Arts Commission

January 9, 2024 4:30 pm Virtual Meeting by WebEx PLANNING AND PROJECTS SUBCOMMITTEE Minutes of Meeting In attendance: Anthony Pandolfe (Chair), David Wolfram, Sari Rosenblatt, Domenique Thornton Also in attendance: Staff: Kisha Michael, Arts Coordinator; Julia Faraci, Admin Sec’y 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 4:31 pm. 2. Public Session: no members of the public present 3. Approval of Agenda: Rosenblatt moved to approve, Thornton seconded. No discussion, approved unanimously. 4. Approval of Minutes 11-14-2023 Rosenblatt moved to approve, Wolfram seconded. No discussion, approved unanimously. 5. Remarks from Chair – Pandolfe noted that the criteria to be discussed at the meeting are very rough drafts. Rosenblatt commented that the criteria were comprehensive and that she would like to share some edits with Pandolfe. Michael has also reviewed the criteria and made notes. Pandolfe plans to incorporate subcommittee input into the draft criteria. At this meeting, the overall spirit of the drafts will be reviewed. Rosenblatt, Pandolfe, and Michael will meet at a future point to review the document in more detail; they will also discuss the Poet Laureate with Stephan Allison. 6. Old Business a. Music Ambassador i. Review of draft criteria for future Music Ambassador selection Pandolfe noted that the criteria “Considerations” are guidelines; candidates may not “check all the boxes”, but the selection panel will be allowed flexibility. “Arts Office Tasks” are taken from older documents, and may be useful background information for future commissioners. Questions arose about whether the position will be open for musical groups, and how many members of the group should be Middletown residents. Commissioners felt that the criteria should not exclude musicians or groups that serve the community. As for composition, Pandolfe noted that there is a small pool of composers of original music. Discussion on inclusion of conductors and symphonic bands for consideration. Concerns about copyright of musical arrangements were raised, and require further research into requirements. The Arts Coordinator noted that the Arts Office pays annual fees to ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. The Arts Coordinator asked whether the Music Ambassador should be a one or two year position. Further discussion included whether the Music Ambassador position should be open for application by the candidates, or open to public input, so as to encourage civic engagement.  ii. Awarding of 2024 Nominee The Music Ambassador Award presentation honoring Sam Vinci will be on January 30 at 2:00 pm in Council Chambers. Flowers will be ordered. No action by subcommittee members is necessary. Commissioners are asked to attend. b. Arts Advocacy Award i. Review criteria for selection process Arts Advocacy will be awarded in October. The criteria for Arts awards should have a consistent format with similar headings. Pandolfe suggested expanding description on items needed for the awards reception. He will send an email reminder for subcommittee members to send edits so he can refine the draft before the end of the year. 7. New Business a. Open Air Market i. 2024 Table Signup is in April or May. Subcommittee is asked to list likes, concerns, wishes. Great positive feedback on the art bags distributed at the 2023 Market. b. Potential New Projects i. New ideas to discuss at future meeting - none Pandolfe noted that this item will appear on every agenda. 8. Announcements and Document Resources a. Resource Links i. Year at a Glance document The Subcommittee Chair reminded subcommittee of the attachments to this document. Arts Coordinator noted that the City is offering a FOIA and ethics workshop on January 11. Faraci noted that the Connecticut Poetry Society is having a number of events over the next couple of months and suggested that the Subcommittee check out their website. 9. Adjournment Rosenblatt moved to adjourn the meeting; Thornton seconded. Meeting adjourned at 5:07 pm. Respectfully submitted, Julia O’Halloran Faraci Admin. Secretary III, Arts & Culture Office CC: Mayor’s Office Attachments: Nominations Spreadsheet AAA MA Year at a Glance document Arts Advocacy Award Criteria (PDF) Music Ambassador Criteria (PDF)