Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church

Page 1 Minutes of the Arts and Humanities Council (A&HC) of Falls Church (Approved Nov 21, 2024) PURPOSE OF MEETING: To discuss arts and humanities matters across the City of Falls Church. DATE OF MEETING: October 17, 2024 (Next Meeting: November 21, 2024 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 LIAISONS Member: Maureen Budetti, Falls Church Arts Keith Thurston, CATCH Foundation Member: Laura Connors Hull, Creative Cauldron Ed Henderson, Historical Commission (v) Member: Ronald Anzalone, Victorian Society Justine Underhill, Falls Church City Member: Do-Nhu Nguyen, VLAC Council Member: Nikki Graves Henderson, Tinner Hill Fndn Member: Katharine Stewart, Friends of Cherry Hill STAFF Member: Elise Neil Bengston, Chamber of Commerce Holly Irwin Member: Ellen Gross, VPIS Member-at-Large: Ari Autor GUESTS Member-at-Large: Russ Mardon (?) Member-at-Large: Mary Sellers ABSENT Regan Davis, FCCPS Jessie Labukas, MRSPL 3. ORGANIZATION ROUND TABLE Members representing Falls Church Arts, VPIS, Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, Victorian Society, Friends of Cherry Hill, the Vietnamese Literary and Artistic Club (VLAC), Tinner Hill Foundation, and Creative Cauldron gave updates. 4. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL For the September 18, 2024 meeting minutes, there was a correction noted on p. 2 regarding the motion to reconvene the Public Art Committee to change name to Ari Autor. Ron moved to approve minutes with that correction made; Russ Mardon seconded. Unanimously approved. 5. ONGOING BUSINESS a) City-Initiated Public Art Project Updates Holly) Electric Boxes All 4 are completed. The next round will begin in 2025 as City Council has allocated $20,000 for a 2nd group of boxes. Portraits for City Council Chambers The submission deadline was last Oct 11. The Council’s Public Art Committee is convening on Oct 22 to consider the 6 submissions. They have authority to send their recommendations to City Council and then report back to A&HC. Laura asked the Council to discuss how they think the current process for reviewing and recommending proposals for public art is going, and noted that Council members have discussed 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 about the challenges and that we are getting involved “late in the game,” which reduces our effectiveness and input, e.g. the ‘Alder’ art for West Falls. A lengthy discussion followed. Members spoke to how this diminishes our role, especially when we see proposals and the art format and/or placement has been decided; and asked about the timing for when developers have process explained by the Planning Dept. Justine asked for members to weigh in on when and/or where we think we should be involved. Holly said she is trying to work with Planning to get A&HC involved at earlier mtgs. Keith spoke to recent examples that worked well, such as the open space in front of Whole Foods, and certain aspects of Founders Row 1. Ellen reiterated that the A&HC wants to work cooperative and collaboratively with developers, Planning and City Council; and help create a city that people really want to live in. Another members asked if we go to our city schools for art submissions and/or reach out to Falls Church artists, such as those in Falls Church Arts. Ari suggested that we send a letter to the News-Press editor or the City’s Planning department. b) Visit Falls Church Website The Visit Falls Church tourism website is launched. Katharine asked if there was any response from City staff to the comments that we sent in July? Holly was not sure. Last month, she had asked A&HC members to review the site again and share comments with her by October 2. Marketing materials are being produced. Hopefully it is still possible to submit concerns and questions. c) VA 250 (Holly) Holly has recruited the cmte and is ready to submit list to CC. needs to have CC approval and a proclamation. Then we qualify for state funding. 6. ONGOING BUSINESS a) World Art Day Mary asked for the Council to think about and discuss next year’s World Art Day. She feels there are issues with funding, getting enough volunteer and City staff support, and PR/marketing. What is the interest among A&HC members? And given that the Community Center will be closed for renovation next spring, what could be the rain plan in 2025? b) Historical Commission Ron reported that the Historical Commission is being asked for name suggestions for 3 parklets being completed in the City. Also, he is stepping down as chair. 7. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was made by Ellen Gross. Elise seconded. Unanimously approved. MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 10:45 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).