[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6496917,"mediaKeyId","5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b","parentId",5546528,"title","OMAC: Ocala Main Street mural project at risk of expiration; commission reviews fund balances and schedule","audioSeconds",254,"startMs",2229000,"endMs",2483000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b&start=2229&end=2483","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b/thumbnail_2229000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6496917/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/OMAC-Ocala-Main-Street-mural-project-at-risk-of-expiration-commission-reviews-fund-balances-and-schedule","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496917-377c59ee24578d1fca4ddd60fa8bf203/orig.mp4?Expires=1770559861&Signature=Jt2bsiRFmxkavG-WUIGga2eONJS0CHudxqhqUn3VuqS1VHCA-tXHeWSep4n4dm4ZM8vdVElb0gP7d2UKr6tArIuII1SarEx2pUVx4S2rOmSiczaykSR51KceB-EPuB7GBMD0Lff52epDN2DCQfaLdIA1-tXzqmq34Hw~Y1R3R01tOOvHtcpqzxhKbPYHfz5WsuRwLqjqfpNXVMU42eQquvvJY2sE8rXGMSp5CTs5wfNQIRxM-Wrd9cgzYmkXpX~4rDc4q~P3E~1aBMSGhfwmUKyoBYMoJKO1I5LDwHkE0YZfYe9YRR9wcDDXfY4akFUbLl1Il7F-2yUTEcZjI5EwAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ocala","date","2025-08-06T00:00:00Z","article","Ocala Municipal Arts Commission staff reported Thursday that the Ocala Main Street vacant‑storefront mural program has not moved forward because the group did not secure additional Fine Arts funding and the project’s open call did not launch as planned.

Emily (staff member) said Ocala Main Street has one remaining commission meeting before a 12‑month grant deadline will expire. Staff said no invoices have been processed and the city has only reserved funds for the project; if the group cannot demonstrate progress by the October meeting the commission may require reapplication.

Commissioners discussed options for the stalled project. Staff recommended that, if the applicant cannot document progress, the group reapply under the next fiscal cycle so timelines and budgets align more clearly. Commissioners noted Calumet Street (a target area) remains interested but that additional fundraising will be necessary if the project is to proceed.

The commission also reviewed its license‑plate revenue account. Staff reported a gross balance of $11,385.72; when a reserved $1,000 allocation for an Ocala Main Street item is accounted for, staff said the available figure is $10,385.72 for general budgeting. For grant-planning purposes staff cited $4,400 in immediately available grant funds for the current fiscal year (with the potential to reach $5,400 if the unclaimed $1,000 is processed and timing aligns after Oct. 1).

Staff reminded commissioners that unspent funds roll over into future fiscal years and that the new fiscal allocation becomes available Oct. 1. Commissioners also discussed whether already-awarded but unspent grants would be processed in the next fiscal year and how that affects project accounting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ocala - Municipal Arts Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Staff told the commission Ocala Main Street’s vacant storefront mural initiative has stalled without additional Fine Arts funding and faces a potential grant-expiration in October; commissioners reviewed license-plate account balances and rollover rules while noting one pending $1,000 allocation to Main Street.","taxTitle","Ocala, Marion County, Florida","taxId",4898,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6496922,"OMAC refines role in East Ocala CRA mural grant process; defers final vote on artist-roster changes",2016,2975000,4991000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b&start=2975&end=4991","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b/thumbnail_2975000.jpg","/articles/6496922/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/OMAC-refines-role-in-East-Ocala-CRA-mural-grant-process-defers-final-vote-on-artist-roster-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496922-15085e12b848cd1dd40a48f7d56d87bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770559861&Signature=XrkX2p7hKJ3kM2zNR~gfTWlwnpV5IzFPcu9XYO1trqHFYBGEWEtWZAdc5buHmanBugsLcU-yyhm3MJFHhBaC2YwU~b4yxW5Ejf4j2-PoAuOXn5zMpjVjfUbvXAt9356NWyTRjAs51ko0GssgXlfIOANO1TemMeH1dovIdvrceXPnQ2QIzp8z5YdFDRrOowKq9dViZthjqu7dPt9tZMPRsl~x1RA45m4779dvFmiUXd6L8tXwSVfBO7mAUkaRGlRj3U~odhHiPs0sfoatpmctGI0VvcxzOztmRO3DfBlmhfZkBgsDnRB7LcBzg0wv7d0EelZYmJKJyW1oWQsJZXYtRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission on Thursday reviewed a proposed workflow for the East Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) mural grant program and debated changes to the city’s artist roster process, ultimately asking staff to return with a revised application for a vote in October.

