Arts Commission, 04 Jun 2026: FY2026-27 Spending Plan Approved at $10,000

The Northbrook Arts Commission approved its full-year event calendar and a $10,000 spending plan for FY2026-27, with two budget amendments shifting $750 into general expenses before final passage.

Village Staff Update

A new public email address — arts.commission@northbrook.il.us — has been created for the commission, with village staff able to access and forward messages to commissioners. Staff Liaison Emilia Talar also reminded commissioners of communication deadlines shared with the village, library, and Park District. Two winners from the Northbrook Original Artist program have not yet claimed their gift card awards; Chair Bondy and Commissioner Yohe said they would follow up with those artists.

Arts Commission Annual Calendar of Events Approved

Commissioner Sarandos presented an updated calendar covering 13 events running from June 2026 through May 2027, including Flamingo Friday, Paint Northbrook, Chalk Up Northbrook (September 27), a 48-hour Film Competition, a Cultural Fair, a Singer Songwriter Competition, and the returning Northbrook Originals program. The commission voted unanimously 12-0 to approve the calendar as presented.

FY2026-27 Spending Plan Approved with Amendments

Before approving the $10,000 spending plan, the commission passed two amendments — each 12-0 — moving $500 from Paint Northbrook and $250 from Artist in Residence (June–July) catering into General Expenses, bringing that line item to $1,125. The largest individual allocations are the Singer Songwriter Competition ($3,600) and the 48-hour Film Competition ($2,100), followed by Plein Air Photography ($1,250). The full amended plan was then approved 12-0.

Upcoming Event Planning Updates

Several events received logistical updates. The Plein Air Photo Competition is targeted to launch in July; Staff Liaison Talar will build a submission form on the village website, and Commissioner Yohe suggested printed photos be displayed at the October–November Artist in Residence show. The Flower Arranging Workshop is awaiting proof of insurance from the host business before promotion can begin. Chalk Up Northbrook, led by Commissioner Schwartz on September 27, will run 12:30–2 p.m.; kneeling pads need to be repurchased and additional directional signage was suggested. For the 48-hour Film Competition, filming is set for September 18–20, 2026, with a film screening on October 17, 2026 at 3 p.m. in the Northbrook Public Library Auditorium; submission and video requirements are still being finalized and will be reviewed by village attorneys.

Artist in Residence and Library Exhibits

The June–July Artist in Residence show is hung at the Northbrook Public Library, with labels created by Commissioner Shavitz; no reception is planned. Chair Bondy proposed a Northbrook Anniversary theme for the October–November Artist in Residence show, with consensus to feature recognizable Northbrook imagery. He has reached out to the Northbrook History Museum for additional artwork, and Commissioner Wolf suggested incorporating a listening station from the Northbrook Voices program. The 125th Anniversary Celebration Commission reminded the Arts Commission that the anniversary event will be held November 15, 2026, at Village Hall.

Presentation to Village Board of Trustees

Chair Bondy expressed interest in presenting the commission's current work to the Village Board of Trustees and indicated he would like to provide the board with an updated brochure. No date or vote was recorded.

Read the official documents

{
  "card_hook": "Northbrook Arts Commission approves $10,000 FY2026-27 spending plan, with the Singer Songwriter Competition receiving $3,600 and the 48-hour Film Competition $2,100.",
  "key_items": [
    {
      "title": "FY2026-27 Spending Plan Approved",
      "why_matters": "The $10,000 budget sets funding levels for all Arts Commission events through May 2027, including a $3,600 Singer Songwriter Competition and $2,100 Film Competition."
    },
    {
      "title": "Annual Event Calendar Approved",
      "why_matters": "Residents can now plan around 13 confirmed public arts events running from June 2026 through May 2027, including Chalk Up Northbrook on September 27."
    },
    {
      "title": "48-Hour Film Competition Dates Set",
      "why_matters": "Filming is scheduled for September 18-20, 2026, with a public screening on October 17 at the Northbrook Public Library Auditorium."
    },
    {
      "title": "Northbrook Anniversary Art Show Planned",
      "why_matters": "The October-November Artist in Residence show will feature Northbrook-themed artwork, tying into the village's 125th anniversary celebration on November 15."
    },
    {
      "title": "New Arts Commission Email Created",
      "why_matters": "Residents can now contact the commission directly at arts.commission@northbrook.il.us, with village staff managing and forwarding incoming messages."
    }
  ]
}