Commission for the Arts

Agenda Royal Oak Commission for the Arts Meeting Monday, June 16, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Hall, Room 122 203 S. Troy Street Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at 248-246-3050 at least two (2) business days prior to the meeting. Pages 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comment 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes 2 5. New Business a. Update on Youth Artist Laureate and Grant Opportunity 5 b. Strategic Plan Discussion The group will brainstorm potential goals for a long term arts plan and potentially narrow those down. 6. Old Business 7. Subcommittee/Program Reports 8. General Announcements 9. Social Media 10. Adjournment  Minutes Royal Oak Commission for the Arts Meeting May 20, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Hall, Room 122 203 S. Troy Street Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 Present: Jason Gittinger Melanie Macey Denise Reske Alesha Beistline Laura Bonnell Jodie Ellison Absent: Robert Wilson _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm. 2. Public Comment 3. Approval of Agenda Motion to add a discussion of the Piano Project to the meeting agenda: passed Moved by: Jodie Ellison Seconded by: Denise Reske Motion Adopted 4. Approval of Minutes Moved by: Jodie Ellison Seconded by: Laura Bonnell Motion Adopted 5. New Business 5.a Update on Purchase and Publishing of Arist Laureate Poetry Book 1 Page 2 of 9  Roberta Brown is asking the group to look at the contributor bios in case any changes should be made. She also gave a report on how the poetry book will be submitted tomorrow to image printing for production. 5.b Civic Foundation Mini Grant One idea for the group: Special Call for Artists for $2,000 and submit the timeline to the Civic Foundation; essentially giving artists a certain amount of space and asking what they could do for $2,000. A potential theme for the project could be community. Laura Bonnell: Could make it specifically for college-age students (16-25), and asking students to send in 1-minute application videos about what they love about art in Royal Oak. Kind of like an emerging artist laureate program. Also applicants should have a connection to Royal Oak. Funding from piano project can also go towards this to commit to matching the award from the Civic Foundation. Staff will begin putting together application materials. Moved by: Denise Reske Seconded by: Alesha Beistline Motion to approve of $250 for piano tuner Motion Adopted 5.c Developing an Arts Plan Alayna Brasch presented an example of another city's art commission strategic plan. The group discussed whether this is a direction they want to go in. The group feels good about creating a plan, but want to ensure that any plan stay within the CFA's realm. Susan Barkman: Going about this should happen over the course of a few meetings. Staff will email the handout materials to Robert Wilson. 5.d Discussion of Piano Project Jason Gittinger: Explained that due to the moving company no longer responding to his correspondence, it makes most sense to pause the Piano Project. Because there is still a piano at the Farmer's Market, Jason Gittinger is still in contact with the piano and will have him still tune that piano. Staff will prepare a thank you note for everyone to sign at the next meeting for the piano movers. 2 Page 3 of 9  Important to note that discontinuing this project frees up some more funding for other endeavors. 6. Old Business 7. Subcommittee/Program Reports 8. General Announcements Commissioner Macey: There's a new ongoing scholarship being started by a mother of a child who passed at the high school. The scholarship is for students interested in the arts. Jason Gittinger: The CFA could promote this scholarship fund annually. Laura Bonnell: We should promote many of the local arts scholarship options on city's webiste. 9. Social Media Staff will talk to the communications director about making a post about the end of the piano project. Jason Gittinger brought up the idea of in that post asking for ideas from the community. 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM. Moved by: Alesha Beistline Seconded by: Melanie Macey Motion Adopted 3 Page 4 of 9  Commission for the Arts 203 S. Troy Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 248.246.3000 [DRAFT] 2025 Civic Foundation Grant Proposal: Emerging Artist Laureate Program 1. Name of Project: a. Emerging Artist Laureate Program 2. Amount Requested: a. $2,000 3. Brief Description of Project (100 words max): a. Artist Laureate programs are catalysts for community development; they empower community members by providing an accessible platform for creative expression. The CFA envisions a second iteration of this program that engages the younger generation in celebrating and expressing civic pride through art that represents what the Royal Oak community means to them. Through a call for artists, the CFA will accept applications from artists aged 16-25 to submit a community-themed art piece for public display somewhere downtown. The CFA will match the grant money and reward it to the winning applicant(s). (92 words) 4. How will your project directly benefit RO community (100 words max): a. This program directly engages community members via it’s participatory nature, with the resulting artwork meant to be displayed in a high foot traffic area downtown to be collectively appreciated. Also, the program is designed to garner submissions that specifically reflect the Royal Oak community. Contributing to the dynamic cultural landscape of Royal Oak through this program not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also cultivates a sense of civic pride and investment in the community’s well-being. This offers a meaningful and accessible opportunity to our youth to contribute to the surroundings of our community. (98 words) 5. Estimate of how many RO residents will directly benefit from project a. 6. How will you determine if your project has met its goals or objectives (50 words max): a. Number of applicants, public engagement with social media posts and press releases, public enthusiasm. 