Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church

Page 1 MINUTES OF the Arts and Humanities Council (A&HC) of Falls Church Approved Sept 21, 2023 PURPOSE OF MEETING: To discuss arts and humanities matters across the City of Falls Church. DATE OF MEETING: August 17, 2023 (Next Meeting: September 21, 2023 at 9:30 am) PLACE OF MEETING: Dogwood Room, City Hall 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Laura Connors Hull at 9:35 am 2. THOSE PRESENT: NAME Staff Member: Maureen Budetti Name: Holly Irwin Member: Laura Connors Hull Member: Elise Neil Bengtson Member: Ronald Anzalone Member: Ellen Gross (virtually) Member: Katharine Stewart Member-at-Large: Russ Mardon Member-at-Large: Mary Sellers Member: Lapha Havan ABSENT Member: Nikki Graves Henderson Member-at-Large: Ariadne Autor OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Guy (virtually); Ed Henderson (Historical Commission); Keith Thurston, (CATCH Foundation) TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: . 3. Organization Round Table Members representing Falls Church Arts, VPIS, Historical Commission, the Vietnamese Literary and Artistic Society, Chamber of Commerce, Victorian Society, Friends of Cherry Hill, and Creative Cauldron gave updates. 4. Minutes for Approval For the July 20, 2023 meeting minutes, there being no corrections, Maureen moved to approve the minutes; Ron seconded. Unanimously approved. 5. Ongoing Business A. Public Art Administrative Procedures – Members had a general discussion of the draft document that Holly circulated ahead of the meeting. Holly clarified that the Introduction on pp. 2-3 is copied from the Public Art Amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and can’t be changed unless we go back to the City Council. We can change “public art” definition in appendix. Ron asked what is next step? Holly clarified that document has to go to the offices responsible for reviewing amendments to the City’s Plan (Planning, Finance, and the City Attorney). Then it The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in alternate format upon request. Call 703 248-5014, (TTY 711). Page 2 comes back to us, and if approved, it goes to City Council for final vote. Ron asked for a little more time to review pp. 4-14 and compile our comments. Russ asked does the City have right to regulate “public art” on private property such as graffiti? Holly will get clarification on whether this Procedures document covers privately-funded public art. Mike pointed out that some graffiti comes from a lack of opportunity to creating public art. It was suggested that a bullet be added to address the situation such as the wall in Mr. Brown’s Park. This was public funds (Economic Development Authority) on a privately owned wall. Out of the discussion came two action steps: 1. All members should review this draft, with the understanding that pp. 2-3 are already approved but that we can propose copy editing changes. 2. Holly will ask for further time to review. 6. New Business A. City’s 75th Anniversary – Ron reported on the July 20 meeting to discuss 75th anniversary of Falls Church City. Cindy Mester leads the planning group. They discussed creating a logo that can be unveiled at the Fall Festival (September 23), and the need to be as open and inclusive as possible. Holly provided copies of the official City Proclamation of August 16, 2023. There are many A&HC programs or activities that can be tied to the 75th. Cindy asked that we work to approve the Public Art Administrative Procedures this year and she wants us to develop ideas for more public art in City Hall. Member organizations can tie their programming to the 75th in addition to City-organized activities. Maybe the “Unity and Justice Plaza” at Washington and Broad will be open? The anniversary of the town is in 2025. Plans for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US in 2026 will be addressed in later meetings. B. Art Locator: Alexandria and ArtsFairfax Grants – Elise and Laura reported on the PUBLIC Art Locator project that ArtsFairfax has started for Fairfax Co. Do we want to ask to be included? Laura is meeting with ArtsFairfax staff and will see what it’s about and how to be involved. Other Ongoing Business A. Mike and Holly are working on an art wraps presentation for a future discussion by the A&HC. B. Maureen reminded about opportunities at the Fall Festival on September 23 for recruiting volunteers. If you want to participate at the Chamber or VPIS booths, talk with Elise or Keith. C. Last meeting of subcommittee on Communications had to be cancelled. Holly will check with Ari. D. WORLD Art Day – Members discussed whether we want to do something to commemorate this in 2024? That led to a discussion of possibilities for collaborating with the Farmer’s Market Manager on activities at the Saturday market. 7. Adjourn - Elise moved to adjourn, and Ron seconded. Unanimously approved. MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 11:06 am SIGNATURE OF RECORDER: Katharine Stewart The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in alternate format upon request. Call 703 248-5014, (TTY 711).