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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-02 Commission on Cultural Development Minutes � = . .�� � ,. @� - � CITY o� BANGOR Commission on Cultural Development August 2, 2024 Penobscot Room at Penquis CAP, 262 Harlow Street Meetinq Minutes Commissioners Present: Shane Boyes, Sundance Campbell, Kelly Chenot (via Zoom), Cody Clark, Nina Earley, Kal Elmore, Tristan Greenlaw, Barbara McDade, Samantha Schipani, Lovern Stockwell Others: Anne Krieg — Director of Development, Tracy Wllette— Director of Parks & Recreation 1. A quorum being present the August 2, 2024 meeting of the Commission on Cultural Development was called to order by Chair Earley at 8:30 AM. 2. Meeting Minutes— Motion passed to approve the minutes of the June 7th meeting. 3. Report of Chair— Chair Earley asked for the login for the Cultural Commission Facebook page. Development Director Anne Krieg reported she would check on this. 4. Financial Report— Development Director Krieg presented an oral report, as budgets are still being entered for the new fiscal year. The Commission will have $20,000.60 ($0.60 carried over from last fiscal year) for grants and $2,500.00 for ARTober. 5. Committee Reports: a. Grant— Chair Earley asked about the grant awarded to Merrilee Schoen. Development Director Krieg reported that she is meeting with Schoen in a few weeks to discuss her proposed art installation, and will update the Commission afterwards. b. Cultural Asset—Committee Chair Greenlaw reported that he will be terming out at the end of this year, so he will be scheduling a meeting soon to elect a new Committee Chair and to make sure all Committee members have necessary logins, etc. c. ARTober—Committee Chair Earley reported that a meeting was held recently and the nominations for the Bangor Arts Award have now been opened —20 nominations have been received so far, and the nominations close on August 16th. On track to confirm members of jury panel. Proposing kick-off networking event/awards ceremony at Chimera this year, likely to be held on October 1st. Requested help putting up posters in late September. Will have printed maps to give out at kick-off event. 6. Staff Updates: a. Public Restrooms Art Project— Development Director Krieg asked the Commission to select one or two artists for the project. Asked for an estimated budget as the City can provide some funding for supplies. Chair Earley noted that she has spoken to some experienced muralists over the last few weeks, and it has been suggested that try to get some student involvement. Earley also proposed opening a public call for artists. Commissioner Stockwell expressed support for involving student artists. Member of the public asked what material the public restrooms are constructed out of— Earley responded that they are metal. Commissioners discussed options for how to install art on the restrooms. Earley asked for a volunteer to put together an RFP for artists, and noted that she is open to helping with this. Commissioner Schipani volunteered to lead this, with Earley's assistance. Earley also asked the Cultural Assets Committee to manage the project—Committee Chair Greenlaw agreed. � = . .�� � ,. @� - � CITY o� BANGOR b. Pickering Park Art Installation — Development Director Krieg gave an overview of the project and asked the Commission to also take the lead on commissioning artists, etc. Noted that Spring 2025 will be likely timeline for installation. May be quarterly installations, with change in art every 3-4 months. Chair Earley asked about the materials— Krieg responded that she will send specs to the Commission. Commissioner Elmore asked if there is a budget for paying artists for this project— Krieg responded that there is not one at this time, but that this could be requested in the next fiscal year. Commissioners and Krieg discussed options. 7. Other Business a. Commissioner McDade asked about a re-dedication ceremony for the Paul Bunyan statue. Parks & Recreation Director Tracy Willette responded that repainting will likely begin next week, and work has begun on installation of kiosks. Open to scheduling an unveiling ceremony at completion. Timeline will depend on how long painting takes, which is weather-dependent. McDade suggested a celebration in October—Chair Earley and Wllette agreed. b. Commissioner McDade noted that the Masonic Foundation has a rental space for performances. Chair Earley suggested notifying Downtown Bangor Partnership of this. c. Commissioner Stockwell asked about the public sculpture project—Chair Earley responded that this is on hold for right now, as budget was not approved this fiscal year. d. Chair Earley noted that the events calendar budget was also not approved this fiscal year. Mentioned possibly applying for some grants. Development Director Krieg noted that there is a grant writer on staff who could help with this. Commissioners discussed. e. Public Space for Artists — Members of the public Hope Eye and Sam Bullard presented to the Commission to discuss access to public space for local artists. Noted that they have been circulating petition to gain support on this topic. Proposed several locations for these access points. Discussed financial burden on artists to table their wares. Noted that they will also present to a Government Operations Committee meeting. Commissioners Stockwell and McDade asked for Parks & Recreation Director Wllette's input. Willette responded that Parks & Recreation is open to continuing discussion. Stockwell also asked how wide the City's sidewalks are. Expressed concern over lack of physical space for both artists' tables and pedestrians. Development Director Krieg and Commissioners discussed looking into sidewalk clearance requirements. Commissioner Boyes expressed support for the locations proposed by Eye and Bullard. Commissioners discussed some concerns regarding trash disposal. Commissioner Chenot expressed support for incorporating this greater access but did express some concern over security on the streets. Chair Earley ask to clarified the proposal — Eye & Bullard clarified requested ordinance change, proposed management process, etc. Commissioner Stockwell asked about existing public spaces for artists; Commissioner Schipani asked for some clarification about Portland's regulations and management of their free spaces, and suggested more clearly outlining a proposal for presentation to City Council and including some content management. Commissioners discussed concerns at length with Eye & Bullard. 8. Adjourned at 9:29 AM.