7. Will your project be completed before Oct. 15 2025? a. Yes. 8. Can you complete the requirement of providing a report to ROCF by Oct. 31 detailing project outcomes & detailing how the funds were used? a. Yes. 9. Please provide budget details: Page 5 of 9  Commission for the Arts 203 S. Troy Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 248.246.3000 a. If this project is funded, the CFA will match the amount received from this grant. Page 6 of 9  Commission for the Arts 203 S. Troy Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 248.246.3000 [DRAFT] Emerging Artist Laureate Program Information & Application The Royal Oak Emerging Artist Laureate program is designed to recognize the talent and share the transformative power of young people’s creative expression with the Royal Oak community-at-large. The selected artist(s) will receive a cash price up to $4,000 and a contract to have their winning artwork displayed downtown for 1 year. The artwork should be created specifically for this program, keeping the theme of community in mind. By utilizing art as a medium for exploring local community, traditions, and social dynamics, the City can help preserve collective memory and build bridges across generational and cultural divides. The program will provide the City new art to enjoy, greater exposure to the impact of art and artistic expression from our younger community members, and inspiration for their own creative endeavors. The City of Royal Oak remains steadfast in its support for encouraging art and culture within the community and this is another opportunity for the city to partner with the arts community. We encourage creativity and the celebration of Royal Oak. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting to discover your creative talents, the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts invites you to be a part of this inspiring contest and let your imagination soar Submitted works must be an original visual piece, including photography, painting, coloring, colored pencils, clay, mosaic, mixed media using new or recycled items, wire, sculpture and more. Please make sure it is family friendly, no toxic materials or inappropriate language. Submitted works can be made to be displayed either indoors or outdoors. Theme: The theme for the City's first Emerging Artist Laureate program is community. Entries should explore each artist's thoughts, emotions and ideas about the City of Royal Oak as a community. Whether it's the landscapes, landmarks, people, culture, or unique experiences, participants are encouraged to reflect on the elements that evoke a sense of belonging and connection to our vibrant community. Celebrate and showcase the diverse aspects of the City of Royal Oak that resonate with you personally, fostering a deeper appreciation for our shared home. Term: Artwork will be publicly displayed downtown in high foot traffic area for at least 1 year Qualifications: The artist must be 16-25 years of age and have a strong connection to the City of Royal Oak (student, resident, frequent visitor, etc..) Page 7 of 9  Commission for the Arts 203 S. Troy Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 248.246.3000 Funding: $4,000 - $2,000 coming from Civic Foundation grant funding and $2,000 from CFA Timeline: July 21: Call for Artists publicized, and application is available. September 9: Application closes. September 16: Laureate winner(s) announced. October: Winning applicant(s) drop off artwork at City Hall; contracts are reviewed and approved by City Commission; funds are distributed; artwork installed downtown. October 31: Project report for Civic Foundation is due. Advertising Options Press Release Social Media Campaign Targeted Outreach to Artists City Website Additional Program Details  By entering, you agree that the City of Royal Oak may reproduce your art in any medium. You promise that the work is yours and does not violate U.S. copyright laws or spread or endorse illegal or inappropriate thoughts or behaviors.  The selected applicant(s) will be required to deliver their original art to City Hall by October 2025.  The selected applicant(s) will receive the cash prize (Civic Foundation Grant matched by CFA funds) and recognition in the City's online posts, media and more, though of course media coverage cannot be guaranteed. The selected applicants’ work will be professionally displayed in a high foot traffic area of downtown, along with a plaque printed with the Emerging Artist Laureate's name and title of work.  All artwork must be ORIGINAL. NO traced, trademarked, or copyrighted characters such as Disney, superheroes, cartoons, etc. No “copycat” ideas of artwork from other artists. Artwork must be truly the work of the student and represent the age, grade, and skill of the student.  Artwork must be completed and submitted by ONE student, no group submittals.  Each student may submit only one artwork for consideration.  Applications submitted by those under 18 years old must include the contact information of guardian.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Page 8 of 9  Commission for the Arts 203 S. Troy Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 248.246.3000 Emerging Artist Laureate Application Full Name: Age: Legal Guardian’s Full Name (If under 18): Address: Phone Number: Email: Title of artwork: Please upload a clear image of your artwork. Please record and upload a video of yourself explaining your connection to the City and what the Royal Oak community means to you. Videos no longer than 1 minute and 30 seconds. Please upload a brief artist statement (roughly 2-5 sentences). Page 9 of 9