Arts Commission

Meeting Minutes-amended Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 7:00 pm Via WebEx Middletown, CT Present: Cassandra Day, Chair Absent: Charlotte McCoid, Vice-Chair Barbara Arafeh David Bauer Lee Godburn Franca Biales Crystal Laffan Julia Faraci John Basinger Joyce Kirkpatrick Ed Ford, Council Member Pamela Steele Edward McKeon, Council Member Also present: Kisha Michael, Coordinator 1) Call to Order: 7:05 p.m 2) Public Session: Evan Davis, a Middletown High Senior, addressed the Commission about his proposed COVID-19 project to celebrate the sacrifices of essential workers over a week-long series of events taking place in March 2021. A brief discussion followed. 3) Minutes: Motion was made by Joyce Kirkpatrick, seconded by Franca Biales, to accept the minutes of April2 2, 2020. Passed unanimously. 4) Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Franca Biales, seconded by David Bauer, to accept the agenda as presented. Passed unanimously. 5) Remarks from the Chair: Chair Day expressed her deeply felt sadness for this very difficult time we are facing and especially how it has devastated arts communities throughout our country. 6) Old Business: a. Budget Report - Arts Coordinator reported on remote working and how it is successful for her by coming early to the Municipal Building and leaving by mid- morning to continue working from home. b. Program Update i. Notifications and updated information are continuing through social media, Facebook, and e-mails. ii. All grant monies have been expended to date. iii. Kids Arts will not hold a live in person camp this summer. Registration monies will be refunded to registrants. Oddfellows plans to provide a virtual enrichment program. All activities will be opened to the public. Park and Recreation will still have 4 sites opened to provide daycare for those who work outside of home and have no other options for daycare.  Meeting Minutes-amended Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 7:00 pm Via WebEx Middletown, CT iv. Almost all summer events have been cancelled. c. The Commission is directed to go to our Facebook page to see Support & Resources for COVID-19. List is long and very involved. 7) Committee Reports: a) Executive – No report b) Public Art: i. MCAAAA sub-committee has selected two recipients, Maya Aliki and Cade Napoletano ii. C.McCoid reported on the Public Art subcommittee meeting. She advocated for new display cases or displays areas for future art purchases, especially 3-D artwork. iii. There was discussion on purchasing, borrowing and loaning of art and how that should be clearly stated in our agreement/contract with the artist. F. Biales was thanked for her research into contracts by established museums and it was agreed that the Yale University Art Gallery’s contract is the best example. It is well written, has clear language, and could serve as an excellent exemplar for the city when revising out contract agreement. c) Nominating – No report d) Planning and Projects – No report e) Music – No report f) Poet Laureate – No report 8) New Business: - No report 9) Announcements i. Greater Middletown Chorale is planning on a virtual learning opportunity in the month of June. The actual date will be announced closer to the event. 10) Adjournment – 7:45 p.m. Motion made by C. McCoid, seconded by D. Bauer, and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Charlotte McCoid, Acting-Secretary Cc: Town Clerk, Mayor Florsheim