Englewood Cultural Arts Commission funds Second Saturdays with $3,000; approves $75 for Celebrate Englewood button station

The Englewood Cultural Arts Commission voted to provide $3,000 to support a new Second Saturdays arts promotion and approved a separate $75 purchase to rent a button-making station for the Celebrate Englewood community event.

Hailey Schneider, who identified herself as representing Seesaw Art Gallery, and Nicole Corby of Easel Art Space told the commission they have organized a loosely coordinated group of galleries and creative businesses to promote monthly events called Second Saturdays. "We've been spearheading an effort with the creative community, art galleries, arts organizations, and other creative entities to, promote our businesses here in Englewood," Schneider said, describing an interactive map and landing page that organizers will maintain to list monthly events.

Commissioners said the commission's remaining annual budget can cover the request. Staff reported the Cultural Arts Commission account shows roughly $72,000 remaining for the year, with $30,000 already set aside for Second Floor murals and a $23,426 line-item from a previous allocation still available for gallery support. After discussion of partner contributions from merchants and the Downtown Development Authority, a commissioner moved to fund the full $3,000 and the motion was seconded; commissioners present voted in favor.

Beyond the grant, the commission approved $75 to rent a button-making station for the Celebrate Englewood booth on May 17, an expense intended to provide a hands-on activity that increases booth engagement. Staff presented a vendor quote of $40 for 100 buttons with an additional $34 to produce another 200, for a total quoted cost of about $74; the commission rounded to $75 when voting.

The commission and staff discussed next steps: adding the CAC logo to the Second Saturdays landing page, distributing printed maps at events, and coordinating with the city's communications director for press outreach. Commissioners also discussed rotating CAC presence at galleries on Second Saturdays and organizing an artist meet-and-greet in summer months, with plans to use a sign-up sheet or Google form to schedule volunteers to staff the commission's table.

The commission did not attach conditions to the $3,000 grant beyond routine administrative reporting. Organizers said some participating businesses will contribute financially while others will not, and that the events already include restaurants and music venues such as Mutiny Cafe and Western Sky Bar and Taproom. Schneider said the group hopes the effort will support longer-term goals, including exploring an arts-district designation that some members may pursue separately.

Commissioners asked organizers to provide a budget breakdown and to coordinate with city economic-development and parks staff on logistics; staff agreed to follow up. The commission also discussed using some previously approved print materials and the CAC landing page to promote the initiative.

Actions recorded at the meeting: the Commission approved the $3,000 allocation for Second Saturdays and the $75 payment for the button-making station. The votes were taken by voice and recorded as affirmative by the commissioners present.