Arts Commission

Minutes of Meeting October 28, 2020, 7:00 pm Middletown, CT Via WebEx Present: Pamela Steel, Chair Charlotte McCoid Barbara Arafeh (arr 7:11 pm) David Bauer (arr 7:14 pm) Julia Faraci Lee Godburn, Vice Chair Joyce Kirkpatrick Crystal Laffan Also present: Kisha Michael, Staff Kerry Kincy, Free Center Richard Hollant, Free Center (arr 7:21 pm) Absent: John Basinger Ed McKeon, Common Council Cheryl Hale, Poet Laureate Ed Ford Jr., Common Councilman 1. Call to Order The Meeting was called to order at 7:03pm. 2. Public Session Kerry Kincy spoke about the successful opening of Free Center. The OPENwALL exhibition includes work created by selected local artists since March. Free Center Middletown also supports a Men’s Group, poet Keith Davis, Yoga, and other activities. She is happy with the community’s support. 3. Minutes a. September 23, 2020 Kirkpatrick moved to approve the minutes, McCoid seconded, approved unanimously. 4. Approval of Agenda McCoid moved to approve the agenda, Godburn seconded, approved unanimously. 5. Remarks from the Chair Steele met recently with Mayor Florsheim. She noted that Committees should meet at least every two months. The Arts Commission would be strengthened by the involvement of younger artists. 6. Old Business a. Committee assignments Nominating: Bauer, Faraci, Laffan Public Art: Bauer, Kirkpatrick, McCoid Poet Laureate: Basinger, Faraci, Godburn, Laffan Grants Review: Godburn, Kirkpatrick, McCoid Music: Arafeh (chair), Basinger, Faraci Planning and Projects: all Commissioners  Bylaws review: will fall under Executive Committee Faraci asked that Committees send invitations to all Commissioners. Godburn noted that all meetings are open to the public. b. Staff report Michael, Arts Coordinator reported that she performed an inventory of the Arts Office in order to assess its activities and any assistance needed. The list is intended to be a work in progress. Action items include offering professional development to build business skills to artists in the community, compiling a database of Middletown artists, and matching businesses with artists for creative relationships and partnerships. She asked that Commissioners share names of artists with her. Godburn suggested that an ad hoc subcommittee of the Planning and Projects Committee follow up. He also suggested coordination with the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC). Michael also reported that she has been in contact with the developer involved with the former Tesoro space, who is very interested in working with the arts community. She has provided him with a list of arts organizations that can assist him with leads. Commissioner suggestions included an exhibition or pop-up shop during the holiday season. 7. Committee Reports a. Executive Committee – no report b. Public Art Committee – McCoid reported that the artist creating the sculptures for Palmer Field currently has the project on hold, pending further research. c. Nominating Committee – With the recent resignation of Commissioner Day, the Secretary position is now vacant. Godburn proposed Laffan for the spot. Two Commissioner positions are vacant. Steele proposed that Commissioners be recruited from the business community; this would “add value” in connecting businesses and artists, as well as helping to plan professional development events. Each Committee would select its own Chair. Godburn offered to be a resource to Committees. d. Planning and Projects Committee – no report e. Music Committee - Arafeh reported that she attended the Shoreline Arts Alliance webinar “Reopening CT Arts”. Panelists from Yale University discussed rooms for musical performance during the pandemic, offering new information about air purifiers and ventilation. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals, among other organizations, is involved in trying to find ways to keep the arts going. Arafeh said that schools are turning their focus to non-performance fields such as songwriting and music theory. She asked that Michael schedule a meeting with the representatives of the music departments of Middletown High School and Wesleyan, and with the Middletown Historical Society. Arafeh noted that some events that had been scheduled have been cancelled. f. Public Relations Committee – no report g. Poet Laureate Committee – no report. The Arts Coordinator is expecting information from the Poet Laureate about her activities. 8. New Business a. PSG Grant Recommendations Michael noted that Summer Theatre of New Canaan withdrew their application, with plans to reapply at a later date. Godburn moved to accept the recommendations of the Grant Panel as written, less the award for the Summer Theatre of New Canaan. Seconded by Laffan, approved unanimously. Applicant Project Title Award Amount -Jewel Lucien & Youth Sponsor Arts Enrichment Program $1,200 -Mark Meyering Middletown March for Science $7,000 -Oddfellows Playhouse Jr. Repertory Winter Production $2,500 -ARTFARM “Where Are We Now” Production $5,000 -Abigail Horton “Dead End” Production $5,900 -The Buttonwood Tree Youth Photo Contest $1,000 ______ Total $22,600 9. Announcements Bauer suggested that the Commission look for business involvement in an event similar to Open Studios Hartford. Faraci suggested that MCA solicit venues including Free Center and the former Tesoro space. Kincy and Faraci commented that the virtual production of The American Dream benefits from the collaboration between Heartbeat Ensemble, Free Center Hartford, TheaterWorks, and many Hartford arts organizations. Kirkpatrick announced the Greater Middletown Chorale’s virtual performance of “Messiah” will take place on December 8. Arts Coordinator Michael represented the City Arts Office at the Halloween Candy Cruise last weekend, handing out treats with her family last weekend. 10. Adjournment Godburn moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Steele. Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm. Respectfully submitted Julia Faraci, Commissioner