Arts Commission

Minutes of the Meeting Executive Committee Meeting Middletown Commission on the Arts October 4, 2024 3:00 p.m., Middletown CT Virtual by WebEx In attendance: Anthony Pandolfe, Chair David Wolfram, Vice Chair Sari Rosenblatt, Secy. Also in attendance: Kisha Michael, Staff 1. Call to order – 3:04 p.m. 2. Public Session – none in attendance 3. Approval of Agenda – approved unanimously 4. Old Business – no report 5. New Business a. Arts Advocacy Award Ceremony Date and Selection – Staff gave an overview of the vote that was to take place at the 9-25-24 meeting. Out of the 14 nominations, the commission was to have a discussion, make a selection of the awardee, and select a date for the ceremony. Staff reviewed past event details for members that were not present at the 2023 event. Additionally, Staff recommended that the “award” be an actual trophy to replace a proclamation. The award was described “like a clear one that has a MCA logo on it.” Staff suggests “moving toward streamlining the process by bringing in a trophy award that will then help us get to the date faster.” This removes the impact that it puts on the Mayor’s office. Discussion ensued regarding how best this would help the MCA move through the calendar year. Chair made comment on “getting business done” for the MCA and how not to hold up the business of the Arts Office. Staff referenced Article X, of the MCA Bylaws that the Executive Committee is empowered to complete items on the MCA agenda not covered at the MCA meeting. Staff read the names of nominations as presented on the attached submissions. Members discussed the nominations presented and moved to choose the awardee with multiple nominations submitted. Kate Ten Eyck and the Mosaic on Main team will receive the Arts Advocacy Award with three public nominations. The second award will go to Ekklesia Ballet with two nominations. A. Pandolfe made a motion to award K. Ten Eyck of Mosaics on Main Team and Ekklesia Ballet as arts advocates for this year 2024. Approved unanimously. b. MCA FY25 Projects Support Grant Application Submissions – Staff explained that submitted grant applicants are of highest priority to be interviewed, and a date is to be set for the workshop. Staff suggested to consider applicants who have applied in the past and have a committed track record with the MCA may be waived an interview and will go through the rubric for scoring and awarding recommendations. A waived interviewee is considered under these conditions: 1. have proven through their reports that they have started and completed their project successfully; 2. are fulfilling the MCA criteria; 3. the MCA supports the continuation of the project as a benefit to Middletown residents. Those who are new to the grant program are required an interview. D. Wolfram suggested as a courtesy they be offered an interview knowing that it may not be required. This will help streamline the process to one day.  Wednesday, October 9th was unanimously decided as the interview workshop date by the Executive Committee. c. Poet Laureate – Staff explained the extensive work put into launching the Poet Laureate nomination announcement of the call. Since the efforts did not produce interest, Staff recommends that we take the Poet Laureate efforts and shift focus to poetry month (April) by promoting poetry & youth literacy events. This would include workshops, open mics, slams and awards for the slam winners. Additionally, this effort will cultivate poets from around the state with the vision of Middletown returning to a poetry city. Discussion ensued of the concept and vision with a unanimous agreement of support from the Executive Committee members. d. New Commissioner Recommendations – Staff stated that S. Russo-Driska has stepped down and Bob Santangelo has been appointed. Paul Horton was suggested by S. Rosenblatt. Bill Foster was recommended by D. Wolfram. K. Michael recommended Stephan Allison. Pandolfe suggested to inquire with all. A. Pandolfe made mention of the work being held up in the Arts Office and asked if it was permissible to schedule an Executive Committee meeting immediately after the regular meeting in the event the regular meeting gets cancelled. Further, this would potentially allow for business to keep moving forward. Staff made note of the inquiry and will follow up with an explanation. 6. Adjournment – 4:14 p.m. Attachments: MCA Fy25 Grant Applications; Arts Advocacy Award Nomination Submissions