Commission on the Arts

HAMPTON COMMISSION ON THE ARTS COMMITTEE MINUTES Thursday, April 3, 2025, 4:00 PM The American Theatre 1. Call to Order a. The meeting was called to order by Dr. Ward at 4:10pm 2. Roll Call a. Present: Dr. Karen Ward, Dr. Dianne Suber, Tekey Wallace, Bob Boester, Alice Capehart, Martha Mugler, Carolyn Campbell b. Staff Present: Kwasi Obeng, Jody Madaras, Terri Vander Vennet, Kelsey Rozier c. Absent: Courtney Hampton, Brian DeProfio, Aiya Williams d. Visitors: 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes a. A motion was made by Ms. Capehart to approve the minutes from the March 6th meeting as presented, and seconded by Ms. Mugler. The motion passed. 4. Hampton Arts Update a. Mr. Madaras shared a video from CBS Sunday Morning on the physical and mental benefits of participating in the arts. b. b. An update was provided on past and upcoming events at The American Theatre and Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center. A discussion followed on the topic of using intentionality when programming (HU movie weekend for students, change the thinking that Hampton is a blue-collar community), advertising, etc. and use of locations other than the theatre. Ms. Wallace noted that nearby cities have outdoor public arts spaces – parks with art prominently displayed and that provide a hub/recreation space for community members to be outdoors and interacting with art. (This could potentially be a project under Public Art funding.) c. c. Dr. Suber requested attendance numbers for the theatre and art center events be provided at each meeting. Ms. Rozier will provide in the future. 5. Public Art Grant Process No update at this time. 6. Old Business a. Outside Arts Agencies Grants Processes  i. Ms. Rozier presented a synopsis of her findings of other local arts agencies’ grants processes and will provide a written recap at the May meeting. ii. Numerous recommendations were offered for updating the current grant process, which included setting deadlines for grant submissions (Spring deadline for upcoming fiscal year), making awards be needs-based, allowing application from all disciplines of art, using intentionality, setting themes to target specific disciplines, communities, groups or special projects (e.g. project centered around the Hampton Blue Crab), and awarding funds to promote free art events (e.g. Shakespeare in the Park). iii. Dr. Suber recommended the committee raise expectations for the school grants. iv. Ms. Vander Vennet clarified the annual grant fund is $42,500 unused funds do not roll over to the next fiscal year, so the intent is to award the full amount each year. b. Strategic Planning Committee i. The Strategic Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 8th at 4:00pm at the American Theatre. 7. New Business Commissioners were presented with an Event Pass, which provides the assigned passholder entry to any public event held at the American Theatre (when available). Commissioners were encouraged to purchase a ticket for a friend and support grassroots marketing efforts by sharing their experience with acquaintances to promote attendance to future events. 8. Adjournment a. Meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm. Next Meeting: May 1, 2025, 4:00PM Location: The American Theatre Recorded and submitted by Kelsey Rozier