Cultural Commission

CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 November 27, 2023 Minutes of the Meeting Meeting called to order by Chairman Harvey Center at 6:33 pm with Commissioners: John Cooke, Cheryl Hill, Ed Moore, Perry Price, and Coordinator Gregory Wencek. Absent: Mary Burke, Alma Faham, John Cherry, Deepti Nagaraja and Gregory Smith. Attending from the public: Siubhan Fallon. Presentation of Minutes The Minutes of the October meeting were presented. A motion by JCooke to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by PPrice. Passed by voice vote. Correspondence EMail: various Commission projects (Poet laureate, State Grants disbursement), Make Music Day Mail: Notice of filming in Danbury from JW Studios Reports on DCC sponsored events ● Danbury Brass Band Pre-Halloween Concert - Sunday, October 29⋅2:00 – 3:30pm Danbury events not sponsored by the Commission ● Danbury Music Centre ○ Danbury Symphony Orchestra: From Spanish Gardens to the Stars Sunday, October 29⋅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 ● 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 - Mad Agnes in concert Sun, Nov 5, 4:00 PM, Ce Songbird December 3 ● City Center Danbury ○ Halloween on the Green - CityCenter Danbury Saturday, October 28⋅1:00 – 4:00pm ○ Farmers’ Market ○ Light the Lights December 1, 2023⋅1:00 – 7:00pm ● Palace Theater Danbury ● 7 at Seven Saint Peter Parish Organ recital with St. Peter organist, Glen Segger - Friday, November 17⋅7:00 – 8:30pm ● Connecticut Master Chorale Annual Holiday Prelude Concert Sunday, November 19⋅3:00 – 5:00pm ● Galleries ○ Trailer Box Gallery Between the Notes Runs Thru Oct. 21, 2023 12 Francis J Clarke Circle- Bethel Ct. ○ Gallery of the Visual and Performing Arts Center WCSU Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension ○ Gallery at Still River Editions 128 E Liberty St. ○ in VIEW project Main Street Danbury ● WCSU ○ WCSU Theater Angels in America, Part One: Millenium Approaches Friday, Nov. 3⋅ Weekends, until Nov 13 ○ Opera Scenes - Saturday, November 11⋅7:00 – 8:30pm ○ Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band - Sunday, November 12⋅3:00 – 4:30pm ○ Jazz Combos - Friday, November 17⋅7:00 – 8:30pm Minutes of the Meeting Page 1 of 8 Proposed: November 29, 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 ○ Chamber Singers and University Singers - Sunday, November 19⋅3:00 – 5:00pm ○ Sip & SCULPT - Friday, December 1⋅7:00 – 9:00pm ○ WCSU Theater Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov - Friday, December 1⋅8:00 – 9:30pm Runs December 1 - 3, ○ Orchestra and Concert Chorale - Saturday, December 2⋅3:00 – 5:00pm ○ Percussion Ensemble - Sunday, December 3⋅3:00 – 4:30pm Upcoming events See addendum. There is at least 1 event every weekend leading up to Christmas. Coordinator’s Report 1. The 2024-2025 budget will need to be submitted in December or very early January a. Coordinator suggests no changes from the amount used in the most previous years b. An alternate plan is to request an amount equal to what has been asked for, which would be close to $100,000., an increase of ≈47% 2. Shout Out for Danbury notices have been posted 3. Newsletter reaching 171 addresses 4. Make Music Day dues $350 a. From John Fazio, Jr.: The plan is to bring in sponsors for next year in hopes of a full show at night. I'm on board as far as running it again but hope at this point another department or departments will also jump in to help out as well. I'll be working with Bethel too so we'll be in somewhat of a competition for audiences/musicians. My plan is to stick to 11-6 with bands at the library and then a big night show on the green for families. In Bethel it will be 11 to 6 as well and then the restaurants/bars will take over and have live music till whenever they typically stop. b. I would like to include Parks & Rec., and schools, if I can find contacts. 5. Working on an onboarding document for new Commissioners 6. Video research with Alma TABLED, until January. 1st script finished, ready to record 7. Grant payments from the 2 state grants received by the Commission have been sent 8. I will send an invitation to the Mayor and the Finance Director for the January meeting a. Mayor - to say hello b. Finance Director to ask for reinstatement of the Grant payment policy 9. Poet Laureate a. Committee held first meeting and has scheduled interviews in December 10. An application for nomination for appointment should be in the works. a. The Commission may need to ask for a resignation from members on leave. 