Cultural Commission

CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 January 22, 2024 Minutes of the Meeting Meeting called to order by Chairman Harvey Center at 6:35 pm with Commissioners: John Cooke, Alma Faham, Ed Moore, Deepti Nagaraja, Gregory Smith and Coordinator Gregory Wencek. Absent: Mary Burke, John Cherry, Cheryl Hill, and Perry Price. Attending from the public: Siubhan Fallon and Jan Maria Jagush. Presentation of Minutes The Minutes of the November meeting were presented. A motion by GSmith to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by JCooke. Passed by unanimous voice vote. Correspondence: EMail: various Commission projects (Poet laureate, State Grants disbursement), Mail: Phone: In person: Tiaa Candy TiaaCandy@Gmail.com Nathalie Feliz-Dipre 718 600-6446 Reports on DCC sponsored events ● Danbury Music Centre ○ * The Nutcracker - Danbury Music Centre ■ Friday, December 8⋅7:30 – 9:30pm ■ Saturday, December 9⋅3:30 – 5:00pm ■ Sunday, December 9⋅3:30 – 5:00pm Danbury events not sponsored by the Commission [17] ● Danbury Music Centre ○ Community Band: Holiday Concert Sunday, December 3⋅4:00 – 5:30pm ○ Danbury Community Orchestra in Concert Friday, December 15⋅7:30 – 7:30pm ○ Handel’s “Messiah”Sunday, December 17⋅4:00 – 5:00pm EMoore: The event was packed. An excellent program. Siubhan: It always is well attended. ● Danbury Museum ○ Guided Tours of 4 Danbury Museum Historic Buildings on our Main Street campus ○ Guided Tours of the Ives Homestead ● 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 ● The Danbury Concert Association held a fundraiser out of City. Siubhan: The band was good ● Music at the Ridge - Ce Songbird December 3 Claudia Schmidt Sunday, January 7, 2024⋅4:00 – 6:00pm ● City Center Danbury ○ Light the Lights - CityCenter Danbury Saturday, December 2⋅1:00 – 7:00pm ● Palace Theater Danbury ● 7 at Seven Saint Peter Parish Vivaldi’s “Gloria” Friday, December 15⋅7:00 – 8:30pm ● Galleries ○ Trailer Box Gallery ○ Gallery of the Visual and Performing Arts Center WCSU Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension ○ Gallery at Still River Editions 128 E Liberty St. Minutes of the Meeting Page 1 of 7 Proposed: January 24, 2024 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 ■ INSIDE JOB Runs through December 22, 2023 Photographs by LYS GUILLORN, MARK SAVOIA, AND CATHERINE VANARIA ● in VIEW project Main Street Danbury ● WCSU ○ 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. Coordinator’s Report 1. The 2024-2025 budget submitted Jan 17, 2024 a. I suggest $68,000 based on the actual amount requested from groups last year i. This is the amount ACTUALLY requested from groups for assistance, plus the cost of projects proposed by the Commission. ii. Since 2001 the City has reduced some line items of a number of cultural programs, such as First Night and the Danbury Music Centre. The Cultural Commission had tried to make up for those reductions within its own budget. The early part of the 2000’s saw an increase up to $105,000, which helped absorb the increased requests for grants but since 2014 the amount has overall decreased until last year when it was increased by $2,500. iii. This year the Cultural Commission is asking for an increase of the budget to $84,000 which reflects the actual requests for funding support from many of the cultural/artistic organizations in Danbury. This request does not take into account any new groups who might look to the City to support expansion of programs to benefit the citizens quality of life and economic growth. Nor does it incorporate any growth in the number or scope of projects produced by the Commission itself, such as scholarships and recognition awards for cultural accomplishments. iv. The Commissioners will continue to exercise restraint in awarding grants on behalf of the City. The 11 volunteer Commissioners meet regularly and act for the best outcomes for Danbury. 2. Shout Out for Danbury one request received January 17 3. Newsletter reaching 171 addresses 4. Final draft available of onboarding document for new Commissioners and city officials 5. Video research with Alma TABLED, until February. 1st script finished, ready to record 6. Invitation to the Mayor and the Finance Director for the January meeting were declined 7. Poet Laureate a. Committee named a poet laureate, We are waiting for the Mayor’s office participation 8. Two applications for nomination for appointment to this Commission are in process. a. The Commission may need to ask for a resignation from members on leave. 9. Meeting the goals stated in the Finance budget document 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, membership in Make Music Alliance e. Expansion into the community - with Center City to assist Downtown autumn decorations Minutes of the Meeting Page 2 of 7 Proposed: January 24, 2024 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 Appeals from Community groups: 1. Saint Peter Danbury $500 Glen Segger Music Director a. Silent Film - The King of Kings February 9 in St. Peter Church, with its majestic Peragallo pipe organ, and large 10’ x 14’ screen. This presentation is part of the 7 at Seven series. b. Boston-based organist, Peter Krasinski, will be providing live pipe organ accompaniment to this film, joined by the St. Peter Parish Choir (providing music and sound effects). In other words, this epic silent movie will feature both organ and choral accompaniment! c. This is a return to the program following the COVID-19 pandemic. The church received some feedback about the secular nature of the previous films so they decided to present a Cecil B. DeMille epic. Attendance for the previous films was about 150 people from the parish and from outside the parish. Seating capacity is over 500. d. Admission is free but a good will offering is asked to defray costs of projector and screen rental. Promotion will include email to other churches in the area. Old Business 1. Federer mural preservation quote a. From Peter Brown Architectural Photography: Viewed the space January 17. “I anticipate a fee of $1,300 will cover both the initial photo session and the digital post production processing.” Moved by DNagaraja, seconded by AFaham to authorize $1,300 for an archival photograph series of the Charles Federer mural from Peter Brown Archival Photography. DISCUSSION: GWencek: The recommendation to use Peter Brown came from Still River Editions gallery on East Liberty Street Danbury, which was recommended by the Danbury Museum. Commissioners want to know if the photos can be displayed on our website - Yes. Commissioners want to know if the Museum will be offered a copy of the file - Yes. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. New Business 1. Authorization to pay scholarships and literary contest Moved by GSmith, seconded by AFaham to set aside $5,000 for scholarships. DISCUSSION: JMJagush asked why Immaculate and Wooster students are not eligible. Scholarships should be available to all Danbury students. HCenter answered that the awards have been for public school students. The topic may be revisited in the future. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. Moved by AFaham, seconded by EMoore to set aside $1,200 for literary awards DISCUSSION: GWencek points out that the amount for literary awards is for prizes only and some additional funds will be needed for the awards ceremony in May. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. 2. Rules for literary contest Moved by GSmith, seconded by AFaham to approve the rules for both literary contests. Minutes of the Meeting Page 3 of 7 Proposed: January 24, 2024 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 DISCUSSION: GWencek: the only change from last year is no works generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Commissioners wanted to know how the Commission will detect AI use. Answer is reliance on the honor system. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. 3. Danbury Museum annual gala fundraiser - DNagaraja Moved by DNagaraja, seconded by EMoore to purchase a $150 ticket to the Danbury Museum gala. DISCUSSION: DNagaraja said the event is a good way to have the community interact with the Commission. EMoore said that attending will promote the existence and work of the Commission. HCenter: The Commission has not previously paid toe tickets to this event. The Commissioners asked that DNagaraja have a report for the next meeting. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. 4. Approval of On-boarding document for Commissioners, City Council and Mayor’s office Moved by GSmith, seconded by AFaham to approve the On-boarding documents DISCUSSION: GWencek: The purpose of the onboarding document is to give newly appointed officials a reference for the past and ongoing work of the commission, to provide contact information, and to provide context for the Commission within City Government. This document will be available for all appointed commissioners and to City officials. The differences between the two versions are in discussion of reports and the inclusion of a list of current officials. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. 5. Shout Out for Danbury a. The one request for consideration came from “The American Prize” for seed funding to start two scholarships. Consensus is that this request is outside the scope of the contest. The Coordinator is instructed to notify the “American Prize” that they should submit a grant request for this program. Action on Grant Requests: 1. Saint Peter Danbury $500 Moved by EMoore to approve $500 for the presentation of the silent film - The King of Kings on February 9 at Saint Peter Church. Seconded by JCooke. DISCUSSION: This series has been well received by residents of the City and the area. The addition of a chorus with the organ should make for an interesting event. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. Other Business 1. Jan Maria Jagush residency status is being vetted by the Mayor’s office. 2. GSmith and JCooke have been attending the legislative Council meetings. Expect the nomination of Siubhan Fallon and Jan Maria Jagush from the Mayor at the February 6 Council meeting. 3. Mrs. Cooke is a member of the Garden Club and is inquiring about funding for a beautification project. She should submit a grant application. 4. JMJagush would like to see a unified calendar of events for the City so residents can have a single point of contact for activities. All of the current calendars should be consolidated. Minutes of the Meeting Page 4 of 7 Proposed: January 24, 2024 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. JMJagush would like to see a municipal/private partnership to bring more festive/decorative lighting to downtown. EMoore and JCooke suggest she bring this idea to the Savings Bank of Danbury. 6. EMoore suggests that the Commision invest in pop-up signage to be placed at all events the Commission funds which would read: Partially funded by the Danbury Cultural Commission". HCenter showed two of the existing signs, one sandwich board and one lawn sign, which the Commission has used in the past. Consensus is to get prices from Bethel Graphics (who has printed the programs for the Literary Awards for free), Sign-O-Rama, Iovino Brothers, or other Danbury businesses. Motion to adjourn at 7:56 Made by JCooke. 