City of Lawrence Agenda Item: minutes_09102008

minutes_09102008

Lawrence Arts Commission Minutes of September 10, 2008 City Commission Meeting Room Present: John Reeves, Chair; Matthew Herren, Secretary; Donna Griffin; Amy Kelly; David Loewenstein; Jane Pennington; Evie Rapport, Immediate Past Chair City Staff: Michael Tubbs, Staff Liaison Public: Marilyn Roy, Lawrence League of Women Voters A. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by the Chair, John Reeves. B. The Minutes of August 13, 2008 meeting were reviewed and motion by Commissioner Pennington to approve minutes as submitted was seconded by Commissioner Rapport. Motion carried. C. New Business 1. Commission Vacancies It was noted by Chair Reeves that the Commission now has four (4) vacancies and that invitations for membership are in order. The City is aware of said vacancies and is asked in what manner advertisement of vacancies can be made. Liaison Tubbs will look into this. 2. Committees In light of vacancies, committees are under-staffed. It was decided that committee assignments be discussed at a later date, pending Commission appointments. Commissioner Griffin offered to assist with the work of Grants/Development Committee. Attrition was discussed with concern for long-term goals. 3. Committee Reviews A. ODSE Commissioner Griffin presented a detailed outline of a new plan for the ODSE, based on a two-year exhibit, which calculated budget increases for artists and reduced costs for printing, reception, and general overhead. This sort of increase is likely to attract more submissions to the program, which would both increase its presence in the community and bolster its importance in the region/nation. Discussion ensued about ways in which to keep the exhibit attractive and noticeable. Such changes, if approved, would be implemented in 2010. It was also noted that damage had been sustained to “Double Wave” on 9th Street and Mass., which was going to be addressed by The City, and that there has been no reply from John Northington to The City’s letter of August 15, 2008. B. Grants Commissioner Kelly suggested that we work to announce our Grants Program earlier in the year (November or December) and to as many people as possible. Commissioner Pennington noted that Terry Rombeck is starting an arts blog at ljworld.com, which would carry such information. D. Unfinished Business 1. Draft Policy Manual. Chair Reeves offered to make amendments as passed and as legal services if there are still questions about the manual. This will be revisited at the November LCAC Meeting. E. Regular Agenda Items 1. Announcements from The Chair On September 26, there will be a Public Art Consortium in Kansas City. Chair Reeves will send a link to the Commission for more information. 2. Subcommittee Reports A. ODSE: Commissioner Griffin reported that the Committee is currently in the process of choosing a juror. B. Phoenix Awards: Commissioner Loewenstein urged all to solicit nominations. Kristin Morland has completed the awards and an exhibit of all past awards is planned for the November 2 ceremony. Commissioner Pennington has received a bid from Maceli’s to cater the event, within the budget of $1,000. C. Website: Commissioner Rapport noted that the Committee had a successful meeting with the web designer and a few changes to the ‘About’ and ‘Calendar’ pages are in order. (Herren and Reeves will follow up on this.) We have received a grant of $2,000 for design from Kansas Arts Commission, but two now former Commissioners were named on the grant to maintain the site. This will be inquired about with KAC. Support from the grant shall be noted on the site. It was decided that Trent Flory shall maintain the site, at minimal cost. It was also suggested that we include a large print version of the site, for additional accessibility. D. Fund-raising and Project Development: Nothing to report. E. Grants/Workshops: Commissioner Kelly reported above, C, 3, B. G. Roundtable: Commissioner Pennington announced that the Arts Commission will be on the agenda of the next Roundtable meeting, October 8, and distributed announcements of upcoming events. H. Ad-hoc for Accessibility: Commissioner Loewenstein will provide large print programs for Phoenix Awards, and secure a sign-language translator. Public Comment: Marilyn Roy expressed concern about vandalism to public art and the need for vigilance against it. She also commended the Commission for its careful work on the ODSE. After motion by Commissioner Herren, seconded by Commissioner Griffin, Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Matthew Herren, Secretary

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