Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church

Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church Meeting December 17, 2015 Falls Church City Hall Dogwood Room Minutes / Notes Members Present: Barb Cram, Sally Cole, Marybeth Connelly, Laura Hull, Lindy Hockenberry, Ellen Gross, Nikki Graves Henderson, Katherine Stewart, Midge Wang Staff Present: Amy Maltesse, Ingrid Racine, Also Present: Keith Thurston (non-voting TLCC Foundation) The meeting was called to order with a quorum present by Barb Cram at 9:44 am. The minutes were reviewed and approved with one change on a motion by Ms. Hull and seconded by Ms. Hockenberry on a unanimous voice vote. The committees reported updates to actions items from the Strategic Plan that was developed earlier this year with the assistance by Moira Lethbridge, Executive Management Consultant, of Lethbridge and Associates. The Action Plans for progress on the AHC Strategic Plan were reviewed. Laura Hull reported for space and facility needs, we’ll need to establish a needs list which will be sent out prior to the meeting and will use the January 21, 2016 meeting follow-on (10:30 to 11:30) to work that issue. Each organization will need to state their needs for operational space, program/admin etcetera. You budget for affordability will also be important. For Financial Resources Laura reported that that Sustainable Funding Sources Tasks will be reviewing a broader list of possibilities – including foundations. Barb Cram reported that concepts for branding is beginning and that she is working with Bryce Rodgers to create some first level concepts that will come to the AHC for review and input. For Public Art Policy the committee will be meeting with stakeholders to gain input and socialize ideas. Marybeth Connelly stated on marketing that we can use the City MarComm team when the event has some level of official City involvement. For instance the grant approvals by City Council could become a press release if desirable. Keith Thurston announced that the City Council has approved the Project and Organizational grants at its December meeting. The funds will be need to expended by May 2016 for reporting NLT June 2016 for reimbursement. More information on reporting will follow. City Council did also approve the name change of this organization as requested from C.A.T.C.H. to the Arts and Humanities Council of Fall Church at the same meeting. We’ll need to update our official members list and terms of office like the other Boards and Commissions – while it is understood that AHC is composed of representatives of the City Council listed organizations. Originally the terms were 3 year terms. Barb Cram reported that Drew Costly will be supporting the Foundation with the website and some other communications support. 1 (Continue to page 2) Staff announced that the AHC staff support and Cherry Hill position has been interviewed and selected. Her name is Corey Jannicelli and will be available for the January meeting after an appropriate transition with Daine. The EDA will be reviewing concepts for the downtown mini-park. The material will be circulating. They will be meeting on that on January 5, 2016. Ellen Gross contributed frequently throughout the meeting and noted that drivers for public art has been documented well by the League of Woman Voters with a great publication, and the NEA also has material on the issue. Katherine Stewart reported that the Friends of Cherry Hill will have the Farm House Open House for the holidays on Saturday December 19, 10am to 12 noon – Entrance is free to the public. All organizations are reminded to assemble their events schedule that may involve A&HC so that a Press Release schedule for the year can be planned. The draft materials are due the 15th of the month for items the next month. There was an update on Watch Night 2015 activities and the need for organizations to submit their contributions to the Little City CATCH Foundation so that commitments to performers can be completed. The American Institute of Architecture (AIA) will be displaying the School of the Future at the GMHS cafeteria until December 21. The next meeting will be January 21, 2016. The meeting was adjourned at 11:02 AM. Respectfully Submitted: Keith Thurston 2