Cultural Commission

CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 February 26, 2024 Minutes of the Meeting Meeting called to order by Chairman Harvey Center at 6:30 pm with Commissioners: John Cooke, Alma Faham, Cheryl Hill, Ed Moore, Deepti Nagaraja, Perry Price, Gregory Smith and Coordinator Gregory Wencek. Absent: Mary Burke, and John Cherry. Attending from the public: Siubhan Fallon, Jan Maria Jagush, and Brailyn Rodriguez (of the Mayor’s Community Advisory Committee). Presentation of Minutes The Minutes of the January meeting were presented. A motion by JCooke to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by GSmith. Passed by unanimous voice vote. Correspondence: EMail: various Commission projects (Mural archive, Make Music Day contracts, Finance Department grants, Western Connecticut Cultural Alliance seminar, CityCenter Main Street projects), Mail: Phone: Finance Department grants, Danbury Museum mural archive In person: Commissioner’s discussions, Lucas Amaral Reports on DCC sponsored events ● Danbury Music Centre Danbury events not sponsored by the Commission ● Danbury Music Centre ● Danbury Museum ○ Guided Tours of 4 Danbury Museum Historic Buildings on our Main Street campus ○ Guided Tours of the Ives Homestead ● Danbury Railway Museum ● Music at the Ridge - Lui Collins February 11 4:00 – 6:00pm ● City Center Danbury ● Palace Theater Danbury ● 7 at Seven Saint Peter Parish Silent film “The King of Kings (1928) with live organ accompaniment by Boston organist Peter Krasinski Friday, February 9⋅7:00 – 8:30pm ● Galleries ○ Trailer Box Gallery ○ Gallery of the Visual and Performing Arts Center WCSU Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension ■ THE CIRCE EFFECT: Women’s Creative Power Reclaims the Narrative Feb 8 – March 3, 2024 ■ Opening Reception and Performance: Thurs, Feb 8, 2024, 6-8 pm ■ Artist talk: Feb. 21, 6:30pm ○ Gallery at Still River Editions 128 E Liberty St. ■ MOM UPDATES: THE PHOTOGRAPHS BRUCE GEORGE WINGATE JANUARY 13-MARCH 29, 2024 ● in VIEW project Main Street Danbury ● WCSU ○ Sip & SCULPT - Friday, February 9⋅7:00 – 9:00pm ○ NEXT TO NORMAL February 23 - March 3⋅8:00 – 10:30pm Minutes of the Meeting Page 1 of 6 Approved: March 25, 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 See addendum. Coordinator’s Report 1. Brian Walters, of the IN View project, is exploring expansion for a city wide display of sculptures. His research into feasibility is in the preliminary stages. His ‘back of the envelope’ budget is between $60,000 to $70,000, which would come, predominantly, from the private sector. DNagaraja notes that Mr. Walters is slow to respond to replies for information and the Commission should be aware, if there is a decision to proceed. JCooke notes that there are other artists who could manage a project like this one in feasibility study. 2. Shout Out for Danbury the one request received was sent a reply notice that the project was “Out of Scope” and they should apply for a grant to fund that project. No reply has been received. 3. Newsletter is reaching 168 addresses The number fluctuates month to month. 4. How should the Commission answer questions about grant’s tax liability to individual artists? a. The City sends a 1099 to the recipient. What advice could the Commission give? b. The Commission should only offer the recommendation to retain an accountant. 5. Poet Laureate a. Committee named a poet laureate. We are waiting for the Mayor’s office to send the press release and notify the recipient. The Coordinator is asked to follow up. 6. Nomination for Commission appointments should be on the March agenda. 7. All reports from the Fiscal Year 2022/23 State grants have been submitted to the State with copies to the City Finance Department. 8. Make Music Day grant is available. a. As has been the case, a $1,000 grant is available from Connecticut on a first come first served basis for operating costs for Make Music Day. The Finance Department has been notified and they will take the matter to the City Council at their March 5 meeting. 9. The other municipalities which offer grants in Connecticut are Stamford and Norwalk. 10. 2024 is the 150th anniversary of Charles Ives' birth. Following discussion with a Commissioner, I have received no positive responses to a marching band event. (DHS, Music Centre) The Museum and Music Centre have events planned. Appeals from Community groups: 1. None Old Business 1. Federer mural preservation a. Peter Brown Architectural Photography: Invoice received for processing. b. The image files have been received and will be shared with the Museum. 