Arts Commission

Minutes of the Meeting Middletown Commission on the Arts Tuesday, March 23, 2021 9:00 a.m. Via WebEx MCA Public Art Committee (Present: Charlotte McCoid, Joyce Kirkpatrick, David Bauer, also present Kisha Michael, Staff) 1. Call to order – 9:13 AM –Meeting Procedure -Charlotte volunteered to chair and Joyce volunteered to do the minutes ** Action needed from MCA. 2. Public session – No public present 3. Approval of minutes from July 22, 2020 - July22, 2020 was unanimous following a motion by David Bauer, seconded by Charlotte McCoid. 4. Old business a. Acquisitions and/or spending of allocations – Due to Covid19 and other concerns, the acquisition process is severely hampered. In addition, with the announced move of the Municipal Building to Main Street and the limited space now available in the current building opens up an opportunity that has long been needed. b. Policy suggestions for purchasing and borrowing – needs review. c. Discussion of rights of ownership – needs review. d. New initiatives for public art – see next. 5. New Business a. Curation – Now is an optimal time to re-evaluate the City Art Collection, its display, among other considerations. **Thus the PAC recommends that the MCA formally approve the concept that the PAC develop with staff to create a Request for Proposals (RFP) outlining the expectations for a curatorial evaluation of the City Art Collection, with the anticipated timing that the project would fall in FY2022. b. % for Art in municipal building projects - The Committee heard a report from David Bauer about City plans that relate to the development of a % for Art program for the City. It has to do with a new, over-arching City Building Committee to review all building projects for the City and to create individual building Committees for each project. If a % for Art Program is to succeed, it is of vital importance that there be a professional visual artist or expert serve as a member of the City’s  Building Committee. A change to the City Ordinance 14-23 will probably be on the Common Council’s April Agenda (April 5). **It would be extremely important for the Arts Community to show up to support such a plan. **It would be very helpful to have a statement of support from the MCA. c. John Risley sculpture status - The need for a master carpenter or restoration specialist to repair the damage was discussed. Charlotte and Joyce will contact a highly recommended specialist for an evaluation. Next Steps: Charlotte and Joyce to meet with the Mayor to present the visions of %for Art and the City Art Collection project. They will also follow up on a consultation about the Risley sculpture. David Bauer will speak with Council members and other follow-up. 6. Any further business 7. Adjournment - Following a motion by David Bauer, the meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Joyce Kirkpatrick, Secretary pro tem cc: Town Clerk