Cultural Commission

CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 October 23, 2023 Minutes of the Meeting Meeting called to order by Chairman Harvey Center at 6:33 pm with Commissioners: John Cooke, Alma Faham, Cheryl Hill, Ed Moore, Deepti Nagaraja, Gregory Smith, and Coordinator Gregory Wencek. Absent: Mary Burke, John Cherry and Perry Price. Attending from the public: Siubhan Fallon. Presentation of Minutes The Minutes of the September meeting were presented. A motion by DNagaraja to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by AFaham. Passed by voice vote. Correspondence EMail: various Commission projects (Poet laureate, State Grants), “Falling for Downtown” event - Scarecrow Decoration 2023, Americans for the Arts Arts & Economic Prosperity 6, Grant deadline extensions, Engage Workshop with Cultural Alliance,Installing automated external defibrillators (AED's), Gary Peterson, has joined the staff of The Palace Danbury! Mail: Finance Director re: grant payment policy Reports on DCC sponsored events ● Richter Association for the Arts at Danbury Museum 3:00pm. HCenter: The Anderson studio has excellent acoustics. It is a good place to hear music. ○ Buby Brothers - Pop & Rock Sunday, September 3rd ○ Eric Clark - Piano Recital Sunday, September 10th ○ Berkshire Jazz Orchestra Sunday, September 17th ○ Chris Monty Sunday, September 24th ● Danbury Concert Association - Cecile Licad, Piano - Danbury Concert Association Sunday, September 10⋅3:00 – 4:00pm HCenter: Another good program. Interesting instrumentation. ● PARK(ing) Day Friday, September 15⋅9:00am – 1:00pm Danbury events not sponsored by the Commission ● Danbury Music Centre ○ Nutcracker Auditions ● Danbury Museum ○ Guided Tours of 4 Danbury Museum Historic Buildings on our Main Street campus ○ Guided Tours of the Ives Homestead ○ SEE Richter Arts ● Danbury Railway Museum ○ Ride “The Husking Bee” Pumpkin Patch Train October 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29 beginning at 10:00 AM ● Music at the Ridge - Jim Scott in concert Sun, Sep 10, 4:00 PM ● City Center Danbury ○ Concert on the Green ○ Dancing Under the Stars ○ Farmers’ Market ● Palace Theater Danbury ● Galleries ○ Trailer Box Gallery Between the Notes Runs Thru Oct. 21, 2023 12 Francis J Clarke Circle- Bethel Ct. ■ Artist Reception:​September 24th 2:00PM - 5:00PM Minutes of the Meeting Page 1 of 7 Approved: November 27, 2023 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.  CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 ○ Gallery of the Visual and Performing Arts Center WCSU Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension ○ Gallery at Still River Editions 128 E Liberty St. ■ Flag Bearers: jennie carr, Keisha Rollins, Roxy Savage, Mark Savoia, and Rita Valley Five artists’ take on flags and flag-like motifs July 8 - September 29, 2023 ● in VIEW project Main Street Danbury ● WCSU ○ Something Rotten! A Very New Musical October 13 - 22, 2023 Upcoming events See addendum. There is at least 1 event every weekend to Thanksgiving. Coordinator’s Report 1. The weekly newsletter has been reinstated a. There are currently 187 subscribers b. Signup is from the Commission web page - DanburyArts.com 2. Video research with Commissioner AFaham- TitTok style video series to promote Danbury 3. Grant payment from the City - letter was sent, waiting for news a. The Commission is asking for a return to grant payments when they are approved. 4. Poet Laureate a. Getting the committee started 5. Museum tour a. Commissioners toured all but 1 building, which had its lock broken. b. The museum is not offering ‘free’ tours to the public until the Commission's grant is received. 6. Removal of Commission’s scarecrow entry due to vandalism 7. Annual Business Supports the Arts Awards Breakfast 2023 at the Amber Room a. Coordinator attended with Commissioner DNagaraja. A good networking opportunity. i. Office of the arts spoke: 1. We are at the intersection of arts and business 2. Looking for support of Cultural districts A Cultural District is a specific area of a city or town identified by the municipality that has a number of cultural facilities, activities and/or assets–both for profit and nonprofit. It is a walkable, compact area that is easy for visitors to recognize. It is a center of cultural activities –artistic and economic. It is a place in your city/town where community members congregate, and visitors may enjoy those places that make a community special. Because each community is unique, each Cultural District will look different. 3. AEP6 highlights that $1Billion is generated by the Arts sector ii. Lisa Scales Cultural Alliance of Western CT spoke: 1. Support 2. Art is community 3. What does the arts mean to you? 4. Working with WCSU to bring ares to the next generation. Minutes of the Meeting Page 2 of 7 Approved: November 27, 2023 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.  CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 5. “Accolades help a lot “ 8. FY 22-23 Budget modifications a. Is ongoing - the Finance Dept. has approved, the Mayor’ s office is still considering b. Word came from the Danbury Museum that their check will be issued this week. 9. Meeting the goals stated in the Finance budget document No update from last month a. Provide Equalable advocacy, and increase Diversity - supporting the Danbury Museum, and keeping my eyes open for seminars on this topic b. Explore participation with the CT Office of Film, Television & Digital Media - Continuing research on this project with filmmakers. c. Continue to increase the participation of younger audiences - research social platforms d. Sponsor events - work on Poet Laureate July through September, e. Expansion into the community - with Center City to assist Downtown autumn decorations 10. Americans for the Arts AEP6 (The Commission has participated since prior to 2013) a. ACTIONS & RESOURCES are available on their website b. The Commission uses these data to support the line item amount requested from the Council 11. Ideas for Danbury - Renamed (to Shout Out for Danbury) and updated document is available Appeals from Community groups: 1. Danbury Music Centre $18,000 Laura Flachbart, President 2023-24, 88th Concert Season. To bring 18 concerts of high quality to the greater Danbury community all of which will be free to the public and accessible to all, with the single exception of "The Nutcracker" which is a ticketed event and acts as a fundraiser for our other programs. The Music Centre will be adding additional paid advertising to the promotional campaign this season, with the growing positive impact from social media posts. The cost of venues is increasing, i.e.: VPAC averages $2,000, and is often not available due to the number of requests to use that space. AFaham: Why don’t you charge for admission? LFlatchbart: That would limit access to performances. The Music Centre does ask for donations and is adding electronic payments, i.e.: Venmo, to facilitate that goal. The Music Centre is debating adding ticketing for some events. HCenter: Is there still a ‘membership’ for fundraising? LFlechbart: Yes. The list is being updated. Old Business 1. The cultural commission recognition award - AFaham a. Work is proceeding. How does this differ from the Cultural Alliance of Western CT award? i. This recognition is for large projects which impact the City thereby bringing in people. 2. Shout Out for Danbury - GSmith & AFaham a. Renamed and updated document is available Minutes of the Meeting Page 3 of 7 Approved: November 27, 2023 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.  CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 b. Notification for beginning in November will be sent to Danbury high schools, Western Connecticut State University, the Chamber of Commerce, CityCenter Danbury, Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, and included in the Commission Newsletter 3. Deepti reports on the Business Supports the Arts breakfast a. Very well attended. The food was good. b. The breakfast was a chance to mingle with multiple municipal and state elected officials. Mostly business people who financially support artistic projects within the area. c. We had the opportunity to talk with many people about the work of the Commission and the multiple events and the published calendar at the website. 4. Poet Laureate for the City a. Danbury Poet Laureate Selection Panel work is underway 5. Federer mural preservation EMoore a. Preliminary report received from NIKOLAUS FINE ART CONSERVATION, LLC. Estimated cost for treatment is approximately $60,000. b. Follow up from photo archivist Peter Brown, of Woodruff-Brown, is anticipated soon DISCUSSION: GWencek: To move forward the City would require at least 3 bids. DNagaraja: There are grants and tax incentives (such as NAAP State Tax Credit Program) available for this type of project. The Commission should research potential income sources. GWencek: The City’s grant process is lengthy and cumbersome, but that process is being revised. The City’s building Department will have to be included in any planning. HCenter: For projects of this scope most likely a bond will need to be issued. GWencek: The Cultural Commission should form a committee to conduct more research scope and outline a process. Topics: Should other building projects be included so the mural is in a ‘safe’ environment i.e.: fixing the plumbing, drying the basement, fire suppression, enhanced climate control, fixing the roof, restoring the Cupola? SUGGESTION: bring in a contractor i.e.: Rizzo to assist with identifying issues and estimating costs. JCooke: will make an appointment to meet with the Mayor. NO OTHER ACTION TAKEN New Business none Action on Grant Requests: 1. Danbury Music Centre $18,000 Moved by DNagaraja to allocate $6,000 for the Danbury Music Centre 2023-24, 88th Concert Season. Seconded by GSmith. DISCUSSION: The amount is too little. AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY DNagaraja to increase the allocation to $10,000, seconded by CHill. There being no objection from DNagaraja and GSmith the amendment stands. DISCUSSION: If there are unallocated funds at the end of the fiscal year, the Music Centre should be considered last for additional allocation. Minutes of the Meeting Page 4 of 7 Approved: November 27, 2023 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.  CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 CALLED: Authorize $10,000 to the Danbury Music Centre 2023-24, 88th Concert Season. Passed by unanimous voice vote. Other Business none Motion to adjourn at 8:50 Made by GSmith. Passed by Unanimous voice vote. NOTE: Corporation Counsel has provided the Clerk's office with the following... Current as of 3/16/20: Effective with Gov. Lamont's Executive Order No. 7B issued on 3/14/20, the requirement of public attendance at all meetings of public agencies is suspended. Meetings are to be held remotely by conference call, videoconference, or other technology, provided that (in summary): 1) the public has the ability to view or listen to each meeting or proceeding in real time by phone, video or other technology. Therefore the Commission office had set up a video conference call which started at 6:15 on Monday evening. Commissioners and the public connected to Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 889 0249 8977 Passcode: 816120 One tap mobile: Dial by your location +19294362866,,88902498977# US (New York) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) Meeting ID: 889 0249 8977 Passcode: 816120 Meeting ID: 889 0249 8977 Passcode: 816120 If the Zoom video connection is lost, call the backup phone conference at 1 605-475-4120 Access Code: 816120 The meeting started at 6:33 and was not recorded by the Commission. Minutes of the Meeting Page 5 of 7 Approved: November 27, 2023 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.  CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 Upcoming events Addendum Farmer's Market - CityCenter Danbury Saturday, July 1⋅10:00am – 2:00pm until Oct 29 Ives Street Green Danbury, CT 06810 Trailer Box Gallery 12 Francis J Clarke Circle- Bethel Ct. * Pre-Halloween Concert - Danbury Brass Band Sunday, October 29⋅2:00 – 3:30pm Still River Editions Immanuel Lutheran Church- Danbury, 18 Clapboard INSIDE JOB Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, USA Runs through December 22, 2023 Photographs by Danbury Symphony Orchestra: From Spanish Gardens LYS GUILLORN, MARK SAVOIA, AND CATHERINE to the Stars VANARIA Sunday, October 29⋅3:00 – 4:30pm 128 East Liberty Street, Danbury, Connecticut Visual & Performing Arts Center 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury, CT WCSU ART ALUMNI EXHIBITION Oct 5 – Nov 12, 2023 Jen Kober - The Palace Danbury THE GALLERY at the Visual & Performing Arts Center Saturday, November 4⋅8:00 – 9:30pm WCSU, Westside Campus The Palace Danbury, 165 Main St, Danbury, CT JOAN BAEZ "I AM A NOISE" A New Documentary Film - The Palace Danbury Sunday, November 5⋅2:00 – 3:30pm The Palace Danbury, 165 Main St, Danbury, CT Western Connecticut State University 181 White St, or 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury, CT Music at the Ridge Mad Agnes Angels in America, Part One: Millenium Approaches Sunday, November 5 4:00 PM November 3 – 12 various times Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury 24 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band - WCSU Sunday, November 12⋅3:00 – 4:30pm Danbury Concert Chorus: Voices of the Stage, A Choral Celebration of Music from the Theater Sunday, November 5⋅4:00 – 5:00pm *Events sponsored by the Commission First Congregational Church of Danbury, 164 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, CT COMEDY NIGHT FEATURING RODNEY LANEY - The Palace Danbury Friday, November 17⋅8:00 – 9:30pm The Palace Danbury, 165 Main St, Danbury, CT Minutes of the Meeting Page 6 of 7 Approved: November 27, 2023 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.  CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 Artist Fellowship Program The program is not accepting Available Grants: applications in the current fiscal year 2024 grant cycle. The Connecticut Arts Endowment currently closed Walmart Overview The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship is Community Grants range from a minimum of $250 to currently closed EMPOWER Grant Program is currently closed the maximum grant of $5,000. The General Operating Support for Theaters and Performing Organizations must submit an online application to be Groups program is currently closed considered for funding. Strategic Partnership Grants are currently closed The Artists Respond program Closed The 2022 grant cycle begins Feb. 1, 2023 and the application deadline is Dec. 31, 2023. American Theater Wing Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle. Please note that applications will only remain active in our system for 90 days, and at the The American Theatre Wing Training end of this period they will be automatically rejected. Scholarships Opens late fall/Early winter Organizations may only submit and/or receive 25 Who should apply? applications. Public Middle and High School students who come from populations historically marginalized in our Areas of Funding: (Partial list) industry, who demonstrate talent and ability in the Quality of life: Improving access to recreation, arts theatre arts but lack the economic resources to or cultural experiences for low income individuals receive high level training prior to college. The and families in the United States student’s area of focus can be from any aspect of Education: Providing after school enrichment, theatre from performance, to design, to writing, to tutoring or vocational training for low income stage management. individuals and families in the United States http://giving.walmart.com/walmart-foundation/co Jonathan Larson Grants CLOSED mmunity-grant-program The grant is awarded to musical theatre composers, lyricists, and librettists, or writing teams, early in their career, to support artistic endeavors and safeguard long-term music writing careers. State of CT The Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative Closed Every Child Art Experience Grant funding can be used for: Essential resources and equipment Application Deadline: November 30, 2023 fundamental to arts education, specifically focused on enhancing The Every Child Art Experience grant is a $2,500 learning in the area of theatre. award given directly to schools to support taking Songwriting Challenge Closed students to an out of school art experience. National Theatre Company Grants Closed Experiencing and participating in art is an essential part of creating strong communities and developing Americans for the Arts healthy, engaged, and creative students. Creative Spirit Fund Closed Understanding that not all students have equal access to the arts, this program seeks to close the US Congress gap in access and prioritizes school in Alliance and Congressional Art Competition Closed (Spring) Opportunity Districts. More information on Alliance and Opportunity. CT Humanities Upcoming Grants Deadlines November 3:Quick Grants up to $4,999, Capacity The Supporting Arts grant program CLOSED Grants up to $9,999, Planning Grants up to $25,000, general operating support to help Connecticut’s arts organizations Implementation Grants up to $35,000 and municipal arts departments cover programmatic costs associated December 1: Sponsorships up to $2,000 with their mission-related work. Minutes of the Meeting Page 7 of 7 Approved: November 27, 2023 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.