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16 <br /> o In August, we plan to feature a mutual aid exhibit to raise funds for artists <br /> in Western NC. <br /> o In September, we will provide exhibit space for Triangle Book Arts to <br /> showcase the work of their membership <br /> • LGBTQ+ Teen Arts Collective (ages 13-18) which has offered life-changing <br /> connection opportunities for nonbinary youth and their families, has received <br /> funding to expand to a Tween Arts Collective (ages 9-12) starting in February. <br /> • Continue to explore expanding space and offerings for the community. We <br /> will partner with the Town of Hillsborough on a feasibility study for a community <br /> arts and cultural center to determine the space needs of a facility and the <br /> associated costs. The Town will pay for this study. <br /> What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the <br /> upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' <br /> attention? <br /> Funding. Currently we are funded through Occupancy Tax under the Visitors Bureau. <br /> As staffing has increased, operating funds have decreased. This has been felt <br /> especially since programs were established with NC Arts Council ARPA funding that is <br /> no longer available. We are trying to maintain programs with less funding and not <br /> enough staff. <br /> With more staff and programmatic funding, we could increase our service to the county <br /> exponentially. We could activate spaces like Blackwood Farm and provide economy- <br /> boosting events. We could partner with fellow county departments to better serve youth <br /> and residents that need create alternatives to traditional programs. And based on <br /> constant feedback from the community and the proven success of the Eno Arts Mill, we <br /> could provide more, much-needed space that currently does not exist, such as <br /> community performance space, which would have a significant economic impact on the <br /> surrounding neighborhood. <br /> While our fledgling nonprofit arm is beginning to raise money to support the OCAC, a <br /> new or increased County funding model is needed if leadership wishes for continued <br /> growth of the OCAC. <br />