City of Lawrence

Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC)

May 9, 2012 minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT:         Mandy Enfield, Kathy Porsch, Patrick Kelly, Richard Renner, Jane Pennington, Darin White, Mari Russell, Eric Kirkendall, Christie Dobson

MEMBERS ABSENT:           N/A

STAFF PRESENT:              Diane Stoddard

Kathy Porsch called the meeting to order.

The minutes for the April meeting were approved pending a change to the comparison city section of the Arts Sustainability report.  Eric said it should read "all but one".

Eric volunteered to speak on KLWN about the LCAC's goals for the year.

NEW BUSINESS:  Members discussed sculpture maintenance.  Diane explained the different ways in which the city cares for the artwork.  It depends on the piece, who owns it, and the maintenance staff's ability to repair it. 

Kathy suggested we revisit a maintenance plan for current artwork and assess current pieces for repair.  Eric asked if this should be a line item in the LCAC budget and Diane responded that it is an option.  Kathy also suggested that it be part of the city's budget and the LCAC would have the role of suggesting artists to make repairs, when needed.

Kathy spoke about the staff position request.  Based on the report and discussion with commissioners, the LCAC budget has been submitted with the position funds included.  Diane added that the study session request was submitted, but there has not been a response.

ASTF:  Eric presented for the Arts Sustainability Task Force.  He said that the commissioners were supportive when he spoke with them about the staff position, but, as expected, were concerned about funds.  Eric added that when he spoke to the commissioners, he focused on the economic development aspect of supporting the arts and that all but one of our comparison cities have a similar staff position.  Members continued to discuss the position and how they envision this person's role in relation to the LCAC. 

Christie stepped down from the Arts Sustainability Task Force, Patrick and Richard offered to join it.

Eric will contact the 9 comparison cities, plus Salina and Wichita in preparation for the study session.

GRANTS:  Kathy announced that the grants presentation will take place at the next City Commission meeting.

ODSE:  Jane announced that the new sculptures are being installed.

PHOENIX AWARDS: The event will be November 4^th, 2pm.

Mandy proposed language for the Phoenix Awards “Creative Spaces” category:

The "Creative Spaces" Award recognizes outstanding achievement in imaginative and environmentally forward-thinking place-making. The Phoenix Award Committee will accept nominations for public or business places whose design and/or function advance the artistic environment of the Lawrence community. 

There was a consensus to add the new category.  Right now we need to choose an award artist and we will send the call for nominations in mid June.  Mandy will contact potential artists.

PERCENT FOR ART:  Mandy reported that the committee’s current priority is to educate ourselves about the process and to make sure we are available to the Library, Gould Evans, or anyone involved with the % portion of the project.  We do not want to miss any steps in the process through lack of effort on our part.  

Mari and I met last week to look over the Resolution and discuss the role of the committee.  We are going to visit the library to introduce ourselves.  We are going to email the architects to introduce ourselves. 

We would like to advocate for the Library project to receive a higher percentage than past projects because it as our responsibility as LCAC members to promote public art in the community and we believe this is an important % for the arts project.  The Library is the most visited and important public building in our community.  It will be part of the Lawrence’s identity and should therefore, is a showpiece for the city.

ARTS ROUNDTABLE:  Darin said the new library director was introduced at the Roundtable meeting.

Kathy asked about member attendance for the upcoming June meeting.  Many members said they will not be able to attend.  The June meeting might be cancelled. 

The meeting adjourned.