Staff recapped prior work: OMAC reviewed a pilot mural project for a neighborhood storage façade in February and provided a recommendation to the East Ocala CRA in July. The CRA will consider the project later this month, Emily (staff member) said. The East Ocala grant is a reimbursement program that requires the property owner to apply and the artist to be approved on the artist roster unless the CRA elects an open call.

Commissioners recommended streamlining the review process by removing a separate advisory‑committee review step—currently required before the CRA votes—so applications could go directly to the CRA, shortening review timelines by two to four months. Staff said they will pursue removing the advisory step where practicable.

The commission reviewed proposed artist-roster application requirements (contact information, 8–10 images, image metadata, a one‑page artist statement, and a short resume) and draft selection criteria that split scoring into two 15‑point categories: experience and artistic excellence. Staff proposed a roster term of four to five years with rolling pathways for local artists to apply between open calls.

Commissioners asked staff to add reference contacts (two to three) to the application and to clarify renewal and removal procedures for currently listed artists (many of whom applied in 2020). Staff said they would contact artists on the existing roster and ask them to reapply or confirm continued interest; the commission generally favored a five‑year renewal cycle.

Commissioners voted to table formal approval of the roster and application language until October so staff could incorporate the feedback, prepare outreach to current roster artists and present an updated application for vote. Staff said an aspirational timeline would allow a January rollout with a three‑month open-call window and review in spring.

","The commission reviewed proposed procedures for the new East Ocala CRA mural grant and an updated artist roster application; members recommended removing an advisory step to speed approvals and tabled final approval of roster changes to the October meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6496927,"OMAC adds Music on Broadway mural and acquires Double Helix sculpture for city collection",322,2613000,2935000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b&start=2613&end=2935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b/thumbnail_2613000.jpg","/articles/6496927/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/OMAC-adds-Music-on-Broadway-mural-and-acquires-Double-Helix-sculpture-for-city-collection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496927-3d23c98a3f204a2a5a9b75cedd68f305/orig.mp4?Expires=1770559861&Signature=YKxPWL7kI6nNOWTDLr1ZaZWf1SpYjim4OCOikXK8NXe89y6T8-IjHEr3v3rFf93MK1mEcjca8Mui-21C2R9EeTUcDSzHNdPwjhSI5Raj5NAPw65o7FqbyFXZzFRPEc4V-3ronoKD7AQB0qdyu26JykC5T~NUXrf~OZ4x3VAhm2odhij5V-z2e7OUP5sMChTa7piH-MaAk5I0lN9OPM2JHgFyvmFyULajeLi9YLq0tM56gQ7aZrC29kUd6CvVLSRXlWOWhQ1zgQcULe5nBa6njOhFYJdqH3abBtKmwwjSVkSBNnQ0ucmwp62NoppDWSfHrf7HsOTpkkmaUibhxWiPfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission on Thursday approved two additions to the city’s public art holdings: the newly installed 'Music on Broadway' mural and the stainless‑steel sculpture 'Double Helix.'

Emily (staff member) reported the 'Music on Broadway' mural—painted by five commissioned artists during the Levitt 2025 project—was sealed with a UV‑resistant clear coat and recommended for accession to the city’s permanent public art collection at the Brick City Center for the Arts. Commissioner Natalie moved to accession the mural and the motion passed by voice vote; one commissioner announced a recusal from that vote.

