Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church

Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church Meeting December 17, 2020 Virtual Meeting Minutes Members Present: Corey Jannicelli, Letty Hardi, Sally Cole, Ron Anzalone, Rosemary Ziskind, Chrystie Swiney, Mary Sellers, Ellen Gross Guests: Keith Thurston (CATCH Foundation), Emily Bazemore (CPEDS) Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Corey Jannicelli at 9:37 am. Receipt of Public Comments  No comments were received Minutes: Minutes from November meeting were approved with edits Roll call  Welcome to new Member-At-Large, Mary Sellers New Business: Public Art Comprehensive Plan Amendment  Presentation by Emily Bazemore (CPEDS) o The City’s comprehensive plan is a policy document that guides planning and future development in the city. A vision for incorporating public art in city planning has been missing from the comprehensive plan and this amendment will change that. o The amendment includes: o Definition of public art from the American Planning Association o Benefits of public art to the local community o Vision and guide principals pulled from the UVA student project o Explanation and map for the Arts & Cultural District o Strategies and actions for the future o Next Steps: o Presentations are being planned for other boards and commissions including the Architectural Board, Historical Commission, and groups such as VPIS and the Chamber of Commerce.  Comments and Recommendations o Recommend incorporating church owned land such as St. James Catholic Church and The Falls Church Episcopal into the Arts District. o Recommend adding the importance of history to “Benefits of Public Art” section and how art reminds us of our past. 1  o Recommend a stronger definition to the description of the Arts & Cultural District and details such as incentives that might be available. o Recommend adding how the City wants to support, stimulate, partner, encourage public art to the “Strategy & Action” section. o Recommend adding how the City can support public art through festivals and events, in addition to, a sustainable funding stream. o Recommend adding actionable items that City Council can support such as projects, priorities and initiatives. Examples include funding a mural district, projects like the art wraps, and functional art such as our bike racks. o Recommend adding a focus on employing local artists, promoting local employment and equity, along with focus on future art to incorporate the existing community such as the public library and schools under “Commitment to Community” in the “Guiding Principles” section. o Recommend more defined short term, medium, and long range plans o Consider incorporating the idea and language of creative place making. Old Business: None Roundtable:  Library renovations are on schedule with reopening tentative for June and furniture being ordered.  Chamber of Commerce has created a holiday shopping guide and encourages everyone to shop local and order take-out this winter.  VPIS has elected new officers, reviewed the new WO&D duel trail.  VPIS has expressed concerns about the parking and Broad St. egress in the Broad & Washington project.  Historical Commission has been informed the Hangman’s Tree plaque has been removed and will make recommendation on what should be done with it.  Cherry Hill cancelled this year’s holiday teas and children’s shoppe but the farmhouse received a gently used stove and refrigerator from the George Mason High School renovations.  Mary Sellers has offered to help with future joint marketing plans for local arts & cultural groups in the city. Adjourn Meeting was adjourned at 11:10 am Next Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 21, 2021 Submitted: By Corey Jannicelli 2