City of Lawrence
Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC)
May 11, 2011 minutes
MEMBERS PRESENT: Eric Dobbins, Mandy Lamb, Jane Pennington, Kathy Porsch, Mari Russell, Darin White, Sarah Harris, Amy Kelly
MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Craig, Lori Madaus, Christie Dobson
STAFF PRESENT: Diane Stoddard
Commissioner Porsch called the meeting to order.
April Minutes were approved.
Opening Forum: Retail Task Force: Commissioner Porsch introduced Rob Chestnut, who served as Chair of the Retail Task Force. Mr. Chestnut provided an overview of the activities of the Retail Task Force. He recapped the membership of the Retail Task Force. He indicated that the retail pull factor had been waning and that had led to the formation of the Task Force. Over the past few years, the City has updated some elements of the code to make it easier for businesses to get established. He indicated that retail data was a tool that is used by many communities to grow the retail sector. The Task Force examined the potential value of this data as a source to help existing retail businesses grow in response to the market. He mentioned that a discussion of the Task Force was who should take the lead regarding growing retail in Lawrence. There was no clear resolution to this issue, but there was a belief from the Task Force that if data is purchased, there needs to be resources on this to make the data of value for retailers.
He mentioned that the Task Force had discussed the potential for a retail incubator, which would provide the smaller start-up spaces for retail businesses to start. Mr. Chestnut stated that the arts and the cultural of Lawrence was one of the reasons that people liked to come shop here. He wondered if there could be more done to help beautify the south end of the downtown area that the Cultural Arts Commission might consider. He also mentioned the Malls Shopping Center and his concern that several of these centers in Lawrence are becoming older. Commissioner White mentioned that he hoped that artists were part of the discussions of retail opportunities. Mr. Chestnut said he appreciated the opportunity to visit with the group and he suggested that possibly the Cultural Arts Commission could provide input related to the next steps as this moves forward.
Final Report by Jayhawk Consulting Students: The final report prepared by Jayhawk Consulting was discussed. There were some concerns expressed regarding the end result and concern about general lack of contact during the process.
Discussion about Grants Program: Commissioner Porsch mentioned concern with the current grant program and suggested that the Cultural Arts Commission may wish to revamp the grants program by changing the $1,000 cap and enable larger projects. John Wysocki introduced himself and he wanted to comment on the grants program. He offered the following points 1) he asked about the grant award versus the match. He thought it was odd that all of the grants awarded were for the $1000 amount. 2) he quoted the mission of the grants program and asked about whether the grants that were awarded encouraged collaboration. Commissioner Porsch provided her summary of the grants and indicated that she thought they did have collaborative elements. 3) Three of the grant requests were from existing Commissioners and he asked about what message that sends to the community. Commissioner Porsch indicated that the three commissioners who had submitted grants were not involved in either the discussion or the receipt of the grant. He thought that this was an issue to address for Cultural Arts Commission discussion and possible inclusion in the grant guidelines. 4) He wondered if an element of the criteria that should be added would be to keep the funding local and reinvested back into the community. He thanked the Commission.
New Business: 2012 Budget Request: Commissioner Porsch indicated that she had worked to place some narrative around a position request for an Arts Coordinator. Commissioner Pennington also drafted some narrative regarding this position. Commissioner Kelly made a motion to authorize the budget submittal for 2012 as presented, to include $50,000 plus 20% for benefits for an Arts Coordinator. Commissioner Pennington seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
Outdoor Downtown Sculpture: Commissioner Pennington reported on some movement of the sculptures that will be occurring. She reminded everyone that the opening reception would be held on Sunday, June 12 at 4 pm at the Carnegie.
Phoenix Awards: Commissioner Lamb mentioned that the Phoneix Awards would be held on November 6. She indicated that the committee would be discussing soon the date to get requests for nominations out.
Arts Roundtable: Commissioner Pennington reported that there was some discussion about grant opportunities. There was some discussion also that the Cultural Arts Commission could consider a different location for its meeting and a different time. Ms. Stoddard reported that the Cultural Arts Commission could decide its meeting time, as long as that was a convenient time and the location could be where it is accessible and open. It was suggested that the Arts Commissioners consider these issues for future discussion.
Commissioner Comments: Commissioner White commented that the Cultural Arts Commission needed to determine a way to generate more revenue for programs. He said this would take some out of the box thinking. He suggested adding to the guest tax as a possibility to explore. Ms. Stoddard indicated she could put together some information on this subject for the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.