11. 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 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 Minutes of the Meeting Page 2 of 8 Proposed: November 29, 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 12. Americans for the Arts AEP6 national arts economic impact study is available a. Results are used in the preparation of the Budget request from the City 13. Shout Out for Danbury (Ideas for Danbury) - Information posted on the website and Facebook a. Many Facebook shares and 1 email inquiry for more information has been received 14. Holiday decorations CityCenter a. Decorate your space in festive decor for any of the seasonal holidays by Friday, December 1. Make it bold and visible to the public from the sidewalk or street. Hang your boughs of holly, wrap your doors, paint your storefront windows, and light your lights. b. The Coordinator will be available to assist, if any Commissioners want to participate. c. Cash prizes up to $500, or gift cards to local hotspots. 15. A reading list of the Coordinator’s research is at Flipboard with periodic updates. Link available. 16. FYI: the end of the agenda includes the next month's calendar and available grants. Appeals from Community groups: 1. Derik Piortr $3,000 Derik Piortr, Artist a. Divine Supplication, a solo record There are over 700 recordings in the Fieldwork Archive, last year's successful project to record music from families, and the making of a documentary film is in final editing. This year DPiotr will return to making a solo recording including some of the material gathered from the Fieldwork archive. There will be at least 2 performances in Danbury. PPrice: What type of music will this be? DPitor: mostly electronic. HCenter: What will be the performance dates? DPitor: Still unscheduled. The hope is the Danbury Library will participate this time. They experienced poor resident participation. JCooke suggests the First Congregational Church as a venue. 2. Connecticut Ballet $3,500 Brett Raphael Director a. Backstage at the Ballet program in May 2024 Looking to primarily, return to K-5. Asking PTO’s to participate financially. This block, all school booking is significantly less than the normal CT Ballet rate. Last year, two schools contacted us but couldn’t put together the money needed for a booking without subsidy - our normal daily rate is $1350 for two schools in one day. Proposed dates of service are May 28-29-30-31 (eight shows @$675 = $5400). But there is flexibility starting after the end of the performance season, May 18. “If we could obtain $3500 in support, I could potentially offer the schools the program for $237.50 each.” In future years the program can include jazz, as the Ballet Company is well versed in multiple disciplines. HCenter: the request form says the program is May 2023 and the Commission cannot fund past events. BRaphael: That is a typo. The program is offered for May 2024. BRaphael: The Q&A is the best segment for the Company. Old Business 1. Federer mural preservation by commissioning an archival photograph Minutes of the Meeting Page 3 of 8 Proposed: November 29, 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 a. From Peter Brown Architectural Photography: As a very rough estimate so that you have an understanding of potential costs, I'd say we are looking in the range of $900 to $1,200. b. Coordinator requests authorization to ask Mr. Brown to prepare an estimate for Photo archiving of the mural. The consensus was to proceed. There is no spending commitment, only seeking an estimate. New Business 1. Authorization to pay $350 dues for Make Music Day (up from $325 last year.) Moved by PPrice to allocate $350 for dues for Make Music Alliance for next year’s Make Music Day. Seconded by JCooke. DISCUSSION: GWencek notes that there has traditionally been a grant available from the State for operating Make Music Day events. If those funds become available the Commission will apply. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. 2. Authorize the Coordinator to prepare the 2024-2025 City budget with the input and concurrence of the Chairman with periodic updates sent via email to the commissioners DISCUSSION: The consensus of the Commissioners is to authorize the Coordinator to ask for a moderate “cost of living” increase in the budget request. Noted that the increase seen in last year’s budget was a smaller percentage than was seen by the overall budget. Action on Grant Requests: 1. Derik Piortr $3,000 a. Moved by PPrice to allocate $1,000 for Divine Supplication, a solo record, seconded by JCooke. DISCUSSION: Previous projects have been well received and the Commission wants to encourage growth in the arts sector. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. 2. Connecticut Ballet $3,500 Brett Raphael Director a. A motion to table the request until January was made then withdrawn by JCooke. b. Moved by CHill to allocate $3,000 for Backstage at the Ballet program in May 2024, seconded by JCooke. DISCUSSION: HCenter: the program has been well received by students for every of the many years it has been provided. It is often the first exposure to classical dance they have experienced. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. Other Business 1. Authorize the Coordinator to invite the Mayor and Finance Director to the January meeting. 2. JCooke states that invitations are available to view the work of a local sculptor. 3. HCenter: Happy Holidays. The next meeting is in January. Motion to adjourn at 7:43 Made by JCooke. Passed by Unanimous voice vote. Minutes of the Meeting Page 4 of 8 Proposed: November 29, 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 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: 837 3369 5979 Passcode: 816120 One tap mobile: Dial by your location +19294362866,,83733695979# US (New York) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) Meeting ID: 837 3369 5979 Passcode: 816120 Meeting ID: 837 3369 5979 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 8 Proposed: November 29, 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 Light the Lights - CityCenter Danbury First Congregational Church of Danbury, 164 Deer Hill Saturday, December 2⋅1:00 – 7:00pm Avenue, Danbury, CT Danbury City Center Green, Danbury, CT Make Music Winter 2023 The Edwards Twins - The Danbury Palace Thursday, December 21 Sunday, December 3⋅3:00 – 4:30pm The Palace Danbury Christmas Day 165 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810, USA Monday, December 25 Concerts 2023-2024 Ce Songbird - Music at the Ridge ELVIS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION STARRING MATTHEW Sunday, December 3⋅4:00 – 6:00pm BOYCE - The Palace Danbury Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury Sunday, January 7, 2024⋅3:00 – 4:30pm 24 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 165 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810 DMC Community Band: Holiday Concert Concerts 2023-2024 Claudia Schmidt - Music at the Sunday, December 3⋅4:00 – 5:30pm Ridge United Church of Christ Southbury, 283 Main St North, Sunday, January 7, 2024⋅4:00 – 6:00pm Southbury, CT, 06488 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury 24 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Rose Wilder Lane - Birthday Tuesday, December 5 * The Nutcracker - Danbury Music Centre Trailer Box Gallery Friday, December 8⋅7:30 – 9:30pm 12 Francis J Clarke Circle- Bethel Ct. Saturday, December 9⋅3:30 – 5:00pm Sunday, December 9⋅3:30 – 5:00pm Still River Editions Danbury High School Auditorium, 43 Clapboard Ridge INSIDE JOB Rd, Danbury, CT Runs through December 22, 2023 Photographs by Yale Whiffenpoofs - The Palace Danbury LYS GUILLORN, MARK SAVOIA, AND CATHERINE Sunday, December 10⋅3:00 – 4:30pm VANARIA The Palace Danbury 128 East Liberty Street, Danbury, Connecticut 165 Main St, Danbury, CT WCSU ART ALUMNI EXHIBITION Christmas Concert featuring Vivaldi’s “Gloria” - 7 at THE GALLERY at the Visual & Performing Arts Center Seven WCSU, Westside Campus Friday, December 15⋅7:00 – 8:30pm Saint Peter Parish 104 Main St, Danbury, CT Western Connecticut State University Danbury Community Orchestra in Concert - Danbury Music Centre Sip & SCULPT - WCSU Friday, December 15⋅7:30 – 7:30pm Friday, December 1⋅7:00 – 9:00pm Visual & Performing Arts Center, 43 Lake Ave Ext, Visual & Performing Arts Center Danbury, CT 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury, CT Handel’s “Messiah” - Danbury Music Centre Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov - WCSU Sunday, December 17⋅4:00 – 5:00pm Weekends December 1⋅ December 3 Minutes of the Meeting Page 6 of 8 Proposed: November 29, 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 MainStage Theatre - Visual and Performing Arts Center at WCSU 43 Lake Avenue Extension Danbury, CT Electronic Music Recital - WCSU Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM Orchestra and Concert Chorale - WCSU Veronica Hagman Concert Hall 43 Lake Avenue Saturday, December 2⋅3:00 – 5:00pm Extension, Danbury, CT Veronica Hagman Concert Hall 43 Lake Avenue Extension, Danbury, CT Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band - WCSU Percussion Ensemble - WCSU Sunday, November 12⋅3:00 – 4:30pm Sunday, December 3⋅3:00 – 4:30pm Western Connecticut State University Veronica Hagman Concert Hall 43 Lake Avenue 181 White St Extension, Danbury, CT *Events sponsored by the Commission Minutes of the Meeting Page 7 of 8 Proposed: November 29, 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 The General Operating Support for Theaters and Performing Groups Available Grants: program is currently closed Strategic Partnership Grants are currently closed The Artists Respond program Closed Walmart Overview Community Grants range from a minimum of $250 to the American Theater Wing maximum grant of $5,000. Organizations must submit an online application to be Jonathan Larson Grants CLOSED considered for funding. The grant is awarded to musical theatre composers, lyricists, The 2022 grant cycle begins Feb. 1, 2023 and the and librettists, or writing teams, early in their career, to application deadline is Dec. 31, 2023. support artistic endeavors and safeguard long-term music Applications may be submitted at any time during this writing careers. funding cycle. Please note that applications will only remain The Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative OPEN active in our system for 90 days, and at the end of this period Grant funding can be used for: they will be automatically rejected. Essential resources and equipment fundamental to arts Organizations may only submit and/or receive 25 education, specifically focused on enhancing learning in the applications. area of theatre. This can include: ● Purchase of production equipment (audio, lights, Areas of Funding: (Partial list) shop tools, etc.) and and professional installation Quality of life: Improving access to recreation, arts or costs. cultural experiences for low income individuals and ● Production supply costs associated with the families in the United States presentation of plays, musicals, and other Education: Providing after school enrichment, tutoring or theatrical performances including, but not limited vocational training for low income individuals and families in to, costumes and material, lighting supplies, and the United States scenery/scenic supplies. http://giving.walmart.com/walmart-foundation/communit ● Musical Instruments y-grant-program ● Licensing fees ● Costs associated with artistic consultants to leverage equipment and/or resources. This could State of CT include artistic residencies, mentorship, and technical consultants. Every Child Art Experience Songwriting Challenge Closed Application Deadline: November 30, 2023 National Theatre Company Grants Closed The Every Child Art Experience grant is a $2,500 award given directly to schools to support taking students to an out Americans for the Arts of school art experience. Experiencing and participating in Creative Spirit Fund Closed art is an essential part of creating strong communities and developing healthy, engaged, and creative students. US Congress Understanding that not all students have equal access to the Congressional Art Competition Closed (Spring) arts, this program seeks to close the gap in access and prioritizes school in Alliance and Opportunity Districts. More CT Humanities Upcoming Grants Deadlines information on Alliance and Opportunity. November 3:Quick Grants up to $4,999, Capacity Grants up The Supporting Arts grant program CLOSED Deadline: Sunday, August 13, to $9,999, Planning Grants up to $25,000, Implementation 2023 at 11:59 PM Grants up to $35,000 general operating support to help Connecticut’s arts organizations and municipal December 1: Sponsorships up to $2,000 arts departments cover programmatic costs associated with their mission-related work. This type of grant is flexible and gives the grantee the ability to use the funds where they are most needed. Artist Fellowship Program The program is not accepting applications in the current fiscal year 2024 grant cycle. The Connecticut Arts Endowment currently closed The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship is currently closed EMPOWER Grant Program is currently closed Minutes of the Meeting Page 8 of 8 Proposed: November 29, 2023 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.