HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-10 Commission on Cultural Development Minutes
City of Bangor, Commission on Cultural Development
Minutes
September 10, 2015
8:30 a.m.
City Council Chambers
Commissioners Present: Kierie Piccininni (Chair), Tom Avila, Emily Burnham, Judy Boothby, Mary
Budd, Ulrike Guthrie, Elissa Young, and Caitlin Brooke (staff)
Guests: Julie Brownie (Bangor Band)
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Caitlin noted that a correction needed to be made in page two, paragraph two of the previous month’s
meeting minutes. This included changing “improve” to “improv” to describe comedy. With this change,
Mary made a motion to accept and Judy seconded. Vote unless doubted, no one doubted.
3. Approve Revised Grant Application
Commissioners have been working during public work sessions to create a more comprehensive grant
application that explains the process to applicants as well as outlines requested items that give a more
complete narrative of the projects. Caitlin made a recommendation to approve the first four pages of the
revised grant application but to hold off on the final page as it contains some duplicate wording. With this
change, Mary made a motion to accept and Judy seconded. Vote unless doubted, no one doubted.
4. ARTober Discussion
Elissa and Emily gave an update on all of the incredible deliverables that are being produced for
ARTober. The brochure is completed and the PDF version will be available at:
www.bangormaine.gov/artober and updated weekly. Commissioners are encouraged to send events or
updates to culturalcommission@bangormaine.gov. Lamp post banners and A-frames will be ready soon
for placement along downtown streets and promote the events. Media coverage is shaping up to be good
with a cover story in the “Maine Edge” the week of 9/30/15 with an accompanying ad on the back cover.
Other advertising outlets will be BDN, MPBN (ad in the October guide that goes out to 16,000
subscribers along with Facebook posts), WHSN is the “media sponsor” and will do media interviews,
live coverage, on-air coverage, etc., Channel 2 and Channel 6 will be creating push downs for ARTober
on their websites, the Chamber is putting 1300 brochures into their newsletters, and the Maine Office of
Tourism is helping to promote in any way they can.
An update to the Business and Economic Development Committee was presented on 9/8/15. And a
proclamation will be given at City Council on 9/14/15.
5. Committee Updates
The Advocacy Committee is moving forward with encouraging participation in the Arts and Economic
Prosperity Study.
The Funding Committee reported that the grant application for the Bangor Savings Bank funds was
denied.
The Education Committee had a small but lively workshop on grant writing and the application process
on 9/9/15. There were 7 participants which enabled panelists to give more individual help. Participants
came from all over the region. The next workshop is on 10/7/15 at The Rock & Art Shop and will focus
on Marketing and Networking.
6. Other Business
Julie Brownie from Bangor Band came to talk to the Commission about R.B. Hall Day.
“The last Saturday in June of each year shall be designated R.B. Hall Day and the Governor shall
annually issue a proclamation inviting and urging the people of the State to observe the day
with appropriate ceremony and honor R.B. Hall, an internationally recognized composer. Recognized
primarily as a composer of marches, he was an accomplished conductor and cornet soloist, whose
creative talent and native ability marked him as one of Maine’s outstanding citizens.”
Mr. Hall is an important historical figure in Bangor as he “saved” the Bangor Band and was the director
for many years. Since 1981 there have been community band days around the state of Maine on June 27
and the last time it was hosted n Bangor was 1997. The event involves 10 to 15 bands performing on
outdoor stages. There is no “pot” for funding and all resources must be pulled from the community.
Bangor Band is looking for grant money, a venue, vendor information, and publicity support from the
Commission. Kierie noted that the Commission’s grant program is open to all non-profits in Bangor and
encouraged the Band to apply.
Commissioners went around the table and noted events happening in the City over the next month.
Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
To watch a full version of the Commission on Cultural Development’s September 10 meeting, please
visit: http://bangormaine.pegcentral.com/