Arts Commission

MINUTES OF THE MEETING WEDNESDAY, January 22, 2025 – 5 PM Commission Members Present – Anthony Pandolfe (Chair), Gary Wallace, Phil Pessina, Robert Santangelo, Sari Rosenblatt, Sharon Riley, Pamela Steele, Steven Kovach, ad hoc Absent: David Wolfram, Richard Pelletier, Jonathan Pulino, ad hoc; Amber Michael, student representative Staff Members Present – Kisha Michael, Julia Faraci Members of the Public Present - none 1) Call to Order – The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:02pm. 2) Public Session – no members of the public present 3) Approval of Minutes – December 18, 2024 Rosenblatt moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Santangelo, Pessina abstaining. Minutes approved. 4) Reports of Officers – MCA Chair reported that the work of the Planning and Projects Subcommittee has been progressing as outlined; most projects are cyclical and therefore can move into full Committee mode as standard operating procedure. The work of the Nominating and Public Art Subcommittees can similarly move to the full Commission. Processes have been set up and Commission work has been streamlined; Subcommittees need to meet only to address larger projects. 5) Reports of Committees – none 6) Staff Report – Amount in checking account is $12,002.80, with no outstanding checks, Last expenditure was for the Arts Advocacy plaques. Programming planned in the fall are now coming to fruition. Black History events include February 7 Arts for Learning performance at Holy Trinity (Iddi Saaka), two Arts for Learning performances by Karima Robinson in February, and an arts excursion in March. The Professional Development series for Artists continues with ASL for Artists in March, and later in the spring, Drum Circle for Artists. Commissioners were asked to share these events. The Arts Coordinator noted that the email confirmation for the event will serve as its reminder. 7) Unfinished Business – none 8) New Business a) January FY25 Grants Submissions – Applications were sent via Box for Commissioners to review. The Arts Coordinator has publicized the availability of funding and consequently more artists know of this funding opportunity. The high number of applications include new artists/organizations: 9 PSG (with 6 new applicants) and 8 GOS (with 1 new applicants), in all 17 applications totaling 121,322.92. Total grants budget is $50,900. If you require special accommodations for any meeting, please call the Senior Services Specialist at 860-638-4542 (voice) or 860-638-4812 (TDD/TTY) or the Town Clerk’s Office at (860) 638-4910.The Municipal Bldg. is wheelchair accessible.  MINUTES OF THE MEETING WEDNESDAY, January 22, 2025 – 5 PM Considerations of equitability and maximum impact of arts grants funding were discussed. Artists and organizations should be encouraged to seek additional sources of funding; MCA Grants should be a supplementary source, not a primary source of income. Discussion on the addition of language to MCA’s grant application that addresses applicants’ other funding sources, as well as questions about actions the applicants are taking to acquire additional income. Some funding agencies have a “two year on, one year off” rule, restricting organizations from applying every year. Alternatively, some agencies cap their awards so as to spread the fund opportunity. After this grant cycle, the MCA will consider further direction for revitalization of the grants process. b) Grant Panel Assignments & Workshop Date – Grants Panel should be held no later than the second week in February so the Grants can get onto Common Council’s calendar. Pandolfe will send round a survey; Commissioners are asked to complete with their availability and return asap. c) Music Ambassador 2025 – The Arts Coordinator proposed moving the Music Ambassador award from January to July. The Award ceremony would be then featured at the Fireworks Festival, giving the Arts Office and the Commission an opportunity to spotlight the music of a Middletown musician with a paid, well-publicized, and well-attended event. Discussion of the “Music On Hold” being switched for Arts Office announcements promoting events and activities in Middletown. 9) Announcements – Steele announced Ekklesia Ballet’s fundraising dance “Putting on the Ritz” to be held at Wadsworth Mansion on February 13. The dance features the band Eight to the Bar, and tickets are $125. Ekklesia is raising funds for their work with youth in the community; they also sponsored the popular “ballerina in the window” during “Holiday on Main”. The Arts Coordinator will be having a meeting concerning April Poetry Month on Friday. 10) Adjournment – Motion to adjourn was made by Steele and seconded by Santangelo. Meeting was adjourned at 5:58pm. Attachments: Submitted by, Julia O’Halloran Faraci Administrative Secretary III Arts & Culture Office If you require special accommodations for any meeting, please call the Senior Services Specialist at 860-638-4542 (voice) or 860-638-4812 (TDD/TTY) or the Town Clerk’s Office at (860) 638-4910.The Municipal Bldg. is wheelchair accessible.