Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY February 8, 2016 5:00 p.m. Members present: Chair Lindsay Brubaker – Niles Park District Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 Michael Crisci – Niles Historical Society Mary Dowd Demas – Artist Debi Gajewski – Artist James Kozak – VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Susan Lempke – Niles Public Library Carol Luc – Artist Katie Schneider – Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Staff present: Village Manager and Project Manager Steven Vinezeano Staff Liaison Cathy Spadoni Members absent: Dr. John Kosirog – School District 71 Rossana Macejak – Niles Sister Cities Jonathan Mazur – Artist Ericka Stoor-Burning – Artist Staff absent: Mayor Andrew Przybylo Trustee George D. Alpogianis I. Call to Order Chair Lindsay Brubaker called the meeting of the Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council to order at 5:10 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016 at the Niles Historical and Cultural Center, 8970 N. Milwaukee Avenue. II. Approval of Meeting Summary Steve Vinezeano made a motion, seconded by Janet Spector Bishop, to approve the meeting summary of January 11, 2016. On voice vote, all concurred.  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council February 8, 2016 III. Organization Representative Report Steve Vinezeano reported that the Niles Sister Cities Association will present the Taste of Sister Cities fundraising event at the Village of Niles Family Fitness Center on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. He asked all council members to promote this event on their websites and social media. Katie Schneider reported that the Chamber of Commerce is focusing on encouraging businesses to utilize free social media opportunities. They have two programs scheduled for March and April. Janet Spector Bishop reported that Mark Twain School held a very successful International Night. Mike Crisci reported that the Historical Museum and Cultural Center will host the Heartland Financial Institute who will give a free financial seminar on February 28. In April, actress Roberta Randall will present “Women of Glamour.” Susan Lempke reported on the wide range of learning and entertainment opportunities at the Niles Public Library. They recently held very well attended Polish travel and Lego programs, are participating in “Viva! Coming Together – A Celebration of Latino & Hispanic Cultures” programming, and will hold a “Sweet Home Chicago – The History of America’s Candy Capital” exhibition from March 1 through May 31. When speaking of hosting events at the library, she noted that district libraries are not allowed, by law, to serve alcohol in the library. Jim Kozak reported that the VFW has conducted Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests at local schools and home renovation projects. The VFW will host their 70th anniversary party at Lone Tree Inn on June 26; this party is open to the public. He would like the Council to consider supporting this function. IV. Old Business a. Discussion of Criteria for Submitting Projects This item will be addressed at next month’s meeting. Steve Vinezeano presented for review a draft of the RFP (Request for Proposal) for the Master Plan. He will amend the document to reflect the Council’s suggested changes. Once the proposed budget is approved by the Niles Board of Trustees at their May meeting, we can begin the search for the Master Plan consulting firm. We should have a consultant by July. V. New Business a. Viva! Coming Together in Skokie and Niles Township “Coming Together” is an annual program that seeks to build knowledge of and appreciation for the diversity represented in Skokie and Niles Township. This year’s theme, “Viva!” focuses on Latino identity and culture. While most of the related activities are centered in Skokie, the Niles Public Library is hosting several events. 2  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council February 8, 2016 VI. Open Discussion The proposed Arts and Culture budget includes a Call to Artists event that will raise awareness of the Council’s existence and mission. It was suggested that before we proceed with this event we wait until we have a clearer idea of what that mission is. We need a prospectus that would set a theme within the budget. It was suggested that the Master Plan will provide this direction and that we should wait until the Plan is complete before proceeding with this event. It was then suggested that we hold this event while the Master Plan is being formulated (in September or October), using the event as an opportunity to gather input from the artists, using them as an “upscale focus group,” in order to facilitate the creation of the Master Plan. VII. Public Comment None VIII. Next Meeting – Agenda Items and Date The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 14, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at the Niles Historical & Cultural Center. IX. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Council, Steve Vinezeano made a motion, seconded by Katie Schneider, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m. 3