Cultural Council

Lowell Cultural Council Meeting Minutes Jul 23, 2024 Attending: Erin Duffey (Administrator); Rona Gofstein; Beth Noel; Kshitij Karke (KK); Chanmony Huot; Bethanne Welch; Greg Torrales (Guest); Meghan Stebbins; Timmy Al-Muntafik The meeting was called to order at 6:33 PM. 1. Introduction of Greg Torrales, Mass Cultural Council Program Officer, via Zoom - Will be attending the grantee reception event 2. By-laws discussion - Bylaws would include: volunteer onboarding information, explanations of roles and responsibilities, attendance/Zoom attendance requirements, meeting requirements in addition to the regular monthly meeting (Deliberation meeting), updated resume/letter of intent requirements to be on the board, general council etiquette, communication and transparency - Succession plan - SOP for Erin’s role - End of the calendar year rough deadline 3. Annual Survey planning - Social media posts scheduled to go out to ask folks to weigh in for what they want to see funding - Surveying members at Lowell Folk Fest using beads for what kinds of events they want to see: - Youth Programming - Mixed Media Arts - Public Art - Music Events - Performing Arts (Theatre, spoken word, poetry slams, dance)  - History and Cultural Programming - Culturally Diversity Based Programming - Programming for Seniors - Free/Low cost programming 4. Folk Festival tabling - CASE is providing us with a tent, tent weights, and helping with tables and chairs (MOSAIC) - Erin needs phone numbers from those who are tabling - Cards explaining the cultural council, arts markets, QR codes for email list, heart stickers - Lowell Folk Festival 2024 5. Grantee reception planning - Save the date has been sent out - ~$1000-1200 for catering that we might need - Cold apps; for warm we’d need local caterers - Bethanne and Meghan will reach out to a few places, plan the finger food - 60 people to plan for - Beth will talk to grantees about their programs and events - Will be checking the alcohol policy at Mill No. 5 - Google form for RSVPs - Timmy will coordinate the live music 6. Artisan Market – Council-initiated programming - A draft of the informational graphic will be sent out tonight by Beth  - We will cover the $60 fee for 30 tables 7. Review and signature of requests for reimbursement Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM. END