Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church

Page 1 MINUTES OF the Arts and Humanities Council (A&HC) of Falls Church approved 1-18-24 PURPOSE OF MEETING: To discuss arts and humanities matters across the City of Falls Church. DATE OF MEETING: November 16, 2023 (December 21st meeting cancelled) PLACE OF MEETING: Dogwood Room, City Hall 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: Laura Connors Hull at 9:32 am 2. THOSE PRESENT: NAME STAFF Member: Laura Connors Hull (Creative Cauldron) Name: Holly Irwin Member: Maureen Budetti (Falls Church Arts) Member: Elise Neil Bengtson (Chamber of ABSENT Commerce) Member: Katharine Stewart (Friends of Cherry Member: Nikki Graves Henderson (Tinner Hill) Hill) Member: Ronald Anzalone (Victorian Society) Member: Ellen Gross (VPIS) Member: Lapha Havan (VLAC) Member-at-Large: Ariadne Autor Member-at-Large: Russ Mardon Member-at-Large: Mary Sellers OTHERS PRESENT: Regan Davis (FCCPS Liaison); Rachel Grooms (Meridian High School Student Liaison, virtual); Letty Hardi (City Council Liaison); Ed Henderson (Historical Commission Liaison, virtual), Jessie Labukas (Mary Riley Styles Library Liaison); and Keith Thurston (CATCH Foundation Liaison) TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: . 3. Organization Round Table Members representing Falls Church Arts, Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Cherry Hill, City Council, VPIS, Library, FCC Public Schools, Victorian Society, Historical Commission, CATCH Foundation, Creative Cauldron, Tinner Hill, VLAC, and several members-at-large gave updates. 4. Minutes for Approval For the October 19, 2023 meeting minutes, there being no corrections, Ron moved to approve the minutes; Elise seconded. Unanimously approved. 5. Ongoing Business A. Art Wrap Project Update - Mike reviewed the “Call to Art” that had been shared with the group ahead of time. The goal is to release the call in January. Holly noted that this call is for an initial batch of 4 boxes, and that funding was recently approved for an additional 4 boxes that will go out in a subsequent call. Letty suggested adding the boxes to the Art Walk map and webpage when they are finished. The group had a number of suggestions for the call including: 1. Verify the locations of the boxes on the map to make sure they are accurate 2. Clearly state any artist eligibility requirements or preferences (e.g., from the region, diversity of artists and art works) 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 3. Add City and other logos as appropriate 4. Clarify the number of awards and how an artist can apply for multiple boxes if desired 5. Add photos of the locations to provide visual context 6. Add a timeline and deliverables list for the entire process leading to the completion of the boxes. Be as clear as possible about technical details such as the size of the art works, the need for delivering physical artworks and/or digital images, and requirements for electronic file delivery such as file type and image resolution 7. Describe any City contributions such as editing or digitizing images, as applicable 8. Describe the licensing and intellectual property provisions that will be included in the contract The purpose of these suggestions is to ensure that the City is able to choose artists who are artistically strong, well informed about the expectations following award, and well qualified to successfully carry out the project with a minimum of delays B. Keith and Ron's Comments on the Public Art Administrative Procedures - Ron and Keith met to review the edits and comments received on the draft approved by the AHC at its last meeting. They will work a revised version incorporating these edits. One area for modification is to make the process steps for the various types of art project reviews and approvals more clear. They will aim to circulate the revised draft prior to the February AHC meeting with the goal of getting the group to approve them early next year. Holly will discuss internally the best process for moving these forward given that there is currently a version approved by the AHC and that these revisions will be coming in a few months. C. Art Day 2024 and Art Walk Planning - Mary shared a draft planning checklist and goals for the events planned for 2024. The group en- dorsed the goals and committed to supporting the events and helping with planning. It was suggested to consider scheduling these events in conjunction with other cultural events in the Falls Church City or the region. Mary invites council members to join her in planning. 6. New Business A. Funding for Arts & Humanities Grants - Many applications were received by the City. Holly is working on the possibility of identifying additional funds for this year so all applicants can be fully funded. If that is not possible some applications may not receive the full amount requested. She is also working to increase the budget for next year. The group discussed the review and selection process. B. Potential Volunteers - Lapha mentioned that she has a source of potential volunteers, mainly students and young people looking for volunteer opportunities. Anyone interested should contact her. 7. Adjourn Maureen moved to adjourn, Elise seconded. Unanimously approved. MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 11:31 am SIGNATURE OF RECORDER: Russ Mardon 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).