Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church

Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church Meeting January 21, 2016 Falls Church City Hall Dogwood Room Minutes / Notes Members Present: Barb Cram, Sally Cole, Laura Hull, Marybeth Connelly, Lindy Hockenberry, Ellen Gross, Nikki Graves Henderson, Katherine Stewart, Staff Present: Amy Maltesse, Corey Jannicelli, Also Present: Keith Thurston (non-voting TLCC Foundation) The meeting was called to order with a quorum present by Barb Cram at 9:30 am. The minutes were reviewed and approved on a motion by Ms. Hull and seconded by Ms. Hockenberry on a unanimous voice vote. City License Sticker Art Contest Jody Acosta, City Treasurer briefed the AHC on the upcoming contest to select art for the auto window decal for the City. She put out a call to school artist with the deadline being at the end of January and the down select to 4 finalist occurring on February 6, by a committee of citizens and staff. The public will select the final winner with online voting to be completed by 2/22/16. There are cash prizes for the finalist - $750 for the winner and $500 for the first runner up, $250, and $150. There will be a reception for the finalist and winner – and they are seeking sponsors to fund the reception. New City Staff Support Corey Jannicelli has been selected as the new staff to support Cherry Hill, the AHC and other things arts cultural. She comes to the City with extensive background in the non-profit and foundations communities. Introductions and welcomes were made by all. ACH new member terms and election of Chair Discussion regarding the swearing in of members that will align the AHC with other boards and commissions. Following the swearing in will be the election of the chair will occur at the first meeting following the swearing in. The swearing in normally occurs at a City Council meeting. Strategic Plan Action Item Updates The committees reported updates to actions items from the Strategic Plan (developed earlier this year with the assistance by Moira Lethbridge, Executive Management Consultant, of Lethbridge and Associates.) with group leaders reporting on progress for each of 4 goals. Barb Cram reported that work with graphic designer for concept logos will be presented at the February meeting for the AHC group to consider in terms of direction and preferences for the AHC use in branding since the name change. Laura Hull reported for space and facility needs responses to the survey sent to members weeks before. Each member organization should respond and answer the questions regarding the amount and kinds of space their organization needs now and looking to the future.. When compiled – it will be the documentation for the “ask” when upcoming opportunities present themselves. Ellen Gross comment on the special need for administrative and office space. 1 Each organization will need to state their needs for operational space, program/admin etcetera. The budget for affordability will also be important. For sustainable financial resources Laura reported that that we will be reviewing a broader list of possibilities – including foundations. Keith Thurston explained the start of the inventory of existing “Spaces and Places” in Falls Church that organizations can use for meetings or events for free – or an affordable charge. Copies of samples were passed around. In discussions Lindy Hockenberry raised the possibility of making good use of the Blacksmith Shop. The church is now in a better position to consider it and it may be good for EDA consideration. Follow up required. Barb Cram reported that concepts for logo and branding has begun 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 review other policies from neighboring jurisdictions. Irene Chambers is expected back to support that effort and it will be socialized. Marybeth Connelly reported that the inventory of AHC (CATCH) events with dates for press releases is needed so the AHC activities can be appropriately celebrated. Ideas are the PR on the grants, the name change, and she is putting up a Google Doc for all organizations to make their contributions for the whole year. The will be an update of the City editorial calendar. Announcements by Members The Municipal Park in the 100 block of West Broad Street has a redevelopment concept plan initiated by the EDA that is going to the Planning Commission for CIP consideration. MEH School is getting a new mural inside that was designed by artist Nils Westergard. Keith Thurston re-stated that the City Council has approved the Project and Organizational grants at its December meeting. The funds will be need to be expended by May 2016 for reporting no later than June 2016 for reimbursement. More information on reporting requirements and any changes to the process will follow. There was interest expressed for the organizational support grants to follow the process of other jurisdictions with an immediate distribution of 60% of the funds and 40% when the documentation is provided. Follow up and results will be reported as soon as decisions are finalized Ellen Gross announced that on March 6 at 3pm The League of Woman Voters is presenting film on the environment followed by an esteemed panel of experts led by Dick Meserve former head of the NRC and the Carnegie Science Foundation. Nikki Henderson announced that the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation on Friday February 19 is sponsoring the Harlem Renaissance Fair with bands and reenactors of Langston Hughes and others with the sounds of the 1920s and 30s. Tickets are available online. The Tinner Hill Blues Festival is scheduled to be on the regular weekend this year which is the second full weekend in June (June 11 and 12, 2016) The next meeting will be February 17, 2016. Respectfully Submitted: Keith Thurston 2