Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY April 11, 2016 5:00 p.m. Members present: Chair Lindsay Brubaker – Niles Park District Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 Michael Crisci – Niles Historical Society 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: Mary Dowd Demas – Artist 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 Because a quorum was not present, the meeting was not called to order. At 5:09 p.m., however, Steve Vinezeano opened the floor to discussion with those present. With the arrival of the seventh member, a quorum was present. Steve Vinezeano called the meeting of the Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council to order at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2016 at the Niles Historical and Cultural Center, 8970 N. Milwaukee Avenue.  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council April 11, 2016 II. Approval of Meeting Summary Janet Spector Bishop made a motion, seconded by Susan Lempke, to approve the meeting summary of February 8, 2016. On voice vote, all concurred. III. Organization Representative Report VFW - Jim Kozak reported that the VFW will host “We Honor Veterans” on April 19, 2016 at the Niles Senior Center from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All are invited. School District 63 - Janet Spector Bishop reported on a variety of District 63 events including a jazz concert, Career Day and a tree planting on Arbor Day. Niles Public Library - Susan Lempke reported on the success of the candy exhibit, the summer reading program and a bookmark contest in partnership with District 63. Artist Debi Gajewski reported on her participation in local art exhibits. She will present the Life of Debbie Reynolds at the Niles Historical Museum and Cultural Center on July 24, 2016. Niles Historical Museum and Cultural Center - Mike Crisci reported on the upcoming events at the Historical Center including “Women of Glamour” in April, military reenactors in May, and a history of area Native Americans and a drum circle in June. Niles Chamber of Commerce - Katie Schneider reported that the Chamber is sponsoring a scholarship fundraiser at Dear Franks. Secretary Cathy Spadoni reminded the members to complete the Statement of Economic Interests required by Cook County and the E-Ethics training required by the Village of Niles. Artist Carol Luc has published an annual art magazine, Abstractions, that highlights her college students’ literary and artistic contributions. IV. Old Business a. Discussion of Draft of Arts Project Proposal Guidelines Steve Vinezeano led the discussion of the first draft of the Arts Projects Proposal guidelines, which include criteria for submitting projects. Council members suggested changes and additions, which Steve will incorporate into the document and have ready for review at the next meeting. The members were asked to come up with a catchy title for the document by the next meeting. Steve Vinezeano presented a revised RFP (Request for Proposal) for the Master Plan that includes the suggested changes made by the Council at the last meeting. The search for the Master Plan consulting firm will begin once the proposed Village budget is approved by the Niles Board of Trustees at their May meeting. 2  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council April 11, 2016 V. New Business a. Discussion of a “Concept Theme” Lindsay Brubaker stated that the “call for projects” needs a concept theme to give the artists direction. It was noted that a Google search for “What to see and do in Niles” found the Niles Leaning Tower, King Spa and many, many restaurants, but no programs or activities. We need to improve our SEO (Search Engine Optimization) so that what Niles does have to offer is sufficiently publicized. Steve Vinezeano will talk to the Village’s Communications Coordinator to see what can be done to improve our SEO so that our calendar of events will appear on a Google search. It was then noted that this Council will lose its focus on arts and culture if we turn this into a promotional effort for Niles. The Council needs to develop Niles as a community that values arts and culture to encourage artists to express themselves through their art and bring art to the residents of Niles. After considering Niles slogans past and present (Where People Count, All America City, #1 Place to Raise Kids, It’s Possible Here) as well as the diversity of Niles population, the Council decided on the theme: It’s Possible Here: Reflections on the American Dream. VI. Open Discussion None VII. Public Comment Ms. Louella Preston asked for clarification about what the Council is looking for, the criteria for a public art display and the application process. Clarification was provided, and it was noted that, bottom line, the Council is trying to create more accessible art and culture in Niles. Also discussed at this time were potential display spaces for public art in Niles. VIII. Next Meeting – Agenda Items and Date The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at the Niles Historical & Cultural Center. IX. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Council, Janet Spector Bishop made a motion, seconded by Michael Crisci, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. 3