Cultural Commission

CITY OF DANBURY CULTURAL COMMISSION 256 Main Street Danbury, Connecticut 06810 203 797 4508 March 25, 2024 Minutes of the Meeting Meeting called to order by Chairman Harvey Center at 6:30 pm with Commissioners: John Cooke, Siubhan Fallon, Ed Moore, Deepti Nagaraja, Perry Price, Gregory Smith and Coordinator Gregory Wencek. Absent: Alma Faham,Cheryl Hill, and Jan Maria Jagush. Thank you to Mary Burke, and John Cherry who have resigned from the Cultural Commission after decades of dedicated service. Welcome new members Siubhan Fallon, and Jan Maria Jagush, appointed by Mayor Alves and approved by the City Council for their three year terms during the March 6, 2024 Council meeting. Presentation of Minutes The Minutes of the February meeting were presented. A motion by GSmithto accept the minutes as presented, seconded by JCooke. Passed by unanimous voice vote. Appeals from Community groups: 1. Danbury Garden Club $1,000 for “Beautification of the back of the Danbury Library” from Karyn Palanzo, Committee chair. Attending Diane Coke and Beth Falk, landscape designer. The area behind the rear entrance to the library is not pretty. The Garden Club is adding this space to the multiple spaces they maintain for the City. The area will be planted with native, low maintenance plants. The Library board and relevant City departments are ‘on-board’. Planning and design are underway and phase 1 is about to begin. Plant costs are estimated at $1,200 and organic material, including mulch, puts the phase 1 estimate at $1,800. Phase 2 is designed for the near future. The Garden Club will include other sources of revenue, including their own fundraising. 2. Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut $1,500 for “The live stage reading of Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka for Danbury High School” by Lisa Scails, Executive Director. This project will include theater students of Danbury High School in a live Staged Reading of "Sunshine" by "New York Times-bestselling author Jarrett J. Krosoczka. The event will be held in Newtown’s Edmond Town Hall and is partnered with Byrd’s Books of Bethel. Their voices, projected artwork from the print book, music and sound effects from the award-winning audiobook will tell the story of Jarrett’s high school experience as a camp counselor for seriously ill kids and their families. Communication: EMail: NEA Partnership Newsletter: March 2024, One name for Scholarship from Abbott Tech, various Commission projects (Siubhan re: calendar updates and marketing, Jan Maria and Ed and John Cooke re: promotional signs, Western Connecticut Cultural Alliance seminar, CityCenter Main Street projects), Grant related forms, Brian Walters Fri, Mar 1 Appointment to the Connecticut Art Council, Brailyn Rodriguez re: art event at the Ecuadorian Civic Center located at 20 West St. On Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 Minutes of the Meeting Page 1 of 6 Proposed: March 27, 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 Reports on DCC sponsored events ● Danbury Music Centre ○ A Spring Bouquet of Music - Danbury Music Centre Community Band March 10⋅4:00 – 5:00pm ○ Brahms & His Contemporaries - Danbury Symphony Orchestra March 17⋅3:00 – 4:30pm HCenter: The program was magnificent. Acoustics in the space is wonderful from the front row through the top balcony. ● A Journey March 10⋅2:00 – 3:00pm Danbury High School Black Box Theater ● Danbury Concert Association The Essex Octet - Danbury Concert Association March 10⋅3:00 – 4:30pm SFallon: A good program 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 ● Danbury Library ○ Irish Dance Performance Saturday, March 9⋅10:00 – 10:30am ● Music at the Ridge - Lisa Gutkin and Sue Horowitz (split bill) March 3 4:00 – 6:00pm ● CT Master Chorale Chorus LUX: The Dawn From On High - March 10⋅3:00 – 4:00pm First Congregational Church ● City Center Danbury ● Palace Theater Danbury SFallon: The 3 Irish Comedians show was good. ● Saint Peter 7 at Seven Stations of the Cross featuring Franz Liszt’s “Via Crucis” March 8⋅7:00 – 8:30pm ● Galleries ○ Trailer Box Gallery ○ Gallery of the Visual and Performing Arts Center WCSU Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension ■ The MFA Thesis Exhibition: Six graduate students will present their thesis work this year: Amy Caco, Lucy Gallagher, Taylor Green, Andrew Mark, William J Parrott III, and Denise Rosa. Feb 21 – April 6, 2024 ○ Gallery at Still River Editions 128 E Liberty St. ■ MOM UPDATES: THE PHOTOGRAPHS BRUCE GEORGE WINGATE JANUARY 13-MARCH 29, 2024 JCooke: Very good exhibit. ● in VIEW project Main Street Danbury ● WCSU ○ NEXT TO NORMAL February 23 - March 3⋅8:00 – 10:30pm Upcoming events See addendum. Coordinator’s Report 1. City website updated with new members names 2. Make Music Day grant approved, application sent and confirmation received. 3. Brian Walters IN View project looking recently appointed to the Connecticut Art Council. 4. Newsletter request for signups was sent to “All City email list” resulting in 21 new subscriptions for a total reach of 188 addresses. 