Deputy director outlines staffing, strategic plan and urges defense of CAH funding source

Deputy Director David Markey delivered the agency report for Executive Director Erin Myers at the commission’s Feb. 23 meeting, outlining personnel moves, strategic planning activities and a recent grant award.

Markey said the agency is extending an offer to a candidate for a registrar position (responsible for the public art collection) and will soon interview to backfill a community outreach role. He asked commissioners to schedule one‑on‑one sessions with the strategic‑planning consultants so the resulting plan represents governance priorities and community needs across all eight wards.

Staff announced CAH was one of 28 state arts agencies to receive a Creative Aging/Creative Futures grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and the Michelson Philanthropy Group. The two‑year program will expand access to arts learning for older adults and begin planning with partners this spring ahead of initial implementation this fall.

Markey summarized recent performance oversight hearing takeaways and agency progress — more consistent grantmaking processes, expanded public art stewardship (the agency manages more than 3,000 works), new digital tools including an interactive public art map and an Art Bank eMuseum relaunch — and said data shows growing demand and participation across the sector.

On funding, Markey urged commissioners and stakeholders to preserve the commission’s dedicated funding source, which he said was originally established at 5% of sales tax revenue and was recently mentioned by Chairman Mendelson. He asked commissioners and grantees to remind the mayor’s office and Council of the funding structure’s importance, and said staff will circulate research and reminders ahead of budget oversight hearings.