Manisha Gajapathy

The board approved the FY26 budget and confirmed adherence to federal compliance standards regarding DEI activities. Updates on federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts were discussed, alongside the ratification of FY25 grants and approval of FY26 grants for various arts initiatives and infrastructure. The programs team presented findings from regional site visits, emphasizing youth employment in the arts and the impact of capital grants on community arts facilities. The Executive Director provided reports on ongoing financial audits, the agency's equity strategic plan, upcoming anniversary celebrations, and preparations for the One State in Arts & Humanities conference.

The board discussed the upcoming agency relocation to a new office location in Chicago, the preparations for launching a new website and brand design, and an overview of upcoming changes to grant programs for the next fiscal year.

The board meeting covered several key operational and programmatic updates. The Executive Director provided an overview of FY25 closeout activities, audit processes, and FY26 planning, noting stable federal allocation despite national reductions. The fiscal report confirmed that the FY25 budget is fully allocated and outlined a draft FY26 budget structure aligned with compliance requirements. The board ratified the final round of FY25 grants. Reports from the programs team highlighted continued grantmaking initiatives, including general operating support and youth employment programs, alongside previews of upcoming public art projects. Additionally, the meeting featured updates on the council's 60th-anniversary regional tours and celebrations, as well as communications and branding performance metrics, including growth in digital engagement through email and the website.

The board meeting focused on several key fiscal and strategic items, including the approval of the FY23 12-month financial report and the FY24 budget report. Members ratified FY23 grants and approved FY24 grants. The agenda included updates on the agency's organizational restructuring, the Equitable Grantmaking Assessment Initiative to advance equity, and results from a listening tour conducted across the state. Furthermore, the board reviewed a communications and rebranding plan, received an update on the executive director's focus areas such as strategic partnerships, and completed mandatory OneNet training.

The board discussed several key initiatives, including a communications and rebranding report that highlighted increased social media engagement, the launch of a new newsletter, and upcoming website design updates. An update was provided on the Equitable Grantmaking Assessment Initiative, focusing on quantitative data collection and future multi-year funding. Additionally, the board reviewed a shift toward regional-based funding and a streamlined application process for FY25. The meeting included a report on the agency's upcoming office relocation and an update on current focus areas, including preparation for a proposed budget increase and ongoing statewide listening tours.