5. Onboarding document for new Commissioners has been released. Minutes of the Meeting Page 2 of 6 Proposed: March 27, 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 6. Next Walking tour tentative for May 4 to highlight theater buildings in Downtown. 7. The Commision is, again, partnered with Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut for Arts and Culture Concierge Meetings. May 29th 5 PM Danbury Museum, 43 Main Street. Co-host: Dby Cultural Commission, GWencek 8. It might be time to redesign Grant follow up form to include new data points, like where an audience comes from and ages of audience. 9. 33 Poems so far have been received. I expect a few more by the end of the week. 10. Video research with Alma progressing. Expect releases of short form videos to start in April. 11. Marketing - Siubhan a. We are working on an outreach program. Many ideas, no conclusions to report yet. Old Business 1. Federer mural preservation a. Peter Brown Architectural Photography:Invoice processed. 2. “Designs for Danbury ”ad hoc Committee to review ideas to stimulate cultural and artistic growth in the City being prioritized. Serving on the Committee are GSmith, AFaham, & JCooke.- see Growth Ideas Committee. 3. Commission achievement award - AFaham - Tabled 4. Marketing a. Lawn signs - JCooke Designs sent to Bethel Printing and signs delivered. A deployment plan needs to be established. JCooke will lead that task. b. Brochure - JCooke submitted to Commissioners for approval. Final updates will be taken until Wednesday then a print master will be submitted for duplication. JCooke will follow up. c. City Hall sign - SFallon graphic for the sign has been submitted to Jason Nova. The City has not yet used the infographic. SFallon has encouraged other groups to participate in the use of the sign when they have events. d. Retractable sign - EMoore & JMJagush are continuing the committee’s work Growth Ideas Committee Prioritize ideas from Commissioner's input for Mayoral discussion - Tabled New Business 1. Danbury Museum and Historical Society cooperative projects - Tabled Action on Grant Requests: 1. Danbury Garden Club $1,000 Moved by EMoore to approve $1,000 for “Beautification of the back of the Danbury Library”. Seconded by PPrice. JCooke recused himself from the discussion and vote as his wife is part of the presentation committee. Minutes of the Meeting Page 3 of 6 Proposed: March 27, 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: EMoore- this is a new organization to the Commission and should have support. . SFallon- this project will be enjoyed by all age groups. DNagaraja- Everyone will see this exhibit. HCenter- asked commissioners to be aware of the budget balance for the rest of the fiscal year. CALLED: Passed by Unanimous voice vote. 2. Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut $1,500 Moved by DNagaraja to approve $500 for “The live stage reading of Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka by Danbury High School students”. Seconded by PPrice. DISCUSSION: DNagaraja- It is important to include the Alliance in the Commission’s projects. EMoore- asked the Commissioners to be aware of the remaining budget. HCenter- pointed out this event will take place in Newtown. CALLED: Passed by Unanimous voice vote. Other Business JCooke asks the Coordinator to confirm the project completion from the Connecticut Ballet. Motion to adjourn at 7:50 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: 879 3979 4112 Passcode: 816120 One tap mobile: Dial by your location +19294362866,,87939794112# US (New York) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) Meeting ID: 879 3979 4112 Passcode: 816120 Meeting ID: 879 3979 4112 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 Proposed: March 27, 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 Organ recital with New York City organist, Janet Yieh - 7 University at Seven Saint Peter Parish Sunday, March 24⋅7:00 – 8:30pm Friday, April 26⋅7:00 – 8:30pm Veronica Hagman Concert Hall 43 Lake Avenue Ext. St Peter Church 104 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810 Danbury, CT 06811 * Roger Post Jazz Quartet - 2024 spring series Richter Easter Festival - City Center Association for the Arts Saturday, March 30⋅2:00 – 6:00pm Sunday, April 28⋅3:00 – 4:30pm Ives Street Green, Ives St, Danbury, CT 06810 Richter Association-The Arts 100 Aunt Hack Rd, 06811 Danbury, CT 06811, Holi Festival - CityCenter Saturday, April 6⋅12:00 – 3:00pm Ives Street Green, Ives St, Danbury, CT 06810 *Events sponsored by the Commission * Chang Ho Lim & Rachel Choo - Violin & Piano Duo - Still River Editions 2024 spring series Richter Association for the Arts MOM UPDATES: The Photographs Sunday, April 7⋅3:00 – 4:30pm January 13 - March 29, 2024 Richter Association-The Arts 100 Aunt Hack Rd, Where: 128 East Liberty Street, Suite 3, Danbury, CT Danbury, CT 06811 Description: Photographs by Bruce George Wingate 128 East Liberty Street, Danbury, Connecticut Concerts 2023-2024 The Kennedys - Music at the Ridge Sunday, April 7⋅4:00 – 6:00pm Trailer Box Gallery Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury 12 Francis J Clarke