Arts committee plans 'Artist Exchange' late February; seeks business RSVP and directory fixes

Speaker 6, Arts & Culture Committee member, told the committee the group is "circling" a late-February date for an Artist Exchange and suggested framing the event "almost a job fair" where businesses host booths and artists can network. Committee members discussed holding the event at the Firehouse and limiting business participants to pre-registered RSVPs so businesses would be assured representation while artists attend on a come-and-go basis.

Why it matters: Committee members said the exchange is intended to create pathways for local artists to be considered for city and private projects and to help artists find paid work. Speaker 4 noted the event would not require city staffing or funding: "no city resources necessary for that." Committee members also discussed event hours (roughly 6–8 p.m.), a snacks plan supported by donations, and outreach strategies including the Hello Farmers Branch newsletter.

The committee identified a technical hurdle before broad outreach: the artist directory link on the city's Arts & Culture webpage is currently inaccessible. Speaker 6 and others said they would ask City staff to restore or relink the directory on Discover Farmers Branch ahead of directory recruitment and a renewed "call for artists." Speaker 4 said businesses should RSVP and the directory should include each artist's name, contact, specialty and a link to portfolio pages to make it easier for clients to "shop for an artist." Speaker 2 added the committee will promote sign-up through the city newsletter and social media.

What happens next: Committee members asked staff to fix the artist-directory link, confirm the Firehouse as the venue and circulate a short invite list for businesses. The committee will compile a final event plan and announce dates once the directory link and venue are confirmed.