HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-09 Commission on Cultural Development Minutes
City of Bangor, Commission on Cultural Development
Minutes
July 9, 2015
8:30 a.m.
City Council Chambers
Commissioners Present: Kierie Piccininni (Chair), Tom Avila, Emily Burnham, Judy Boothby, Mary
Budd, Ulrike Guthrie, Kat Johnson, Josh Plourde, and Caitlin Brooke (staff)
Excused Absence: Elissa Young
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Judy and seconded by Tom to approve the previous meeting minutes. Vote unless
doubted, no one doubted.
3. Final Language for Continuity of Community Sculpture Review and Recommendation
Kierie summarized the efforts that have gone into tracking down accurate historical data for the
Continuity of Community sculpture as well as the extensive conversations that have happened with
museum professional to construct a professional informational plaque. Thanks to the Bangor Public
Library for their research assistance and UMMA staff for reviewing language for consistency in public art
presentation.
Commissioners discussed the pros and cons of the short versus long description included on the plaque
and decided to accept the short version:
Clark Battle Fitz-Gerald (American, 1917-2004)
Continuity of Community, 1968-1969
Sculpture
Sculpture: welded aluminum over steel skeleton; Base: steel pole sheathed with aluminum
Commissioned 1968. Installed 1969. Dedicated 1969 at City Hall. Relocated 1972 to West Market
Square. Relocated 2012 to Bangor Waterfront.
Judy moved to accept the above language for recommendation to the Business and Economic
Development Committee. Mary seconded the motion. All were in favor.
4. Final Grant Scoring Rubric Review and Recommendation
After devoting numerous work sessions to the construction, reviewing, and editing of the Grant Scoring
Rubric, the Commission presented a final version to update the Business & Economic Development
Committee. Mary made a motion to present the final version of the Grant Scoring Rubric to the Business
& Economic Development Committee. July seconded the motion. All in favor.
5. Committee Updates
The Funding Committee reported that a grant has been submitted to Bangor Savings Bank requesting
funding for murals to be a part of the ARTober celebration. The grant is for the amount of $5,000 and
has been blessed by the B&ED Committee.
The Education Committee is working on constructing the fall workshops on the topics of grant writing
and marketing/networking.
The Marketing Committee is in full swing with planning for ARTober. They are currently seeking
artwork for the brochure and a design for semi-permanent signage or a logo. The timeframe for all
ARTober events is a submission deadline of July 31. They are planning an opening night party on
October 2 at the Union Street Brick Church. The CCD’s next work session on July 21 will discuss
ARTober planning in more detail.
The Cultural Vibrancy has been working to plan an activity for the Chapin Park Block Party on July 28
from 6 to 8 p.m. There is a myriad of activities happening including improv comedy from Penobscot
Theatre, a Bangor Band performance, a UMMA art project, along with other programs/groups being
represented. The Commission will be hosting an activity where children can make lanterns from
upcycling materials and then there will be a lantern parade around the park. Materials are donated; thanks
to Betsy Lundy for the idea.
The Cultural Vibrancy Committee also has plans to be present at the National Night Out, an annual
community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood
camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.
The Advocacy Committee is evaluating the Maine Arts Commission Arts and Economic Prosperity Study
which is run by Americans for the Arts, a national non-profit. It would provide cultural census data to the
City of Bangor and require a lot of organizational and individual volunteer time to coordinate and
complete. The next step will be to present the idea to Bangor Arts affiliates and take their temperature on
becoming involved and to what extent.
6. Other Business
Tom wanted to express thanks to the Bangor citizens who offered constructive feedback in a civil manner
as it is important for the Commission to understand people’s expectations. He also shared that he was
displeased with the way communication between the City and the Commission was handled and felt there
was a serious breakdown. Caitlin hoped these things could be remedied for the future and asked that Tom
help staff figure out how to accomplish this.
Kierie reported that the Public Arts and Monuments Policy is in a good place for City staff to review and
provide feedback on.
Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
To watch a full version of the Commission on Cultural Development’s June 11 meeting, please visit:
http://bangormaine.pegcentral.com/