This Commission was established by Ordinance O-17-644 on June 19, 2017, as a combination of the previously existing Ethnic Advisory Commission and the Arts & Cultural Commission. CM-06-240-17

Appointing Authority

City Council

Composition

This is an 11 member Commission, however we have 13 active members due to the consolidation of two commissions in July 2017. In addition, there three non-voting members - two are members of the City Council and the other is a City staff liaison.

Terms

The Commissioners serve three-year terms that expire on February 28.

Meeting Dates and Times

This Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Center.

January 11, 2024
February 8, 2024
March 14, 2024
April 11, 2024
May 9, 2024
June 13, 2024
July 11, 2024
August 8, 2024
September 12, 2024
October 10, 2024
November 14, 2024
December 12, 2024

Meeting Locations

Community Center
City of Oak Park
14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Oak Park, MI 48237

Purpose

The mission statement of the Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission shall be to recommend,
develop and implement city-wide programs and events which provide community access to the
performing and creative arts and which celebrate cultural diversity; to work with local, state and
federal agencies to take advantage of available resources, including funding. The Commission
shall actively participate in developing, implementing, promoting and staffing appropriate
programs. The Commission may partner with the Parks and Recreation Commission and Friends
of the Library on programs which provide community access to the performing and creative arts
and celebrate cultural diversity.

Actively Serving Members

The following individuals are active members of Oak Park Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission:

Stephanie Crawford
Sarah Davidson
Dawn Henry
Rosetta Kincaid
Terri McQueen
Sudha Chandra Sekhar
Abraham (Avi) Snider
Michele Stevenson
Lonnie K. Tabb Upshaw
Carla Wallace
Donny Wilson

City Council Representatives: Council Member Shaun Whitehead
Staff Liaisons: Crystal VanVleck, Assistant City Manager

Initiatives

City Hall Art Gallery

If you are an artist that would like to be featured in the City Hall Art Gallery displays, please download the Oak Park City Hall Art Gallery Application. The Oak Park Arts and Cultural Commission reviews applications and selects artist on a quarterly basis. For more information, contact Crystal McLain at (248) 691-7401.

"You Create:  Art" - A Community Art Program for all ages in Coordination with the Oak Park Library

The Oak Park Arts and Cultural Commission is partnering with the Friends of the Oak Park Library and the Oak Park Library staff to help plan and fund are appreciation programs for all ages.  The Commission held a color tile program at last year's Summerfest where children could create a unique decorated tile using Sharpees and alcohol. Some of the tiles are showcased in the Oak Park Library. The You Create art series is held the third Thursday of the month from 4:15 to 5 p.m.

Artist Workshops and Lectures

The Commission invites artists, artisans, and those that appreciate the art to come and share your expertise, talents and techniques. We hold informational presentations during regularly scheduled Oak Park Arts and Cultural monthly meetings, and occasionally plan public events. If you would like to learn more, contact Crystal McLain at (248) 691-7401.

World Dance Day

The Commission celebrates World Dance Day every year with an evening filled with fun and exciting dance performances that celebrate various world wide dance forms.

Martin Luther King, Jr. March

The Commission honors Marting Luther King, Jr. by encouraging interested community members to join them at the Southfield Civic Center for a short stroll in Southfield.

Black History Celebrations

The Commission is partnering with the Oak Park Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Commission to honor Black History Month. In 2018, the Commission partnered with the Recreation Department and Recreation Advisory Commission to host "The Spirit of Harriot Taubman" featuring actress Leslie McCurdy.

DIA Inside|Out Grant

In the Spring of 2018, the Commission received the DIA Inside|Out Grant from the Detroit Institute of Arts allowing 12 art  replicas to be displayed across the City. ACDC hosted the DIA Inside|Out E-Z Roll Bike Tour in partnership with the Oak Park E-Z Roll Bike Group. They also hosted the DIA Senior Lunch Bunch Bus Tour and the DIA Inside|Out Selfie Giveaway.

Actively Participate in City Events

The Commission participates in City events such as marching in the Fourth of July parade, hosting art events during Autumn Fest, attends the Oak Park Summer Concert Series and mans a booth at the Halloween Boo Bash. We also assist the City when asked to idea-generate for City projects, like the sprucing up the City flower pot displays.

Oak Park Local Artist Census

The Oak Park Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission (ACDC) is conducting this survey to gain an understanding and awareness of the City's art and cultural community. To take the survey, please visit: http://bit.ly/OPartistcensus  .

Please find minutes on Municode