Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the City Clerk to enter a grant agreement with Columbus African Festival in support of the festival they hosted on July 18-19, 2026.
The United African Festival (UAF) is a citywide community engagement initiative that strengthens neighborhood connections, promotes civic participation, and fosters cross-cultural understanding through the celebration of African cultures. The 2026 festival represented a historic collaboration of ten African cultural festivals and community organizations coming together under one unified platform to celebrate diversity, strengthen community partnerships, and maximize collective impact. Scheduled for July 18-19, 2026 at Genoa Park, the festival brought together residents for cultural experiences, youth and family programming, a Community Resource and Civic Engagement Fair, health and wellness activities, entrepreneurship showcases, and arts performances. More than a cultural event, UAF serves as a platform to connect residents with community resources, support local businesses, encourage volunteerism, and promote inclusion and belonging.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding in the amount of $6,500.00 is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund, Subfund 100018.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter a grant agreement with Columbus African Festival in support of the 2026 United African Festival; to authorize an expenditure from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund; and to authorize the reimbursement of qualifying expenses incurred prior to the creation of the purchase order. ($6,500.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus African Festival offers a bold and comprehensive approach to cultural re-conversion and reconstruction within the African Diaspora in Central Ohio; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus African Festival as a theoretical and conceptual framework seeks to take a Renaissance approach to art and various forms of artistic expression; and
WHEREAS, festivals are not...
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