Arts Commission

ARTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MEETING DATE: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 PLACE: Zoom and Council Chambers MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 8:32 a.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT NAME PRESENT (ARRIVED LATE) ABSENT John Ahearn X Marilynne Bradley X Kathie Cahoon X Beth Corelli X Alex Elmestad X Dottie Englis X Rob Longstreet X Judith Mann X Patrick Murphy X Jan Shapiro X ALSO PRESENT Mayor Laura Arnold Director of Public Affairs & Engagement Jenny Starkey APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Ms. Bradley, seconded by Mr. Ahearn, to approve the minutes of August & September. AYES: AHEARN, BRADLEY CAHOON, CORELLI, ELMESTAD, ENGLIS, LONGSTREET AND SHAPIRO NOES: NONE ABSENT: Mann and Murphy. The minutes were approved. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ARTS The event went very well. Invites could be sent out a little earlier to ensure people are aware of the event but attendance was great and the room worked very well. MISSION & GOALS OF ARTS COMMISSION The Commission reviewed Mr. Elmestad’s outline and discussed the two paths forward: 1) staying true to the original mission of providing for public art – or 2) incorporating more of performing arts and helping with events. The overlap of the Webster Arts Commission and Webster Arts was discussed again. What does Webster Arts focus on? What does the Commission focus on? Is there too much overlap? Webster Arts Commission: The function of the Arts Commission shall be to acquire, maintain and display works of art at sites within the boundaries of the City . . . Webster Arts (from website): Webster Arts programs provide lively, accessible experiences that enrich the city and the surrounding region. Conversation focused on the following points. If the ordinance is public art for public display, is that just physical art or is public art a performing art if it happens in a public space? When we discuss public art do we just mean sculptures? Our Public Art Fund is only tax exempt for donations if it’s going towards a physical object. Mayor Arnold said that if the group decides to change the mission, the changes would have to be approved by Council. If the group decides to move past public art sculptures as the main purpose, that would have to be taken to Council for approval. The Commission needs to define what “arts” means for the group. Does it encompass all the forms or art or do we only mean visual arts? Is it all visual and performing arts on public land? Part of what the group can focus on is not doing everything but the importance of working with the other organizations and staying within our lanes and not competing. There have been instances in the past where there are similar events from each group planned in the same weekend and we shouldn’t be competing against each other. Do we have enough resources within the City to reach an expanded focus? Do we have the staff and the funding. While funding has come from outside sources previously – community groups or individuals have held events and the Arts Commission has co- sponsored. Ms. Shapiro suggested we ask for changes to the ordinance without worrying about funding at this point. By defining the Arts Commission with some of the additional forms of art without worrying about paying for things in the future. Mayor Arnold mentioned that a Council subcommittee is working on a sponsorship policy. This policy could help the requirements for co-sponsoring with the Arts Commission. And there could be different levels of sponsorship depending upon levels of City support for the event. If we expand as a commission, commission members also must keep in mind that this is an expansion of their efforts and commitment. Figuring out how to involve arts organizations involved in the group is also important to show the commission’s support. Mr. Elmestad and Ms.Englis will meet and do a revised draft given the feedback of the group and we can discuss in December. MISCELLANEOUS UPDATES • Signs: We will move forward with the $5,910 option. • Sculpture Park Naming: We will place the letter on letterhead and Ms. Mann will read at the upcoming Council meeting. • Other/New Business: NA ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.