Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-29 Commission on Cultural Development Minutes City of Bangor, Commission on Cultural Development -Minutes- January 29, 2009, 8 am , Council Chambers Commissioners in Attendance: John Rohman-Commission Chair, Sandra Blake- Leonard and Councilor Geoff Gratwick Others in Attendance: Heather McCarthy-American Folk Festival and Rod McKay - City of Bangor Director of Community & Economic Development 1. Review of Grant Request of the Bangor Folk Festival for $75,000 to support the 2009 American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront The Bangor Folk Festival submitted a grant request for $75,000 for the 2009 American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront. The Program and Grants Subcommittee of the Commission on Cultural Development reviewed the request with Heather McCarthy, Executive Director of the American Folk Festival at its January 8, 2009 meeting and voted unanimously to recommend to the full Cultural Commission that it recommend approval of the grant request of $75,000 to the Business and Economic Development Committee of the Bangor City Council and to the full City Council. At today’s meeting, Heather McCarthy gave a brief review of the fund raising environment undertaken this year and the type of festival to be produced. The AFF Board considered cutting 1 stage event out of the original 6 but found that reducing their budget by 3% would result in cutting 17% of the programs, and by removing a stage it is felt this would create a more negative experience for the audience as well, so it was decided by the AFF Board to stay with the 6-stage production. Heather stated that various other efforts to raise additional funds will be undertaken such as a fund raising concert in May or June; possible government funding and grants. The process of programming for the festival has begun; the AFF Board has contracts with 4 groups, with offers out to another 6 or so groups. Heather further reviewed the financial side of the Folk Festival including what the City of Bangor assists with such as the City bus, Police, Fire and Public Works. John Rohman commented that the suggestion of forming a separate committee to do the recruitment for sponsors is a good idea. Sandra Blake-Leonard stated that she feels it is the right decision for the Commission to assist with the Folk Festival. Sandra made a motion to vote in favor of the grant request by the Bangor American Folk Festival for $75,000. As Councilor Gratwick wished to continue discussion before seconding the vote, Commission Chair Rohman stated that they would come back to this after all discussion was completed. After further discussion Commission members present agreed that since there are sufficient funds available, that an increase to the funding request to the American Folk Festival be considered. Councilor Gratwick also inquired as to why admission is not charged. Heather replied that they hold to the approach of funding by “voluntary donations” from attendees to the festival. Much of the reason for the success of the AFF’s fund raising event is that admission to the festival is free. The democratic spirit in the community would change if it were not a free event. Sandra Blake-Leonard amended her previous motion to award $75,000 to the Bangor American Folk Festival by increasing it to $85,000. Councilor Gratwick, John Rohman and Steve Ribble (contacted by phone by Councilor Gratwick) also seconded the vote to increase the grant request to $85,000 as discussed. Commission members agreed that this should be done due to the fact that Cultural outreach has more importance then ever and sponsorships will be much more difficult to acquire in these economic hard times. A vote of 4 to 0 was made and seconded in Favor of recommending approval of granting the Bangor American Folk Festival funds totaling $85,000 (an increase of $10,000 from the original request). So Voted. This recommendation will now go to the Business & Economic Development Committee on Feb. 18 and to the full City Council on Feb. 23. John Rohman also mentioned that he will email the Cultural Commission to encourage them to make contacts with other groups they may be involved with to see if there’s any need/interest for a financial grant that the Commission can assist with. Heather stated that her Board is currently undertaking an in-depth 5 year Strategic Plan for AFF.