Submitted By: Emily Parkman
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Presentation By: Cultural Arts Supervisor, Emily Parkman
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Department: Growth Management
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Review guidelines and process for OMAC’s role in the new East Ocala CRA mural grant program
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BACKGROUND:
On February 5, 2025, staff presented a mural project proposal from artist Justin Alsedek for the Neighborhood Storage’s façade along Eighth Avenue for review and recommendation to proceed. This project was the first test pilot project to create an approved pathway for the creation of the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) mural grant and define OMAC’s responsibility to review and assess artists and projects. OMAC recommended this mural project to the East Ocala CRA. On April 2, 2025, OMAC reviewed and discussed the new East Ocala CRA Mural Grant Guidelines and OMAC’s role in this process as an arts advisory committee. On July 15, 2025, the East Ocala CRA approved the Mural Grant Guidelines and application process. Justin Alsedek’s Neighborhood Storage CRA mural grant application proceeds with OMAC’s recommendation.
Future East Ocala CRA grant applications for murals will utilize the following process:
1. Business and/or property owner submits application to East Ocala CRA Commercial Building Improvement Grant for a mural with approved Mural Guidelines. Cultural Arts Artist Project Detail Sheet and Public Artist Roster materials should be submitted at the same time.
2. Economic Development and Cultural Arts staff review application and submitted materials for eligibility and completeness.
3. Cultural Arts Division presents CRA application and mural project details to OMAC for review and recommendation. Any Public Artist Roster materials will also be presented to OMAC at this time for inclusion on the Roster if applicable.
4. OMAC considers overall project and artist, provides insight and/or concerns, and votes on recommendation to proceed. OMAC must vote to approve artist to Roster if not registered at this time.
5. OMAC’s vote and considerations presented to the East Ocala CRA Advisory Committee for recommendation.
6. Successful mural grant application recommendations proceed to the East Ocala CRA Board for final approval and grant award.
7. OMAC will be updated on mural project status.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
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