2. Lawn signs for promoting events with Cultural Commission funding a. JCooke Spoke with Tom, the owner of Bethel Printing: Regular yard signs, double sided with our wording and logo with the metal stakes cost approximately $18 with a minimum purchase of ten. If we purchase fewer, the price goes up. Minutes of the Meeting Page 2 of 6 Approved: March 25, 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 b. Your thoughts - I'd like to have them before spring as our programs get busy. We'd have them ready for groups that present grants. c. Moved by GSmith to purchase 10 lawn signs, at $180, to identify the Cultural Commission as a financial sponsor at activities which receive Commission grants. Seconded by PPrice. DISCUSSION: The Coordinator is asked to provide the graphics necessary for the project. JCooke will provide additional stands to accommodate using the lawn signs where they cannot be inserted into the ground. There was some discussion about using other providers who may be able to offer a lower price. It was established that the price is within average and Bethel Printing has provided free printing for brochures and programs for several years. CALLED: Passed by unanimous voice vote. 3. Literary contests. Flash Fiction from DHS and IHS 6 entries. New Business 1. Review “Designs for Danbury” as a Commissioner project - AFaham & GSmith a. An ad hoc Committee will be formed to review ideas to stimulate cultural and artistic growth in the City, submitted by Commissioners, which will be prioritized and periodically discussed with the Mayor in an ‘in-person’ meeting. Serving on the Committee are GSmith, AFaham, and JCooke. 2. Review of Outreach potential a. The Newsletter is reaching 169 addresses. b. SFallon is proceeding to develop a framework to increase the public awareness of the Cultural Commission and its work. She has provided a brainstorming document of potential ideas for long term planning and possible actions. c. JMJagush noted she has reached out to the Mayor’s office to reinstate the City wide calendar, so that there is one place for residents to view all events available. This would replace the patchwork nature of many individual locations to find event information. 3. Commissioner appointments a. The Mayor plans to nominate Siubhan Fallon and Jan Maria Jagush to the Cultural Commission at the March 5 meeting of the City Council. The Mayor will accept the resignation of Mary Burke and John Cherry to maintain the membership limit. Action on Grant Requests: None Other Business 1. JCooke askes that the Brochure which has been discussed for many months be finally produced. The Coordinator will provide a document which JCooke will take to Bethel Printing which will provide free copies. The brochure will be available at events in which the Commision has a presence. Minutes of the Meeting Page 3 of 6 Approved: March 25, 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 2. EMoore asks that the Commission consider a retractable sign to be deployed at events where the Commission participates, such as the Farmers Market. A Committee is authorized to obtain information. EMore and JMJagush will serve on the committee. Motion to adjourn at 7:25 Made by PPrice. 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: 844 4744 1862 Passcode: 816120 One tap mobile: Dial by your location +19294362866,,84447441862# US (New York) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) Meeting ID: 844 4744 1862 Passcode: 816120 Meeting ID: 844 4744 1862 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 6:30 and was not recorded by the Commission. Minutes of the Meeting Page 4 of 6 Approved: March 25, 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 Large Jazz Ensembles - Western Connecticut State NEXT TO NORMAL - WCSU University Friday, March 1⋅8:00 – 10:30pm Sunday, March 24⋅7:00 – 8:30pm MainStage Theatre - Visual & Performing Arts Center 43 Veronica Hagman Concert Hall 43 Lake Avenue Ext. Lake Avenue Extension Danbury, CT 06811 Danbury, CT 06811 Silent Movies Made Musical - Danbury Music Centre Easter Festival - City Center Sunday, March 3⋅3:00 – 5:00pm Saturday, March 30⋅2:00 – 6:00pm Palace Theater, 165 Main Street, Danbury, CT, 06810 Ives Street Green, Ives St, Danbury, CT 06810 Concerts 2023-2024 Lisa Gutkin and Sue Horowitz (split *Events sponsored by the Commission bill) - Music at the Ridge Sunday, February 3⋅4:00 – 6:00pm Still River Editions Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury MOM UPDATES: The Photographs 24 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 January 13 - March 29, 2024 Where: 128 East Liberty Street, Suite 3, Danbury, CT Stations of the Cross featuring Franz Liszt’s “Via Description: Photographs by Bruce George Wingate Crucis” - 7 at Seven Saint Peter Parish 128 East Liberty Street, Danbury, Connecticut Friday, March 8⋅7:00 – 8:30pm St Peter Church Trailer Box Gallery 104 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810 12 Francis J Clarke Circle- Bethel Ct. * A Journey WCSU ART ALUMNI EXHIBITION Sunday, March 10⋅2:00 – 3:00pm THE GALLERY at the