Filmmaker and artists urge coordination and small grants; Film Lab wins seed support

Two public commenters used the commission meeting's public comment period to press for grassroots arts coordination and to explain how small grants could sustain emerging programs.

Kevin McDevitt, an independent filmmaker and founder of The Film Lab (a quarterly short-film series), described a volunteer-run screening series that pairs a short-film program with a networking mixer. "We've shown about 25 short films, all from local filmmakers, and many from Ojai," McDevitt said, describing average audiences of roughly 50 and a desire to offer modest stipends to filmmakers. The commission approved seed support for McDevitt's Film Lab in the amount of $1,150 after commissioners noted its community value but also its modest scale in the grants review.

Cassandra C. Jones, who runs an Arts & Nature residency and the Mega Gallery, urged the commission to convene nonprofit arts groups to share calendars and reduce overlapping event schedules. Jones proposed a short, targeted meeting of organization representatives to introduce themselves and share a joint calendar; commissioners agreed to add a future agenda item and to form a committee to explore logistics and potential city support.

Commissioners commended the public speakers for initiative and recommended that both organizers and the ad hoc committee work to capture collaborative opportunities in the commission's strategic planning session. The commission's actions on small grants reflect a balanced approach: supporting established institutions while reserving seed funding to help nascent, volunteer-led projects build capacity.

The Film Lab and the proposed arts convening will be followed up by staff to confirm award paperwork and to schedule a future agenda item for coordination.