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: 847 1732 0377 Passcode: 816120 One tap mobile: Dial by your location +19294362866,,84717320377# US (New York) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) Meeting ID: 847 1732 0377 Passcode: 816120 Meeting ID: 847 1732 0377 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 Proposed: January 24, 2024 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 ELVIS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION STARRING MATTHEW BOYCE - The Palace Danbury Sunday, January 7, 2024⋅3:00 – 4:30pm Still River Editions 165 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810 MOM UPDATES: The Photographs January 13 - March 29, 2024 Concerts 2023-2024 Lui Collins - Music at the Ridge Where: 128 East Liberty Street, Suite 3, Danbury, CT Sunday, February 4⋅4:00 – 6:00pm Description: Photographs by Bruce George Wingate Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury 128 East Liberty Street, Danbury, Connecticut 24 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Trailer Box Gallery Silent film “The King of Kings (1928) with live organ 12 Francis J Clarke Circle- Bethel Ct. accompaniment by Boston organist Peter Krasinski - 7 at Seven Saint Peter Parish Friday, February 9⋅7:00 – WCSU ART ALUMNI EXHIBITION 8:30pm THE GALLERY at the Visual & Performing Arts Center St Peter Church 104 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810 WCSU, Westside Campus Western Connecticut State University NEXT TO NORMAL - WCSU Friday, February 23⋅8:00 – 10:30pm Daily, until Mar 5, 2024 Visual & Performing Arts Center 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury, CT *Events sponsored by the Commission Minutes of the Meeting Page 6 of 7 Proposed: January 24, 2024 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 Connecticut Arts Endowment currently closed Available Grants: The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship is currently closed Walmart Overview EMPOWER Grant Program is currently closed Community Grants range from a minimum of $250 to the The General Operating Support for Theaters and Performing Groups program is currently closed maximum grant of $5,000. Strategic Partnership Grants are currently closed Organizations must submit an online application to be The Artists Respond program Closed until 2025 considered for funding. ● Program guidelines and application available in late The 2024 grant cycle begins Feb. 1, 2024 and the spring or early summer 2025. application deadline is Dec. 31, 2024. ● Application deadline in late summer 2025. Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle. Please note that applications will only remain American Theater Wing active in our system for 90 days, and at the end of this period they will be automatically rejected. The American Theatre Wing Training Scholarships Organizations may only submit and/or receive 25 Deadline Jan 24, 2024 applications. Public Middle and High School students who come from populations historically marginalized in our industry, who demonstrate talent and Areas of Funding: (Partial list) ability in the theatre arts but lack the economic resources to receive Quality of life: Improving access to recreation, arts or high level training prior to college. The student’s area of focus can be cultural experiences for low income individuals and from any aspect of theatre from performance, to design, to writing, to families in the United States stage management. Education: Providing after school enrichment, tutoring or vocational training for low income individuals and families in The Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative CLOSED the United States Grant funding can be used for: http://giving.walmart.com/walmart-foundation/communit Essential resources and equipment fundamental to arts education, y-grant-program specifically focused on enhancing learning in the area of theatre. Classroom Resources Grants CLOSED. Teachers can apply directly for resources they need to build and State of CT enhance their program in order to best nurture young talent in their Artist Fellowship Program Closed until spring schools. This can be musical instruments, lighting equipment, sound ● Program guidelines and application available in late equipment, or costumes, to name a few examples. spring or early summer 2024. ● Application deadline in late summer 2024. Songwriting Challenge Closed National Theatre Company Grants Closed Every Child Art Experience - CLOSED Jonathan Larson Grants CLOSED The Every Child Art Experience grant is a $2,500 award given directly The grant is awarded to musical theatre composers, lyricists, and to schools to support taking students to an out of school art librettists, or writing teams, early in their career, to support artistic experience. Experiencing and participating in art is an essential part endeavors and safeguard long-term music writing careers. of creating strong communities and developing healthy, engaged, and creative students. Understanding that not all students have equal access to the arts, this program seeks to close the gap in access and Americans for the Arts prioritizes school in Alliance and Opportunity Districts. More Creative Spirit Fund Closed information on Alliance and Opportunity. Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund (CAEF) - CLOSED US Congress Funds may be used for operating expenses, to ensure the long-term Congressional Art Competition Closed (Spring) stability of Connecticut’s arts industry by providing funding to organizations. CT Humanities Upcoming Grants Deadlines The Supporting Arts grant program CLOSED March 1: Sponsorships up to $2,000 General operating support to help Connecticut’s arts organizations February 23: Quick Grants $250-$4,999 and municipal arts departments cover programmatic costs associated April 26: Planning Grants $5,000-$25,000 with their mission-related work. This type of grant is flexible and gives April 5 Implementation Grants $5,000-$35,000 the grantee the ability to use the funds where they are most needed. April 5 Capacity Grants $1,500-$9,999 Minutes of the Meeting Page 7 of 7 Proposed: January 24, 2024 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.