Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission

May 12, 2010, 7:00  P.M.

City Commission Room, City Hall

 

Present: Amy Kelly, Chair; Jane Pennington, Vice-Chair; Susan Craig; Mandy Lamb; Lori Madaus; Kathy Porsch

 

Absent: Sarah Harris, Matthew Herren, Secretary; Christie Dobson, Darin White,

 

City Liaison: Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

 

A.  The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. by Chair Amy Kelly.

 

B.  The Minutes of the April meeting were unanimously approved as corrected.

 

C.  Unfinished Business

            1.  Website:  Ms. Stoddard provided an update on the website.  She indicated that as soon as the outdoor sculpture exhibition brochure were completed, the City would switch the website address to point to the new site.  Commissioner Kelly requested that the Commissioners be notified when that happens so that everyone can check the site for any changes.  Ms. Stoddard indicated that would be done. 

            2.  Open Position:  There was discussion about the open position on the Commission.  Several members indicated they had made lists of possible suggestions.  Ms. Stoddard was asked to see if the City maintained a list of former members of the Commission. 

            3.  $10,000 for community grants:  Commissioner Porsch asked about the prohibition of current grant recipients being eligible to receive other grants.  It was decided that if there were a new grant round, the Commission could decide the guidelines associated with that funding.  There was discussion about what “community impact” would mean.  Commissioner Lamb asked what the goal was.  Commissioner Craig suggested that this grant be limited to not-for-profit organizations.  It was mentioned that the opportunity be focused on arts downtown.  Commissioner Pennington explained that the idea behind the downtown art walk concept is to focus on the visual arts, as well as performing arts and to bring people downtown.  Commissioner Pennington suggested that the funds be designated for this effort.  It was discussed that the funds could be seed money to begin this initiative and would add to the $1000 grant that had just been provided to DLI for this initiative, particularly adding to promotion.  Commissioner Pennington suggested that a next step would be a large community meeting to include artists and gain buy-in.  Because Commissioner Pennington had a conflict on the matter and there was no quorum without Commissioner Pennington, there was consensus from the group to seek a proposal from Downtown Lawrence for seed money to start the first Fridays art walk program and that the proposal and details would be formally considered at the June meeting. 

           

D.  New Business

None.

           

 

E.  Regular Agenda Items

           

 

            1.  Announcements from the Chair

Nothing to report. 

 

            2.  Subcommittee Reports

 

A.  Outdoor Sculpture: Commissioner Pennington reported that the sculptures have been installed.  There was a question about the Fish out of Water sculpture.  Ms. Stoddard responded that conversations had taken place with the artist and the Arts Center and it was decided that the City would place a gentle reminder requesting people to be gentle with the sculpture.  Plans for the opening reception are underway and everyone was reminded it was June 12.  There was a question about publicity and it was shared that the event is publicized by news release, and Commissioner Kelly’s e-mail distribution list. It was asked if the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau was aware of it.  Ms. Stoddard indicated that they had been provided the information.  Commissioner Pennington said it would be on the Downtown Lawrence website. 

 

B. Phoenix Awards: Commissioner Craig reported that the ceremony was scheduled for November 7, 2010 at 2 pm at the Lawrence Arts Center.  Vernon Brejcha is currently working on the awards.  The Phoenix Awards Committee consists of Commissioner Craig, Commissioner Harris and Commissioner Lamb.  There was discussion about setting a meeting for the committee.  Commissioner Craig had an idea of moving the nominations up to August, in order for the Commission to decide awardees at the September meeting.  She explained that this would provide a greater lead time in advance of the ceremony.  It was decided that the committee would provide more details at the June meeting.

 

C.  Roundtable:  Nothing to report.

 

D.  Lawrence Arts Center: Nothing to report. 

 

F.  Commissioner Items

            Nothing to report.

 

G.  Staff Liaison Items

Ms. Stoddard shared some information from Salina on its community arts calendar and other miscellaneous correspondence. 

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:00  P.M.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Diane Stoddard, Staff Liaison