Commission on the Arts

HAMPTON COMMISSION ON THE ARTS COMMITTEE MINUTES Thursday, May 1st, 2025, 4:00 PM The American Theatre 1. Call to Order Meeting was called to order by Dr. Ward at 4:05pm 2. Roll Call a. Dr. Ward welcomed the newest member, Angela Ballard. b. Present: Bob Boester, Dianne Suber, Tekey Wallace, Karen Ward, Aiya Williams, Carolyn Campbell, Angela Ballard, Kwasi Obeng, Martha Mugler c. Absent: Courtney Hampton, Karen Spaulding, Alice Capehart d. Staff Present: Terri Vander Vennet, Jody Madaras, Kelsey Rozier 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes A motion was made to approve the April minutes by Ms. Wallace and was seconded by Dr. Suber. The motion passed. 4. Hampton Arts Update a. Mr. Madaras showed a video clip from CBS Sunday Morning on the National Museum of Women in the Arts. b. Mr. Madaras provided an update on past and upcoming events at The American Theatre and Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center. c. Mr. Boester shared that he spoke with band members at the recent “Journey Experience” and they reported that they were treated well, thrilled with catering, and happy with the towels provided for showers. He explained the experience of artists is important because they talk to other groups touring. d. Dr. Suber reported that “there is a penchant to broaden the cultural arts footprint in Hampton” and suggested inviting the Coliseum and Hampton University to provide monthly reports at Commission meetings. She would like to focus on the arts in Hampton, not just Hampton Arts. Ms. Mugler added that we don’t have the authority to make them attend, only to ask/invite. e. Ms. Wallace inquired as to the role of the Commission in selecting artwork or exhibitions at the Charles H. Taylor. Mr. Madaras and Ms. Vander Vennet noted that if there is feedback, suggestions, or other ideas, the commission meetings or Mr. Madaras are the proper channels to make suggestions. f. Dr. Suber asked why Hampton is the “only community on the peninsula not participating in the Virginia Arts Festival”. Ms. Vander Vennet explained that  the Virginia Arts Festival (a Norfolk-based nonprofit) leases facilities for their performances and had not reached out to the Coliseum, but would look into opportunities for next year’s festival. Mr. Obeng noted that creative placemaking is a priority of the Commission, but there is not a city employee or office assigned to creative placemaking, at this time. 5. Public Art Grant Process Ms. Vander Vennet reported that there is a meeting scheduled for May 16 to present the process and challenges to the City Manager’s office, and she will provide an additional update at the June meeting. 6. Outside Arts Agencies Grant Process Ms. Rozier provided a summary document on neighboring cities’ grants processes. Dr. Ward suggested Newport News is the closest to what we would adopt, and requested that Ms. Rozier send the full documents to the Commission and that the Commission review and be prepared to discuss at the June meeting. 7. Strategic Planning Committee Dr. Suber has agreed to chair the committee. The goal will be to work throughout the summer and have a plan ready by the September meeting. Ms. Vander Vennet reminded the committee to notify her of dates and to record minutes, as committee meetings are public record and must be posted on the city website. 8. Old Business 9. New Business 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm. Next Meeting: June 5th, 2025, 4:00PM Location: The American Theatre Recorded and submitted by Kelsey Rozier