Visual & Performing Arts Center Danbury High School Auditorium, 43 Clapboard Ridge WCSU, Westside Campus Rd, Danbury, CT, 06810 Western Connecticut State University * The Essex Octet - Danbury Concert Association Sunday, March 10⋅3:00 – 4:30pm NEXT TO NORMAL - WCSU Veronica Hagman Concert Hall 43 Lake Avenue Ext. Friday, February 23⋅8:00 – 10:30pm Danbury, CT 06811 Daily, until Mar 5, 2024 Visual & Performing Arts Center * A Spring Bouquet of Music - Danbury Music Centre 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury, CT Community Band Sunday, March 10⋅4:00 – 5:00pm Business & Arts:Legislative collaborative discussion with Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main Street, Danbury, CT, Randy Cohen, VP Research for Americans f/t Arts 06810 Date and time: Tuesday, March 5 1:30-3 PM Location: Danbury Museum, 43 Main Street, Danbury, CT * Brahms & His Contemporaries - Danbury Music Centre Symphony Orchestra Business & Arts: Cocktail Reception $25 Sunday, March 17⋅3:00 – 4:30pm March 5th 5:30-7:00 PM Veronica Hagman Concert Hall 43 Lake Avenue Ext. Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce | 1 Ives Street, Danbury, CT 06811 Danbury, CT *Events sponsored by the Commission Minutes of the Meeting Page 5 of 6 Approved: March 25, 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 General Operating Support for Theaters and Performing Available Grants: Groups program is currently closed Strategic Partnership Grants are currently closed Walmart Overview The Artists Respond program Closed until 2025 Community Grants range from a minimum of $250 to ● Program guidelines and application available in late spring or early summer 2025. the maximum grant of $5,000. ● Application deadline in late summer 2025. Organizations must submit an online application to be considered for funding. American Theater Wing The 2024 grant cycle begins Feb. 1, 2024 and the The American Theatre Wing Training Scholarships application deadline is Dec. 31, 2024. Who should apply? Applications may be submitted at any time during this Deadline Jan 24, 2024 funding cycle. Public Middle and High School students who come from populations Areas of Funding: (Partial list) historically marginalized in our industry, who demonstrate talent and ability in the theatre arts but lack the economic resources to receive Quality of life: Improving access to recreation, arts high level training prior to college. The student’s area of focus can be or cultural experiences for low income individuals from any aspect of theatre from performance, to design, to writing, to and families in the United States stage management. Education: Providing after school enrichment, tutoring or vocational training for low income The Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative CLOSED Grant funding can be used for: individuals and families in the United States Essential resources and equipment fundamental to arts education, http://giving.walmart.com/walmart-foundation/co specifically focused on enhancing learning in the area of theatre. mmunity-grant-program 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. Songwriting Challenge Closed ● Application deadline in late summer 2024. National Theatre Company Grants Closed Every Child Art Experience - CLOSED The Every Child Art Experience grant is a $2,500 award given directly Jonathan Larson Grants CLOSED to schools to support taking students to an out of school art The grant is awarded to musical theatre composers, lyricists, and experience. Experiencing and participating in art is an essential part librettists, or writing teams, early in their career, to support artistic of creating strong communities and developing healthy, engaged, and endeavors and safeguard long-term music writing careers. 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 2-24 Competition OPEN stability of Connecticut’s arts industry by providing funding to organizations. The deadline is Friday March 29, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. The Supporting Arts grant program CLOSED CT Humanities Upcoming Grants Deadlines General operating support to help Connecticut’s arts organizations and municipal arts departments cover programmatic costs associated March 1: Sponsorships up to $2,000 with their mission-related work. This type of grant is flexible and gives February 23: Quick Grants $250-$4,999 the grantee the ability to use the funds where they are most needed. April 26: Planning Grants $5,000-$25,000 The Connecticut Arts Endowment currently closed April 5 Implementation Grants $5,000-$35,000 The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship is currently closed April 5 Capacity Grants $1,500-$9,999 EMPOWER Grant Program is currently closed Minutes of the Meeting Page 6 of 6 Approved: March 25, 2024 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.