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Branch Arts Live draws '700 plus' attendees; committee to seek funding for expanded staging
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Summary
Committee members praised Branch Arts Live's growth, reporting more than 700 attendees and recommending a council budget request to secure permanent stage infrastructure and event support. Members discussed items to include in a funding request such as stage, stairs and power for food trucks.
Committee members reviewed Branch Arts Live during the Nov. 13 Arts and Culture Committee meeting, calling the event a success and discussing next steps to grow it in future years.
Speaker 8 reported the event had "700 plus attendees," and members said participation ranged from elementary students to senior citizens. Speakers praised performers and community engagement and recommended compiling event metrics and performer links for promotional materials.
Members discussed funding and logistics to expand the event. Speaker 3 urged that any council request include a consolidated budget for stage, steps and other needs so council can make an informed midyear decision; Speaker 6 noted the committee spent "$0" on the recent event and emphasized that moving from an all‑volunteer model to a funded event will require a clear budget. Staff and members suggested including a line for a dance floor surface (Marley), power for food vendors and a canopy, and to consider whether an existing park stage could be adapted as a permanent asset. One example figure mentioned during the meeting for canopy work was about $58,000.
Why it matters: the committee described Branch Arts Live as a growing community arts showcase; securing funding for infrastructure would help maintain performer safety and enable larger programming while reducing ad‑hoc rentals.
What’s next: members agreed to gather cost estimates and present a consolidated budget request to City Council (potentially in January or midyear), and staff will investigate venue options and necessary special‑event permitting requirements before the next meeting.
