Arts commissioners reserve four youth spots for 'For the Love of Gilroy' banner program

The Gilroy Arts & Culture Commission voted to approve its meeting minutes and then examined the FY26–27 work plan for the city’s banner program "For the Love of Gilroy," setting outreach and selection dates and allocating slots for youth artwork.

Staff reported past submission totals — eight youth and 32 adult submissions in 2024, and nine youth and 33 adult submissions in 2025 — and outlined a project timeline: submissions to open Aug. 31, close Dec. 4, the commission will recommend designs to the city council in February, and staff plans to purchase rights and produce banners ahead of an April 2027 unveiling. Staff also told commissioners the city purchases artwork rights for winning banners at $500 per piece.

Commissioners debated reserving a fixed number of youth winners out of the 14 banners. After discussion about past ratios and outreach to schools, the commission reached a consensus to reserve four youth spots and 10 adult spots, assuming a 14-banner total; commissioners said the allocation can be revisited if the number of banners changes.

Commissioners directed staff and the event subcommittee to prepare marketing materials and a one-page information sheet in English and Spanish and to coordinate outreach with local schools and downtown partners. Staff recommended sending graphics to the city marketing office for review before public release. Commissioners identified the July 14 meeting for the subcommittee to return with draft marketing materials and a plan for promoting youth submissions.

The commission did not adopt a formal ordinance or ordinance-numbered action at this meeting; the youth-allocation decision was recorded as a consensus outcome on the work plan and will be reflected in the subcommittee’s July report.