City of Lawrence

Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC)

March 9, 2011 Minutes

Members present:	Susan Craig, Christie Dobson, Sarah Harris, Kathy Porsch, Lori Madaus, Jane Pennington, Darin White
Members absent:	Eric Dobbins, Amy Kelly, Mandy Lamb, Mari Russell
Staff Present:	Diane Stoddard
Public Present:	John Hachmeister, Eric Kirkendall, Dave Lowenstein, George Paley, Susan Tate, K.T. Walsh, John Wysocki

Regular Agenda

Commissioner Porsch called the meeting to order.

Minutes from the February 9 meeting were approved.

STArt Initiative, presentation led by Eric Kirkendall and John Hachmeister: A group of Lawrence & KU people are working together to plan and develop a Science, Technology and Art (STArt) Incubator in Lawrence. A statement of interest has been submitted by the City of Lawrence to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a $50,000 grant to assist in planning and implementing the incubator and there are plans to submit for other funding such as National Science Foundation grants and the KU Strategic Initiatives program. George Paley has donated the use of a building for the incubator, the Lawrence Arts Center and other local organizations are collaborating, and economic development has been identified as a potential outcome. The group wants to wants to take advantage of synergy from the combination of art and technology partners to offer space, equipment, and business training for artists.  

A mural request that was slated to be considered by LCAC was withdrawn

Unfinished business

1.       Percent for Art for the Lawrence Public Library Project: Some discussion about the process and need for some commissioners to serve on the committee. Dave Lowenstein suggested that the committee be encouraged to look at Percent for Art projects undertaken in other places since it’s been some time since Lawrence has undertaken a project. LCAC will forward the following names for the committee: Darin White, Jane Pennington, Susan Craig; Sarah Harris.   

2.       Although there have been no formal submissions to the Arts Sustainability RFP, there have been questions from potential participants. The deadline for submissions is 5pm March 21, 2011. 

3.       Phase 1 of the Arts Sustainability effort is underway with Jayhawk Consulting (a KU student group) examining the current arts offerings in Lawrence and determining whether there are commercialization opportunities to support expansion. We can expect a preliminary report on April 4 and a final report on May 9.

New business

Commissioner Porsch distributed a number of documents that will be helpful with LCAC undertakes the effort to revise LCAC’s vision statement and strategic plan.

Commissioner Porsch invited Dave Lowenstein, former LCAC commissioner, to present his suggestions for directions that LCAC needs to consider. He recommends that Lawrence needs a Cultural Plan that brings together various resources and audiences. That such a plan would not only be relevant to arts organizations but serve as a reference point for development. Drafting of the plan would require some funding as well as public forums, site visits, and support from city staff. Lowenstein provided examples of cultural plans from various communities around the U.S. Commissioner Porsch feels this is meritorious and asked the Arts Sustainability Task Force to due further investigation into a Cultural Plan.

Reports

1.       No additional information from the Arts Sustainability Task Force.

2.       No grant applications have been received but traditionally they arrive on or near the deadline which this year is March 28.

3.       The juror for the Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition is studying the entries and preparation for the opening reception and tour on June 4 is on track.

4.       Commissioner Lamb was unable to attend this meeting but reports that she is still working with the Lawrence Arts Center regarding the additional space to display Phoenix Awards.

Liaison reports

1.       The Arts Round Table had an excellent turnout for their meeting with reports of many activities underway.

2.       A meeting regarding the future of the Downtown Lawrence Arts District will be Monday March 21 at 5pm at the Carnegie Library.

3.       Commissioner White reported on various upcoming events at the Lawrence Arts Center including the annual Art Auction on Apr. 9. Commissioner Porsch and Susan Tate, Director of the Lawrence Arts Center, have had conversations regarding possible open forums on Arts in Lawrence to be held monthly on Mondays.

Commissioner items

Commissioner White invited commissioners to become involved with an exhibition scheduled for the April Final Fridays. The show originates in San Antonio and will be displayed at the Lawrence Arts Center and the Spencer Museum of Art.    

Staff Liaison items

Staff Liaison Stoddard reported that Mayor Amyx recently appointed Marilyn (Mari) Russell to serve a three-year term on the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission.