Leesburg Performing Arts Commission Meeting - April 23, 2026

The Leesburg Performing Arts Commission met on April 23, 2026, to adopt an amended agenda, approve prior minutes, receive a presentation from the county's new arts program manager, and discuss two proposed events: a senior capstone recital on June 12 and a 250th anniversary period music concert in August. Several votes were taken, and action items assigned.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was amended to include an old business item regarding an August performance as part of the 250th events. The amendment passed 6-0-1. The agenda as amended was then adopted unanimously (6-0-1).
• The minutes from the March meeting were approved 5-0-1 (with one member absent).

Chair Comments & Disclosures

• Chair Tony Simno Johnson reported on a meeting with Jeanette regarding the Virginia Commission of the Arts grant cycle. The current cycle is closed, but the Commission of Public Arts invited the performing arts commission to partner in the next grant cycle. Follow-up will occur in the fall.
• Commissioner Marjorie expressed disappointment that only one applicant applied for the senior capstone recital and proposed extending the deadline to April 30, broadening the search to all of Loudoun County, and holding an extra meeting on May 7 to select winners. She also raised logistical questions about piano rental.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No petitioners appeared.

New Business: Presentation from County Arts Program Manager

• Mary Sellers, the county's arts program manager, presented the comprehensive arts plan approved in June 2025. She outlined 22 strategies focusing on access, collaboration, and infrastructure. Key initiatives include:
  • Hiring three new arts staff positions (arts education specialist, public art coordinator, arts outreach staff) starting July 2026.
  • Developing a public art policy and a percent-for-arts fund.
  • The Arts Advisory Committee is expanding from visual arts to include performing and literary arts.
  • Hosting an Arts Connection series (next on the business side of arts on May 11) and an arts expo in October 2026.
  • An artist residency program and a biennial arts festival are planned.
  • A $250,000 grant program for arts nonprofits (operational and program support) will launch with applications due early fall 2026; grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000 with no match required.
  • Inventorying PRCS facilities for potential arts spaces and supporting the Eastern Loudoun Community Arts Center project.
• Commissioners asked about demographics of the plan's survey (consultant Designing Local led outreach), the status of an Ashburn Station arts zoning inclusion, and coordination with Loudoun Arts Council. Sellers stated the county is working closely with the council.

Discussion Items

Senior Capstone Recital (June 12, 2026)

• Only one applicant submitted – a dancer. Commissioners debated whether to proceed with a single performer or expand. Ultimately, they decided to honor the applicant and expand the event to include a presentation by the Performing Arts Commission and light refreshments. The event will be held in the lower lobby of Ida Lee on June 12 from 7-8 PM.
• Motion: Pay the artist $3,000 and allocate $800 for refreshments. Passed 6-0-1.
• Action items: Tony to prepare commission presentation; Marjorie and Pam to contact arts organizations for attendance; Whitney to notify the applicant contingent on council approval (May 12); Peter to handle cake.
• Lessons noted: Future events should be planned 3–6 months in advance and outreach should target schools earlier.

August 250th Anniversary Period Music Concert

• Commissioner Pam presented a proposal for a concert of music from George Washington's time at St. James Episcopal Church. The preferred date is August 15, aligning with a county 250th event (reading of the Declaration of Independence). Backup date is August 8 (Taste of Leesburg).
• St. James sanctuary rent: $200/hour; a representative fee of $75/hour (2-hour minimum) applies. Estimated venue cost: $1,200 (4 hours). Artist honorariums: $1,200 total for two groups ($600 each). Total budget use: $2,400.
• Motion: Approve $1,200 for venue and $1,200 for artist payments. Passed 5-0-2.
• The contract will be reviewed by town attorneys before council approval.
• Pam will finalize the call to artists; staff will negotiate terms with St. James.

Staff Comments

• Whitney reminded commissioners of the networking event next Thursday (April 30? likely April 30). Tony will present on behalf of the commission.

Chair Comments (Future Model)

• Chair Tony noted that council members Yale and Steinberg and the mayor are interested in the commission exploring a foundation-grant model (similar to Wolf Trap Foundation) where the commission gives money to organizations to produce their own events throughout the year, culminating in a celebratory showcase. This will be discussed at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda amended and adopted (6-0-1); March minutes approved (5-0-1).
• Senior capstone recital and commission presentation on June 12 approved with $3,000 artist payment and $800 for refreshments (6-0-1).
• August 15 period music concert at St. James approved with $1,200 venue and $1,200 artist payments (5-0-2).
• Action items assigned: Pam to finalize call to artists; Whitney to notify selected dancer and coordinate with council; Commissioners to promote events; Staff to negotiate St. James contract.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM (approximately).