduling rules. Staff reminded commissioners that their $5,000 allocation for FY26 will not be available for spending until the commission presents a work plan to council and that commission budgets for FY27 are usually submitted in January. Commissioners agreed to aim to present a FY26 work plan to council in September (staff noted September is a likely but not fixed target) or as soon as practical, and to treat August or early-September as the deadline to finalize proposals for events that would run in late fall or winter because site reservations (for example, courthouse grounds) require up to six months’ lead time.

Commissioners suggested several program ideas to attract audiences, including youth orchestra or youth theater events in spring, small-scale partnered performances in the fall, and staging seasonal acts (carolers or Dickens-themed vignettes) that have worked in nearby towns. Several commissioners emphasized that a single well-planned event with partner organizations may be more feasible within the current budget and meeting cadence than multiple standalone events.

Staff and commissioners agreed to add an agenda item for July to invite a Leesburg Movement representative or county representative to clarify costs, responsibilities and timelines. Commissioners also discussed recruitment for a vacant commission seat (staff reported council will consider appointments in early July). The commission did not approve new expenditures for performances at the June 15 meeting; decisions about stipends, contracts and venue reservations will follow presentation of a specific work plan to council.