The commission also approved acquisition of 'Double Helix,' a 9.6‑foot stainless‑steel sculpture by artist Hannah Dubrin. The piece had been displayed as part of the 2024–25 outdoor sculpture program in Tuscaloosa Park; the city purchased it in June to diversify the collection, Emily said. The commission voted to place the sculpture in front of the Discovery Science Center when an empty pad there is prepared.

Staff emphasized the purchase decision was aided by the sculpture’s low maintenance requirements—stainless steel with minimal paint—and by the Discovery Science Center’s interest in siting the piece. The sculpture broadens the collection’s thematic range by incorporating scientific motifs and new materials, Emily said.

Both motions passed by voice vote. The commission discussed hoped-for five-year longevity for the mural and routine cleaning for the sculpture. Staff said funding for the sculpture purchase came from the cultural arts general fund, including leftover event funds.

","The commission approved accession of a newly completed mural 'Music on Broadway' into the city’s permanent public art collection and approved purchase of the stainless-steel sculpture 'Double Helix' for placement at the Discovery Science Center; one commissioner recused from the mural vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6496931,"OMAC tables LEAP dance grant request pending revised budget and restriction clarifications",1196,988000,2184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b&start=988&end=2184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b/thumbnail_988000.jpg","/articles/6496931/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/OMAC-tables-LEAP-dance-grant-request-pending-revised-budget-and-restriction-clarifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496931-8127b703f262584525ac8ce64eaf1e81/orig.mp4?Expires=1770559861&Signature=U~~opjdi1lliiajaeNUcybTH9tpDiNYc32WSYF9PaLDexIg-YGxntBzRJM5Bak9cKQOtMv9sK8v1JxUGYTewt2CQkos0DTbQZMo5CNAZZkYv5-jSasFxXITjbyHAtEkJPz7ybnal3QUVumKWH7xX4UwGi6TyM763Fne0MgHn24MtzbM9zwF~tifSJ2rl5TfepS-FkmwzBjNvZpYLzixGfi1EhzXMSLOq-Pf4K-PMe12Vdp6UAJo1oA8qo-dDFSLrfat2WHNXivnGlz0IaZshOuqIzS16PgvuqeSNuvBNkIth-IRysJJnyesp6XudmUUt~X2PfKgfMwNfZqxF1bmmIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission on Thursday voted to table a grant application from LEAP, a locally based performing-arts outreach project led by teen organizer Nysa Tureen, after commissioners asked for a revised budget and clarification of permissible uses.

Tureen and her mother, Judith Carrasco, told the commission the program intends to offer five to six free community youth dance workshops in underserved parts of Marion County and to provide costumes, choreography support and mentorship. The application initially listed a $3,000 request but the applicant confirmed during the meeting that she would accept a $2,000 award focused on local dance programming.

Commissioners raised two concerns: first, whether the budgeted items complied with the commission’s funding restrictions for state-funded grants (several commissioners noted statewide rules typically bar pageant or competition prize payments); second, the group’s nonprofit status. Tureen said LEAP is “in the process” of obtaining 501(c)(3) status and that the group can be paid as an individual artist or collective under current rules if needed.

A staff member confirmed the grant program can fund individual artists and collectives in addition to 501(c)(3) organizations. Commissioners requested a revised budget that removes pageant-related expenses and confirms that all funds will be spent inside Marion County on arts programming. Tureen said she would provide updated budget materials and receipts protocols.

After the questions, a commissioner moved to table the application to allow the applicant time to provide the requested information and to allow commissioners to review the revised budget; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Commissioners and staff encouraged Tureen to resubmit with a clarified budget and a timeline for five to six classes within the 12-month reimbursement period for the state-funded program.

","The commission tabled a $2,000–3,000 grant request from LEAP (Launching Equal Access to the Performing Arts) for free youth dance workshops so the applicant can submit a revised budget removing pageant-related items and clarify timeline and 501(c)(3) status.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6496933,"Ocala arts commission approves $3,500 for Ocala Film Derby equipment pack",2089,69000,2158000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b&start=69&end=2158","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5546528-d4174a185c851b3577a44f0f8948203b/thumbnail_69000.jpg","/articles/6496933/Ocala/Marion-County/Florida/Ocala-arts-commission-approves-3500-for-Ocala-Film-Derby-equipment-pack","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6496933-8017a3fc6dfd0c4533d458c7d20d90de/orig.mp4?Expires=1770559861&Signature=OefDw7wKe-MZy1b5U3W2ANinXrLvkdWafsAnGj5gke14kKvB5rhUIqFLbVwUfwhu79o52QUsDFeAXST7gHv2l~Mk2nkxBx4GRhqDbb4ic3MVFYo4QT0JafZM2TLXhqnkEpIheXM7WvbQyNNH08Q8L6awpQlaf4~x~-WpV~s9MAMDq0tA~LmgsQpvFbrmYXwLHRrfc3BPb9WNZi3kbc21kF-8HCjKGqhylguhCcw7L-QuAtau4cGseB~DnPIFojhwIg7f~9GZcvJu5jwZ8ZQINd8dnZC0sdhmAakc-lDAFxokmFUG8a~ybnXVGZJclRvxD2i8ODS~sFe1N9dzCwvhKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission on Thursday approved a $3,500 grant to buy one equipment pack for the Ocala Film Derby, a student filmmaking competition scheduled for late September.

The funding will purchase a single complete equipment pack intended to standardize tools across teams so student filmmakers work with the same cameras, lenses, sound and lighting gear, Commission Chair Jay Bailey said during the meeting.

The grant application was submitted to the commission by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. Emily (staff member) told commissioners the Derby runs a five-day immersive competition in which eight student teams paired with mentors create short films; the commission heard the funding would cover one of the eight teams’ equipment and that the equipment would be housed and checked out from Marion County Public Schools classrooms when not in use.

Two committee members from the Ocala Film Derby, Erin Conrad and David Gaston, answered commissioners’ questions about logistics and confirmed the packs are a purchase, not a rental. “Yes. So we wouldn't have to seek this funding every single year,” Gaston said, adding the organizers expect only occasional replacement of parts after the initial bulk purchase.

Commissioners discussed the commission’s available grant balance while considering the request. Staff reported the commission’s expendable balance for the fiscal year was approximately $4,400 and that an additional $1,000 from an Ocala Main Street grant may become available, for a theoretical $5,400 pending timing and invoicing. Commissioners also discussed a plan offered by staff to award partial funds now and reimburse part once the new fiscal allocation becomes available on Oct. 1.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to fund the Film Derby request \"as presented\" for $3,500 for one equipment pack; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The motion carried.

Commissioners noted the Derby’s event date—September 24–26—created urgency for an upfront purchase. Staff said vendors (B&H) can deliver quickly once a purchase order is issued.

Clarifying details: the Public Education Foundation will be the fiscal agent; the equipment will be inventoried and stored in a Marion County school classroom and available for classroom use during the year. The commission’s staff also advised that remaining funds could cover part of another application but not full funding of both proposals before Oct. 1.

The commission asked staff to return with any additional paperwork needed to complete the grant award and payment schedule so the purchase could be processed immediately.

The commission moved on to consider a second grant application and other agenda items.

","The Ocala Municipal Arts Commission approved a $3,500 grant to buy one industry-standard equipment pack for the Ocala Film Derby so student teams have consistent cameras and lighting; the vote was by voice and the motion carried.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

OMAC: Ocala Main Street mural project at risk of expiration; commission reviews fund balances and schedule

OMAC refines role in East Ocala CRA mural grant process; defers final vote on artist-roster changes

OMAC adds Music on Broadway mural and acquires Double Helix sculpture for city collection

OMAC tables LEAP dance grant request pending revised budget and restriction clarifications

Ocala arts commission approves $3,500 for Ocala Film Derby equipment pack