HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-10 Commission on Cultural Development Minutes
City of Bangor, Commission on Cultural Development
Minutes
December 10, 2015
8:30 a.m.
City Council Chambers
Commissioners Present: Kierie Piccininni (Chair), Tom Avila, Judy Boothby, Mary Budd, Emily
Burnham, Kat Johnson, Josh Plourde, Stephanie Harp, and Tanya Emery (interim staff)
Guests: Paul Nicklas (City of Bangor), Brian Hinrichs (Bangor Symphony Orchestra)
Absent: Elissa Young, David Zelz, Marianne Lynch
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Mary Budd made a motion to accept and Josh Plourde seconded. Vote unless doubted, no one
doubted.
3. Grant Applications, if any
No grant applications were received.
4. Review Grant Reports
The Commission reviewed the grant report submitted by Bangor Symphony Orchestra. Brian
Hinrichs from the Bangor Symphony Orchestra reported they have focused their support on their
“On The Town” initiative, getting BSO out into the community at places such as Cool Sounds and
Artober (three week series at Nocturnem). Tom Avila expressed support for the project and how well
done the report was and how the funding was utilized. Emily Burnham echoed the compliments,
encouraging similar work in 2016.
Mary Budd of Penobscot Theatre reported on their grant to help support End Days, which coincided
with the Maine Science Festival. Kierie Piccininni thanked Mary for the detailed budget and
expressed support of the production.
5. Approve Nonprofit Grant Application Edits/Process
A discussion took place about proposed changes to the process and timing for grant applications
to the Commission. Edits are proposed to make the nonprofit clear for applicants, mainly
shifting deadlines to quarterly basis and shifting language to mirror the individual artist
application. Stephanie Harp asked why the difference in the number of hard copies needed for
the materials. Kierie will look into it. Judy moved approval, Kat seconded. Vote unless doubted
and it was not doubted.
6. Ordinance Changes
A discussion took place about proposed ordinance changes to Chapter 95 guiding the Commission.
The application cycle will now be quarterly, so the CCD needs to request an amendment to the
ordinance to reflect this. Paul Nicklas stated that the ordinance change he has drafted will reflect
both grants being quarterly and removed reference to a funding cycle calendar published by the
Finance Director, which has not been happening. Kierie has drafted a schedule of grant deadlines
and review dates. Judy Boothby moved approval of the ordinance changes, Kat Johnson seconded.
Vote unless doubted and it was not doubted.
7. Elect Chair and Vice Chair for 2016
Nominations were made for Chair: Kierie Piccininni and Vice-Chair: Emily Burnham. Tom Avila
moved and Judy Boothby seconded the motion to approve the nominees. Vote unless doubted and it
was not doubted.
8. Assign Committees
These are based on the Arts and Culture Policy. Kierie gave an overview of each committee.
Funding Committee: Apply for 1-2 grants for Artober (sustaining grants for 3-5 years).
Advocacy: Economic Prosperity Study
Education: Artist Education Workshops
Marketing: Redevelopment of the Bangor Arts website and Artober.
Cultural Vibrancy: Open, can work with marketing.
Kierie asked for commissioners to volunteer for committees they are interested in. Marianne =
advocacy. Elissa = marketing. Emily = marketing. Mary = advocacy and funding. Kat = marketing
and education. Tom = funding and help with survey (advocacy). Judy = cultural vibrancy. Stephanie
= cultural vibrancy and funding.
Also, subcommittee on art and public monuments. Mary, Tom, and Kierie served last year. This
committee reviews the art and public monument policy and then review proposals coming into the
City. Judy volunteered her services. Mary and Tom will remain as well.
9. Other Business
Commissioners went around the table and noted events happening in the City over the next month.
Mary Budd mentioned that with two commissioners absent due to work conflicts, should we look at
changing the date? There probably isn’t a time that works for everyone. The majority of the
Commission did not have interest in moving the day and time.
Kierie reviewed the calendar for 2016 meetings and AEP study timeline.
Mary Budd asked about the study training. It has not happened yet, the CCD just received the survey
so there will be an email later today planning training for the nonprofits.
Good discussion this week with Bangor Arts about the website redevelopment.
Mary Budd mentioned It’s A Wonderful Life at Penobscot Theatre, entering second week of
productions. Emily Burnham mentioned Downtown Countdown is in 3 weeks, including Bangor
Symphony, Juke Rockets, storytelling, Focus Group, Her Majesty’s Cabaret, Janis Joplin show. Kat
Johnson mentioned the German Market at UMaine Museum of Art this weekend, and the UMMA
exhibition. Tom Avila mentioned that the Bangor Community Chorus has a concert coming up, also
a show in Castine. Judy Boothby mentioned dance programming including The Nutcracker,
perennial favorites. Judy made a request for a contact sheet. Emily Burnham asked if we have an
internal website page with the meeting calendar, grant application forms, scoring rubric, etc. Kierie
will work with IT on this and updating current info on website.
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/