Circle- Bethel Ct. 24 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 WCSU ART ALUMNI EXHIBITION * Big Band Dance and Concert - Danbury Music Centre THE GALLERY at the Visual & Performing Arts Center Saturday, April 13⋅7:30 – 9:00pm WCSU, Westside Campus Danbury Music Centre 256 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810 * Kristen Plumley, Matthew Ciuffitelli, & David Maiullo - Western Connecticut State University 2024 spring series Richter Association for the Arts Sunday, April 14⋅3:00 – 4:30pm Richter Association-The Arts 100 Aunt Hack Rd, The Donkey Show: A Midsummer Night's Disco - WCSU Danbury, CT 06811 Friday, April 5⋅8:00 – 10:00pm Weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, until Apr * Danbury Community Orchestra Violinist Deni Bonet - 15, 2024 Danbury Music Centre Studio Theatre - Visual and Performing Arts Center at Friday, April 19⋅7:30 – 9:00pm WCSU 43 Lake Avenue Extension Danbury, CT Visual & Performing Arts Center 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury, CT 06811 The Crucible - WCSU Friday, April 19⋅8:00 – 10:00pm until Apr 29, 2024 * Rebecca Eng and Florence Liu - 2024 spring series MainStage Theatre - Visual and Performing Arts Center Richter Association for the Arts at WCSU 43 Lake Avenue Extension Danbury, CT 06811 Sunday, April 21⋅3:00 – 4:30pm Richter Association-The Arts 100 Aunt Hack Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 Minutes of the Meeting Page 5 of 6 Proposed: March 27, 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 Available Grants: The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship is currently closed EMPOWER Grant Program is currently closed Walmart Overview The General Operating Support for Theaters and Performing Community Grants range from a minimum of $250 to Groups program is currently closed the maximum grant of $5,000. Strategic Partnership Grants are currently closed The Artists Respond program Closed until 2025 Organizations must submit an online application to be ● Program guidelines and application available in late considered for funding. spring or early summer 2025. The 2024 grant cycle begins Feb. 1, 2024 and the ● Application deadline in late summer 2025. application deadline is Dec. 31, 2024. American Theater Wing Applications may be submitted at any time during this The American Theatre Wing Training Scholarships funding cycle. Please note that applications will only CLOSED remain active in our system for 90 days, and at the end of this period they will be automatically rejected. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative CLOSED Organizations may only submit and/or receive 25 Grant funding can be used for: applications. Essential resources and equipment fundamental to arts education, Areas of Funding: (Partial list) specifically focused on enhancing learning in the area of theatre. Quality of life: Improving access to recreation, arts Classroom Resources Grants CLOSED. or cultural experiences for low income individuals Teachers can apply directly for resources they need to build and enhance their program in order to best nurture young talent in their and families in the United States schools. This can be musical instruments, lighting equipment, sound Education: Providing after school enrichment, equipment, or costumes, to name a few examples. tutoring or vocational training for low income Songwriting Challenge Closed individuals and families in the United States National Theatre Company Grants Closed 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 Artist Fellowship Program Closed until spring ● Program guidelines and application available in late Americans for the Arts spring or early summer 2024. Creative Spirit Fund Closed ● Application deadline in late summer 2024. Every Child Art Experience - CLOSED The Every Child Art Experience grant is a $2,500 award given directly US Congress to schools to support taking students to an out of school art Congressional Art 2-24 Competition OPEN experience. Experiencing and participating in art is an essential part The deadline is Friday March 29, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. 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 CT Humanities Upcoming Grants Deadlines prioritizes school in Alliance and Opportunity Districts. More March 1: Sponsorships up to $2,000 information on Alliance and Opportunity. February 23: Quick Grants $250-$4,999 Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund (CAEF) - CLOSED April 26: Planning Grants $5,000-$25,000 Funds may be used for operating expenses, to ensure the long-term April 5 Implementation Grants $5,000-$35,000 stability of Connecticut’s arts industry by providing funding to April 5 Capacity Grants $1,500-$9,999 organizations. The Supporting Arts grant program CLOSED General operating support to help Connecticut’s arts organizations and municipal 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. The Connecticut Arts Endowment currently closed Minutes of the Meeting Page 6 of 6 Proposed: March 27, 2024 NOTE: Additional and supporting information can be found in the files at the Commission office.