DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//IETF//DTD HTML//EN">

Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources Department
Cultural Arts Committee

Minutes

Tuesday, May 9, 2006
7:00 PM

Page-Walker Arts and History Center

119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC  27513

Web Site: www.townofcary.org

 

 

Attendance:

Committee members:  Dennis Hoadley, Chair; Mamta Bisarya; Gyan Gupta; Deanna Kerrigan; Gary Lew; David Lindquist; Michael McDade; Kay Struffolino; Ginny Trautman; Bob Myers; Phillip Shephard; Andrew Shears, Teen Council Representative

 

Staff:  Lyman Collins; Gail Taylor; Connie Belton; Sarah Bunch; Joy Cox; Rachel Green Sara Maultsby; Denise Dickens; Nanci Tanton; Darrell Stover

 

A.         Call to Order – Denny Hoadley, Chair

·         Report from the chair
Dennis noted that he was pleased with this group’s support at the joint meeting and the committee’s goals resulting from the collaboration.  Members were instructed to pass along any further comments or suggestions to Dennis or Lyman Collins.
 

·         Lyman Collins informed committee members that the Budget office had requested that the approved funds for the Cultural Non-profit Groups remain the same as the previous year.  In order to meet last year’s contribution total of $89,000, Lyman recommended that the $750 requested by Cary-Apex Piano be reduced by $250, for a contribution of $500.
ACTION:  Kay Struffolino made a motion to change the Cultural Non-Profit contribution to Cary-Apex Piano from $750 to $500; the motion was seconded by Deanna Kerrigan.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

 

B.         Minutes of April 11, 2006

·         ACTION:  Kay Struffolino made a motion to adopt the April 11, 2006 minutes; the motion was seconded by Michael McDade.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

C.         Updates and Discussions

·         Festival Committee Report – Kay Struffolino
Kay provided members with a hand out reporting that the 2006 Spring Daze was one of the best to date with steady crowds; load-in and load-out went well and brisk sales for the artisans.  Joy Cox noted that close to 100 volunteers assisted the day of the festival.

Committee feedback on Spring Daze 2006 – Overall, members felt the show went very well and one member commented that, although breakdown went well, perhaps additional volunteers would aid in that effort.  Additionally, members commented the new layout, due to the boathouse construction, worked quite well.


In order to attract more attention to the Cultural Arts Committee tent, members suggested a review of staffing and logistics within the tent for future festivals.  Perhaps more signage or an informal activity to attract festival-goers.  David Lindquist and Deanna Kerrigan volunteered to review and make recommendations to the committee.     
 

·         Amphitheatre Advisory Committee Report – Gyan Gupta
Gyan reported that the April 18th Black Eyed Peas performance went very well; however, the April 22nd Great Grapes/Wine, Food and Art Festival was impacted by rain.  Many advance tickets were sold for The Teddy Bear Picnic; but the day was rainy and cold.  Approximately 40-50 children performed.
Coming attractions include the Concert Singers and Movies by Moonlight.

 

·         Update on Town Center Civic and Cultural Arts District study

Ø       Committee feedback on Streetscape Plan and Public Meeting
Members discussed the recent Streetscape Plan and how it will ultimately affect the Town Center Civic and Cultural Arts Study.  Both plans will be meshed together and will be presented to Town Council as one initiative.

Lyman noted that renderings of the plans are on display at Town Hall and that feedback comment cards are available for citizen comment.

Lyman further noted that currently there was no funding in the FY07 Budget to move forward with design money for renovations to Cary Elementary.  Committee members felt strongly that they needed to be vocal in their support of moving forward with Cary Elementary.  Members asked that Dennis Hoadley, representing the Cultural Arts Committee, reiterate to Town Council, the need to fund design money for Cary Elementary in the FY07Budget.

ACTION:  David Lindquist made a motion that the Cultural Arts Committee support and request the inclusion of seed money for the design of Cary Elementary in the FY 07 Budget.  Gary Lew seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

·         Committee feedback on joint Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Meeting

Lyman reported on the May 1st Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board and Joint Committee meeting applauding the Cultural Arts Committee for their contribution in setting the goals.  Lyman provided members with a handout listing the goals set by the boards and committees for further review.

The Cultural Arts Committee drafted the following goals for further review by Lyman Collins and Dennis Hoadley:

Lyman Collins provided copies of the goals that were compiled at the May joint meeting of the PRCR Advisory Board/Committees and asked that this committee review and further define the broad goals.

Cultural Arts Committee Goals: 2006-07

Priority Setting

·         Review various cultural arts programs and provide staff with observations, recommendations, evaluation.

·         Work with staff to develop facility use policies for future cultural facilities.

 

Public Input

·         Provide input on various cultural arts programs, making suggestions for new performers, new program ideas, etc.

·         Provide representation to the Festival Committee and the Koka Booth Amphitheatre Advisory Committee.

·         Look for ways to solicit direct public input at various events/activities.

 

Public Awareness

·         Review information on town website and provide input for improving ease of use.

·         Look for ways to encourage implementation of a broader Events Calendar on the Town website.

·         Investigate possibilities for a central information kiosk, perhaps in conjuction with a centralized box office (could be part of new facilities planning).

·         Look for new ways to use BUD TV to promote events/programs

 

Participation

·         Investigate mechanisms to expand public participation in various programs/events.

·         Research other possible groups that may be looking for new service areas (school groups, Scouts, etc)

·         Gain greater understanding of current participation levels and capacity for growth.

·         Track committee volunteer hours.

 

Performance Measures

·         Work with staff to develop new, meaningful performance measures.  Possible areas included: demographic factors, diversity/variety (includes age, activity groupings, cultural backgrounds, price, etc), capacity, rate of involvement, impact on community, volunteers.

 

D.         New Business – Lyman led a joint exercise with committee members and cultural arts staff.

·         Cultural Arts Division Staff Update

Lyman Collins, Cultural Arts Manager                  Connie Belton, Center Supervisor

Joy Cox, Festival Coordinator                              Nanci Tanton, Arts Program Specialist

Denise Dickens, Public Art Coordinator                Sara Maultsby, Center Supervisor

Rachel Green, Youth Theatre Coordinator             Darrell Stover, Program Specialist

Sarah Bunch, Performing Arts Coordinator

 

E.         Upcoming Events

·         See Program Update

 

F.         Adjourn